Pentax MX-1 vs Pentax ist DL2

Its time to look much closer at the Pentax MX-1 and Pentax ist DL2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR and both are sold by Pentax. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the MX-1 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the MX-1 (1/1.7") and ist DL2 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The MX-1 was revealed 7 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the MX-1 scores versus the ist DL2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax MX-1 & Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are provided at Pentax MX-1 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax MX-1 offers outer measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Look at the Pentax MX-1 and Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the MX-1 vs the ist DL2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the MX-1 and ist DL2 is 84 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes just by checking out a spec sheet. The picture underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the MX-1 and ist DL2.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The MX-1 with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Pentax MX-1 will provide more detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger MX-1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.