Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax MX-1

Let's look more closely at the Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax MX-1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Pentax. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the K-S1 (20MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the K-S1 (APS-C) and MX-1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The K-S1 was introduced 15 months later than the MX-1 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the K-S1 matches up vs the MX-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-S1 and Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-S1 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Pentax K-S1 provides outer measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 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-S1 vs Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the K-S1 against the MX-1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the K-S1 and MX-1 is 69 and 84 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading specifications. The photograph below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the K-S1 and MX-1.

To sum up, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The K-S1 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax K-S1 will offer you more detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The younger K-S1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.