Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Pentax MX-1 and Olympus VR-340 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Pentax MX-1 has external dimensions of 122 x 61 x 51 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 2.01″) and weighs 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz) (including batteries). Olympus VR-340 has external dimensions of 96 x 57 x 19 mm (3.78 x 2.24 x 0.75″) and weighs 125 g (0.28 lb / 4.41 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Pentax MX-1 and the Olympus VR-340. Olympus VR-340 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 26mm narrower, 4mm shorter and 32mm thinner than Pentax MX-1.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Pentax MX-1 and Olympus VR-340.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Olympus VR-340 is significantly lighter (266g ) than the Pentax MX-1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Pentax MX-1 nor Olympus VR-340 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Pentax MX-1 and Olympus VR-340's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Pentax MX-1 features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Olympus VR-340 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to MX-1.