Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A200

Its time to look a little more closely at the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony A200, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the MX-1 (12MP) and the A200 (10MP) is very well matched but the MX-1 (1/1.7") and A200 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The MX-1 was revealed 5 years later than the A200 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A200 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the MX-1 matches up against the A200 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax MX-1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A200. The full galleries are provided at Pentax MX-1 Gallery & Sony A200 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax MX-1 has got external dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) whilst the Sony A200 has sizing of 131mm x 99mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 2.8") having a weight of 572 grams (1.26 lbs).

Compare the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony A200 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the MX-1 compared to the A200.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the MX-1 and A200 is 84 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the MX-1 and A200.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The MX-1 having a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax MX-1 will give you greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The fresher MX-1 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.