Pentax K-30 vs Pentax MX-1

Here, we are looking at the Pentax K-30 versus Pentax MX-1, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Pentax. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the K-30 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the K-30 (APS-C) and MX-1 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The K-30 was manufactured 8 months earlier than the MX-1 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the K-30 matches up versus the MX-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-30 & Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K-30 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-30 features physical dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has specifications 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 K-30 versus Pentax MX-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the K-30 compared to the MX-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the K-30 and MX-1 is 63 and 84 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements simply by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-30 and MX-1.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The K-30 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Pentax K-30 will give greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The older K-30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.