Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A300

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A300, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the MX-1 (12MP) and the A300 (10MP) is relatively similar but the MX-1 (1/1.7") and A300 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The MX-1 was brought out 5 years later than the A300 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the MX-1 grades against the A300 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax MX-1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The entire galleries are available at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax MX-1 comes with outer measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) and the Sony A300 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A300 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the MX-1 against the A300.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the MX-1 and A300 is 84 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the MX-1 and A300.

Clearly, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The MX-1 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax MX-1 will deliver greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern MX-1 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.