Pentax MX-1 vs Sony RX100 IV

Here is a extended review of the Pentax MX-1 and Sony RX100 IV, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the MX-1 (12MP) and RX100 IV (20MP) and the MX-1 (1/1.7") and RX100 IV (1") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The MX-1 was introduced 23 months before the RX100 IV which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the MX-1 scores against the RX100 IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax MX-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The whole galleries are available at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax MX-1 enjoys physical measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) and the Sony RX100 IV has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Compare the Pentax MX-1 and Sony RX100 IV in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the MX-1 versus the RX100 IV.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the MX-1 and RX100 IV is 84 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the MX-1 and RX100 IV.

As you can see, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The MX-1 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX100 IV will provide more detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older MX-1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.