Pentax MX-1 Review
Main Features
- 12.0 MP 1/1.7" CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: No
- 1.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 122 x 61 x 51 mm
- Weight: 391 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: No
Pentax MX-1 Summary
This review is devoted to MX-1 that Pentax has first introduced to the public in Jul 01, 2013. This model is a Small Sensor Compact camera with a resolution of 12.0 MP and a 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sized CMOS sensor.
In Small Sensor Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact Cameras) this model has taken rank #92 out of 472. Its Overall Score has reached 46/100 and it takes a rank of #294 out of 1174 in all Cameras.
Pentax MX-1 Compared to other Compact Cameras
Now let's delve into more details of our Pentax MX-1 review by assessing its features and specs, as well as checking what pros and cons it has compared to other average products in this category.
PROs
- Max Aperture: F1.8-2.5
- Screen Type: Tilting
- Max Native Iso: 12800
- AutoFocus Face Detection: Yes
- Viewfinder: No
- Max Shutter Speed: 1/8000
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Weight: 175 g
CONs
- Touch Screen: No
- Viewfinder Coverage: No
- Viewfinder Magnification: No
- External Flash: No
- Dxo Low Light Iso: 208
- Sensor Resolution: 12.0 MP
- Number Of Focus Points: 25
- Af Phase Detection: No
- Microphone Port: No
Complete Comparison of Pentax MX-1 With Other Cameras in Small Sensor Compact Category
In this part of our review, we are going to take a closer look at the technical specs and features presented in Pentax MX-1. In addition, we are going to define the main pros and cons of this model and, based on this info, compare it to other average Small Sensor Compact cameras.
Physical Characteristics Of Pentax MX-1
Pentax MX-1 has the following external dimensions 122 x 122 x 51 mm (48.03 x 24.02 x 20.08″) with the weight of 391 g.
The typical weight for average Small Sensor Compact type cameras is 175g. If we compare the average indicator to the weight of Pentax MX-1, we can conclude that this model is heavier than many other similar products.
Talking about the camera’s thickness, it is worth saying that Pentax MX-1 is wider than other average cameras from this class. Its thickness is 51mm.
Look at the pictures below to see the front and top view of Pentax MX-1 with the indication of this model’s dimensions:
If you want to have a better idea of how big the Pentax MX-1 is, look at the pictures below to see how big it is compared to a credit card and a AA type battery.
Finally, let's check how different are the weight and thickness of the Pentax MX-1 compared to other models from this class of cameras presented by the brand’s competitors:
Battery
Thickness
Weight
Unfortunately, Pentax MX-1 comes without a waterproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and avoid water.
Unfortunately, Pentax MX-1 comes without a dustproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and protect your camera from external threats such as dust.
Pentax MX-1 Photo and Sensor Features
Pentax MX-1 boasts of a resolution of 12.0 MP and is equipped with a 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sized CMOS sensor.
The base of Pentax MX-1 has the following ISO range 100 - 12800 .
Also, this model comes with the support of the RAW file. This gives you more opportunities in terms of further processing of your files as you can pick to save them in a RAW format.
Pentax MX-1 features a 12.0 MP 1/1.7" sensor, which is not a good pick for high-quality and detailed pictures. However, we have an alternative option for you if you were looking for higher resolution.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
DxOMark gives us a possibility to make a clear and scientific assessment of the quality of camera sensors’ image. Pentax MX-1, in its turn, features a sensor that was already studied and assessed by DxO Mark. After a complete evaluation, this type of sensor has received a score of 49 for the image quality. If you are looking to see how DxO Mark has tested and evaluated the Pentax MX-1’s sensor.
Anti-Aliasing Filter
Pentax MX-1 is known for the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. It is one of its essential features of the sensor built in this model. The absence of this filter contributes to a higher level of details and sharpness in the pictures you take. Yet, the lack of an anti-alias filter also enhances the possibility of more occurring in certain conditions.
Now let’s check how we can compare the size of 1/1.7" sensor featured in Pentax MX-1 with other standard sensor sizes.
Other Characteristics And Features of Pentax MX-1
LCD and ViewFinder
Pentax MX-1 is equipped with a Tilting 3" LCD screen. The resolution of this model’s screen reaches 920k dots.
In addition, this model comes with a built-in ViewFinder.
Max Shutter speed
Some of the other highlights of Pentax MX-1 are its 1.0 fps max speed and 1/8000 sec max shutter speed, which allow you to shoot continuously.
Flash
Unlike some other cameras from this category, MX-1 unfortunately, is not equipped with a built-in flash.
Focusing
In addition, MX-1 has a Face detection AF feature that quickly finds the faces that appear within the frame range and locks the focus on them automatically.
Video Features
As for the video quality characteristics of Pentax MX-1, it gives you a possibility to shoot videos at the highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 You also have enough flexibility in terms of how you can save your files. Namely, Pentax MX-1 allows you to save files in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats.
Pentax MX-1 provides full HD resolution, which means that this model shows decent performance in most situations.
Pentax MX-1 is not equipped with any ports that would allow you to connect external headphones and microphones to it.
Connectivity and Storage
You can connect MX-1 to compatible devices via its USB 2.0 or HDMI ports.
Battery Life
In concordance with generally accepted CIPA standards, the battery featured in Pentax MX-1 provides a shooting life of 290, while the average battery life of cameras in this class is 241 shots.
Compared to all models in the Small Sensor Compact category, Pentax MX-1 offers the highest battery life that reaches 290 shots.
How Good is Pentax MX-1 for Different Types of Photography?
In this part of our review, we are going to focus on Pentax MX-1’s performance in various fields of photography. Each sub-section stands for a specific photography area. In every part, we will review Pentax MX-1’s name performance and give it an overall score. This first spider web graph indicates how we can compare the MX-1 to the average Compact camera.
Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.
Pentax MX-1 for Portrait Photography
After carefully reviewing how well Pentax MX-1 performs Portrait Photography, we gave it a score of 80. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Pentax MX-1 can be called a Great model for this type of photography.
If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Portrait Photography.
Advantages:
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Pentax MX-1 for Street Photography
After carefully reviewing how well Pentax MX-1 performs Street Photography, we gave it a score of 37. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Pentax MX-1 can be called a Intermediate model for this type of photography.
Advantages:
- Live View
- Image Stabilization
Disadvantages:
- Big size (122 x 61 x 51 mm)
- No Built-in View Finder
- Small 1/1.7"(7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Pentax MX-1 for Sports Photography
After carefully reviewing how well Pentax MX-1 performs Sports Photography, we gave it a score of 55. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Pentax MX-1 can be called a 55 model for this type of photography.
Advantages:
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- No View Finder
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (1.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (25)
- Bad Low Light ISO (208)
- Small battery life (290 shots)
Pentax MX-1 for Daily Photography
After carefully reviewing how well Pentax MX-1 performs Daily Photography, we gave it a score of 86. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Pentax MX-1 can be called a Great model for this type of photography.
Advantages:
- Built-in Flash
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
- Big size (122 x 61 x 51 mm)
- No Built-in View Finder
Pentax MX-1 for Landscape Photography
After carefully reviewing how well Pentax MX-1 performs Landscape Photography, we gave it a score of 66. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Pentax MX-1 can be called a 66 model for this type of photography.
If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Landscape Photography.
Advantages:
- Good Dynamic Range (11.3)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
- Low resolution sensor (12 MP)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Low Light ISO (208)
Pentax MX-1 Detailed Specs
| General | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Pentax | |
| Model | MX-1 | |
| Announced | Jul 01, 2013 | |
| Body Type | Compact | |
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus |  |
|
| Lens Mount | Fixed lens | |
| Number of Lenses | n/a | |
| Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | |
| Macro Focus Range | 1 | |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Tilting | |
| Screen Size | 3″ | |
| Screen Resolution | 920k dots | |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen |  |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | |
| ViewFinder Coverage | % | |
| ViewFinder Magnification | ||
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 1.0 fps | |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 12 | |
| Flash Modes | Auto, 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 Sensor Scores | 49 | |
| DxO Color Depth | 20.4 | |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 11.3 | |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 208 | |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | |
| Sensor Dimensions | 7.44 x 5.58 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 41.52 mm2 | |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | |
| Max Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 | |
| Max Native ISO | 12,800 | |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | |
| 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 | n/a | |
| 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 | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 391 g | |
| Physical Dimensions | 122 x 61 x 51 mm | |
| Battery Life | 290 shots | |
| Battery Type | 290 shots | |
| Battery Model | D-Li-106 | |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | ||
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | |
| Storage Slots | 1 | |
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