Pentax MX-1 vs Ricoh GR Digital III

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Pentax MX-1 and Ricoh GR Digital III, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Pentax and Ricoh. The resolution of the MX-1 (12MP) and the GR Digital III (10MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the exact same sensor sizes (1/1.7").

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The MX-1 was brought out 3 years after the GR Digital III which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the MX-1 grades against the GR Digital III in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax MX-1 and Ricoh GR Digital III. The entire galleries are available at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax MX-1 offers external measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") accompanied by a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital III has measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax MX-1 and Ricoh GR Digital III in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the MX-1 and the GR Digital III.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the MX-1 and GR Digital III is 84 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at specifications. The pic below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the MX-1 and GR Digital III.

To sum up, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Pentax MX-1 to give more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more recent MX-1 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.