Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax MX-1

Following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS45 versus Pentax MX-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS45 was introduced 19 months after the MX-1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the ZS45 scores vs the MX-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS45 enjoys exterior dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has specifications of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") accompanied by a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS45 versus Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS45 against the MX-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS45 and MX-1 is 91 and 84 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking specifications. The pic here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS45 and MX-1.

To sum up, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS45 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS45 will give you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent ZS45 will have a benefit in sensor technology.