Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A100

Here is a thorough assessment of the Pentax MX-1 and Sony A100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the MX-1 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the MX-1 (1/1.7") and A100 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The MX-1 was released 7 years later than the A100 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the MX-1 matches up against the A100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax MX-1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Sony A100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax MX-1 comes with outer dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) and the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Check the Pentax MX-1 and Sony A100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the MX-1 compared to the A100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the MX-1 and A100 is 84 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to see the difference in sensor sizing merely by checking out specs. The photograph below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the MX-1 and A100.

All in all, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The MX-1 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax MX-1 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The fresher MX-1 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.