Pentax MX-1 vs Pentax VS20

Below, we will be reviewing the Pentax MX-1 and Pentax VS20, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the MX-1 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the MX-1 (1/1.7") and VS20 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The MX-1 was brought out 18 months later than the VS20 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the MX-1 scores against the VS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax MX-1 & Pentax Optio VS20. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax MX-1 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax MX-1 enjoys external 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) and the Pentax VS20 has dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax MX-1 and Pentax VS20 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the MX-1 against the VS20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the MX-1 and VS20 is 84 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by going through specifications. The visual here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the MX-1 and VS20.

To sum up, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The MX-1 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax VS20 will show greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The fresher MX-1 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.