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Pentax MX-1 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Pentax MX-1

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 12800
    • 28-112 mm F1.8-2.5 Zoom Lens
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Tilting Screen
    • 1.0fps continuous shooting
    • 391g. 122 x 61 x 51 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Pentax MX-1 Overview

    First introduced in July 2013 , Pentax MX-1 is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, Tilting screen and 4.0x zoom 28-112 mm F1.8-2.5 lens.

    Pentax MX-1 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Pentax MX-1 is the latest member of Pentax's Small Sensor Compact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Pentax Small Sensor Compact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Pentax MX-1
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 1.0 fps 122 x 61 x 51mm 391g
    Pentax RZ10
    Compare
    2011 14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 97 x 61 x 33mm 178g
    Pentax RS1500
    Compare
    2011 14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 114 x 58 x 28mm 157g
    Pentax S1
    Compare
    2011 14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 114 x 58 x 28mm 157g
    Pentax I-10
    Compare
    2010 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 101 x 65 x 28mm 153g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Pentax MX-1 vs RZ10 vs RS1500 vs S1 vs I-10


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Pentax MX-1 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax MX-1 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    Full HD Video
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    12.800 Max ISO
    25 Focus Points
    920k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    Fast 1.80 Lens at Wide
    Fast 2.50 Lens at Tele
    AE Bracketing
    Report a correction

    Buy Pentax MX-1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 290 shots
    Heavy Body: 391
    No Environmental Sealing
    Poor Low Light image quality

    Report a correction


    Pentax MX-1 Physical Specs
    Pentax MX-1 weighs 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz) and has external dimensions of 122 x 61 x 51 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 2.01″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Pentax MX-1 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 51mm, it is not small either, 22mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Pentax MX-1
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Pentax MX-1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Pentax MX-1 with the dimensions:

    Pentax MX-1 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax MX-1 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax MX-1, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Pentax MX-1 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Pentax MX-1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax MX-1 with its main competitors:

    Pentax MX-1 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs MX-1 Thickness vs MX-1
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Olympus XZ-2 iHS
    Compare
    346g 45g lighter 48mm 3mm thinner
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Pentax Q
    Compare
    180g 211g lighter 31mm 20mm thinner
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Fujifilm X30
    Compare
    423g 32g heavier 60mm 9mm thicker
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Ricoh GR
    Compare
    245g 146g lighter 35mm 16mm thinner
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Fujifilm X20
    Compare
    353g 38g lighter 57mm 6mm thicker
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Panasonic LX7
    Compare
    298g 93g lighter 46mm 5mm thinner
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Pentax Q-S1
    Compare
    203g 188g lighter 34mm 17mm thinner
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Panasonic LX100
    Compare
    393g 2g heavier 55mm 4mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Pentax MX-1 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Pentax MX-1 Lens

    Pentax MX-1 features a 28-112 mm F1.8-2.5 4× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm, and 112mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    MX-1
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    MX-1
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    Providing a max aperture of f1.80 at 28mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end. Even better, having an aperture of f2.50 on tele end, this lens is exceptionally fast through out its range.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    MX-1
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    MX-1
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    MX-1 is equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Pentax MX-1's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Pentax MX-1 Sensor and Photography Features

    Pentax MX-1 has a 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. MX-1 has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Pentax MX-1 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax MX-1 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Pentax MX-1 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Pentax MX-1 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 49 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Pentax MX-1 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Pentax MX-1's 1/1.7-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Pentax MX-1 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Pentax MX-1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Pentax MX-1 LCD

    Pentax MX-1 has a Tilting 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 920k dots. Tilting screens are more photography oriented while Fully articulated screens are highly preferred by videographers. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Pentax MX-1 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Pentax MX-1 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    MX-1 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Canon PowerShot G5 X (Compare) or Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Pentax MX-1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect MX-1 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Pentax MX-1 Battery

    Pentax MX-1 is powered by D-Li-106 battery which provides a battery life of 290 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Pentax MX-1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax MX-1 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Pentax MX-1 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Olympus XZ-2 iHS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 340shots No No No
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Pentax Q
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots No No No
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Fujifilm X30
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 470shots Yes No No
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Ricoh GR
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 290shots No No No
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Fujifilm X20
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 270shots No No No
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Panasonic LX7
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No No
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Pentax Q-S1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 250shots No No No
    Pentax MX-1 Camera Panasonic LX100
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 300shots Yes No Yes

    Pentax MX-1 Video Features

    With Pentax MX-1, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Pentax MX-1 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    MX-1 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Pentax MX-1 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Fujifilm XF10 or Nikon Coolpix P7800 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    Pentax MX-1 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Pentax MX-1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately MX-1 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Pentax MX-1 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 25 points to choose from.

    Pentax MX-1 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    What type of Photography is Pentax MX-1 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Pentax MX-1 in 5 different photography areas.

    Pentax MX-1 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax MX-1 has a score of 49 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax MX-1 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax MX-1 for Street Photography

    Pentax MX-1 has a score of 87 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax MX-1 for Street Photography

    Pentax MX-1 for Sports Photography

    Pentax MX-1 has a score of 30 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theMX-1.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    25 Focus Points
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Poor Battery Life: 290 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    112 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax MX-1 for Sports Photography

    Pentax MX-1 for Daily Photography

    Pentax MX-1 has a score of 69 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    RAW shooting capability
    4.0X Optical Zoom
    391g
    Body Thickness 51mm
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax MX-1 for Daily Photography

    Pentax MX-1 for Landscape Photography

    Pentax MX-1 has a score of 33 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theMX-1.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax MX-1 for Landscape Photography
    Pentax MX-1 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Pentax MX-1 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax MX-1 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Pentax MX-1

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax MX-1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Olympus XZ-2 iHS
    Olympus XZ-2 iHS
    Compare
    Pentax Q
    Pentax Q
    Compare
    Fujifilm X30
    Fujifilm X30
    Compare
    Ricoh GR
    Ricoh GR
    Compare
    Fujifilm X20
    Fujifilm X20
    Compare
    Panasonic LX7
    Panasonic LX7
    Compare
    Pentax Q-S1
    Pentax Q-S1
    Compare
    Panasonic LX100
    Panasonic LX100
    Compare

    Pentax MX-1 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Pentax MX-1 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Pentax MX-1's price range.

    Pentax MX-1 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Pentax MX-1 has an Overall Score of 55/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Pentax MX-1 is ranked #27 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #398 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #398 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #27 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #17 out of 262 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Compact Cameras
    #50 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #515 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(391g)
    #146 out of 191 in Top Ranking Cameras with Tilting Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax MX-1
    Does the Pentax MX-1 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Pentax MX-1 have RAW support?
    Does the Pentax MX-1 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Pentax MX-1 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Pentax MX-1?
    What is the Sensor Size of Pentax MX-1?
    is the Pentax MX-1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Pentax MX-1 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Pentax MX-1 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax MX-1?
    What is the Weight of Pentax MX-1?
    What are the Dimensions of Pentax MX-1?
    Pentax MX-1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Pentax
    Model Pentax MX-1
    Announced 2013-07-01
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-112 mm (4×)
    Max Aperture F1.8-2.5
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Technology TFT LCD with AR coating
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 920k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 12.00 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Speed sync, Trailing Curtain sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 49
    DxO Color Depth 20.4
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.3
    DxO Low Light ISO 208
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/1.7-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 7.44 x 5.58 mm
    Sensor Area 41.52mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 12,800
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 25
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 391g
    Physical Dimensions 122 x 61 x 51mm
    Battery Life 290 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model D-Li-106
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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