Pentax MX-1 vs Sony W690

Following is a in-depth review of the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony W690, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the MX-1 (12MP) and W690 (16MP) and the MX-1 (1/1.7") and W690 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The MX-1 was manufactured 17 months after the W690 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple view of how the MX-1 matches up against the W690 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax MX-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. The entire galleries are available at Pentax MX-1 Gallery & Sony W690 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax MX-1 offers 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 W690 has sizing of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Compare the Pentax MX-1 versus Sony W690 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the MX-1 compared to the W690.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the MX-1 and W690 is 84 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes only by going through technical specs. The picture underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the MX-1 and W690.

As you can tell, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The MX-1 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony W690 will provide more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos more aggressively. The younger MX-1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.