Panasonic TS30 vs Pentax MX-1

Here is a thorough review of the Panasonic TS30 versus Pentax MX-1, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the TS30 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the TS30 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor size.

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The TS30 was revealed 19 months later than the MX-1 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the TS30 scores versus the MX-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic TS30 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic TS30 offers outside measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

See the Panasonic TS30 versus Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the TS30 versus the MX-1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the TS30 and MX-1 is 95 and 84 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TS30 and MX-1.

Clearly, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TS30 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic TS30 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher TS30 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.