Panasonic SZ7 vs Pentax MX-1

On this page, we are comparing the Panasonic SZ7 versus Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ7 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is very similar but the SZ7 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SZ7 was announced 17 months before the MX-1 making them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SZ7 scores vs the MX-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 & Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ7 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ7 comes with exterior measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ7 versus Pentax MX-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ7 versus the MX-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ7 and MX-1 is 95 and 84 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ7 and MX-1.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ7 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic SZ7 will deliver greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older SZ7 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.