Pentax Efina vs Pentax MX-1

Below is a thorough analysis of the Pentax Efina versus Pentax MX-1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are offered by Pentax. The resolution of the Efina (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the Efina (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The Efina was unveiled within a month of the MX-1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax Efina being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the Efina grades vs the MX-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Efina and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are provided at Pentax Efina Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Pentax Efina has physical measurements of 87mm x 54mm x 21mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.8") and a weight of 91 grams (0.20 lbs) and 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).

Take a look at the Pentax Efina versus Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the Efina compared to the MX-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the Efina and MX-1 is 97 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over a spec sheet. The graphic below will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the Efina and MX-1.

As you can see, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The Efina using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax Efina will deliver extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively.