Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax MX-1

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic ZR1 versus Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is fairly close but the ZR1 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor measurements.

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The ZR1 was introduced 4 years before the MX-1 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the ZR1 grades against the MX-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR1 features external measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZR1 versus Pentax MX-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the ZR1 against the MX-1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR1 and MX-1 is 94 and 84 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through specifications. The image below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR1 and MX-1.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature the identical resolution but different sensor sizes. The ZR1 has the smaller sensor which should make obtaining bokeh more difficult. The more aged ZR1 will be behind in sensor innovation.