Pentax MX-1 vs Sony W650

On this page, we will be looking at the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony W650, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the MX-1 (12MP) and W650 (16MP) and the MX-1 (1/1.7") and W650 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

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The MX-1 was launched 18 months later than the W650 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the MX-1 grades versus the W650 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax MX-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax MX-1 Gallery and Sony W650 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax MX-1 features exterior measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs) and the Sony W650 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 124 grams (0.27 lbs).

See the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony W650 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the MX-1 versus the W650.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the MX-1 and W650 is 84 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The visual here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the MX-1 and W650.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The MX-1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony W650 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent MX-1 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.