Pentax MX-1 vs Sony W620

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Pentax MX-1 and Sony W620, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the MX-1 (12MP) and the W620 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the MX-1 (1/1.7") and W620 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The MX-1 was unveiled 18 months after the W620 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a short summary of how the MX-1 matches up versus the W620 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax MX-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620. The full galleries are available at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Sony W620 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax MX-1 offers exterior 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 W620 has measurements of 98mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 116 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Pentax MX-1 and Sony W620 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the MX-1 compared to the W620.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the MX-1 and W620 is 84 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at a spec sheet. The pic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the MX-1 and W620.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The MX-1 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony W620 will give more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more modern MX-1 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.