Both Pentax MX-1 and Canon S120 have 1/1.7-inch sized 12.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.
Below you can see the MX-1 and S120 sensor size comparison.
Pentax MX-1 and Canon S120 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Pentax MX-1 and Canon S120 sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that S120 has a better overall score of 56, 7 points higher compared to MX-1's score of 49.
Model |
Overall |
Color Depth |
Dynamic Range |
Low-light ISO |
Pentax MX-1 |
49 |
20.4 bits |
11.3 Evs |
208 ISO |
Canon S120 |
56 |
21.3 bits |
11.9 Evs |
246 ISO |