Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A450

On this page, we are analyzing the Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A450, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the MX-1 (12MP) and the A450 (14MP) is fairly similar but the MX-1 (1/1.7") and A450 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The MX-1 was introduced 3 years after the A450 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A450 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the MX-1 grades vs the A450 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax MX-1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A450. The whole galleries are available at Pentax MX-1 Gallery & Sony A450 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax MX-1 features exterior dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") accompanied by a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) and the Sony A450 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.2") having a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Compare the Pentax MX-1 vs Sony A450 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the MX-1 versus the A450.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the MX-1 and A450 is 84 and 65 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading specifications. The image underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the MX-1 and A450.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The MX-1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A450 will offer extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The fresher MX-1 provides an advantage in sensor tech.