Pentax MX-1 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a in depth analysis of the Pentax MX-1 vs Pentax ist DS2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both are created by Pentax. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the MX-1 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the MX-1 (1/1.7") and ist DS2 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The MX-1 was revealed 7 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the MX-1 grades versus the ist DS2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax MX-1 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax MX-1 features outside 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) while the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax MX-1 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the MX-1 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the MX-1 and ist DS2 is 84 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions simply by checking specifications. The image below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the MX-1 and ist DS2.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The MX-1 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax MX-1 will give more detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger MX-1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.