Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A380

Below is a detailed overview of the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony A380, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the MX-1 (12MP) and the A380 (14MP) is very similar but the MX-1 (1/1.7") and A380 (APS-C) boast different sensor measurements.

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The MX-1 was manufactured 3 years later than the A380 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the MX-1 matches up vs the A380 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax MX-1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Sony A380 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Pentax MX-1 enjoys outer measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) whilst the Sony A380 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony A380 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the MX-1 and the A380.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the MX-1 and A380 is 84 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specs. The graphic below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the MX-1 and A380.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The MX-1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A380 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more modern MX-1 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.