Panasonic ZS7 vs Pentax MX-1

Let's look much closer at the Panasonic ZS7 and Pentax MX-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS7 (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the ZS7 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS7 was unveiled 23 months before the MX-1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the ZS7 scores versus the MX-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS7 enjoys exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS7 and Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS7 compared to the MX-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS7 and MX-1 is 91 and 84 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The photograph here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and MX-1.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The ZS7 has got the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF harder. The older ZS7 is going to be behind in sensor technology.