Canon PowerShot A800 vs Pentax MX-1: A Thorough Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera can be surprisingly complex, especially if you're after a model that suits diverse photography styles without carrying the bulk of a DSLR or mirrorless kit. Today, I’m diving deeply into two distinct compact cameras - the Canon PowerShot A800 and the Pentax MX-1 - to help you decide which fits best with your photographic goals and budget.

Both cameras belong to the “small sensor compact” category, but they serve different user expectations and offer distinct capabilities. Having extensively tested both models over months in various shooting situations, I will share hands-on insights, technical analysis, and real-world performance evaluations across multiple photography disciplines.

Let’s get to know these cameras, then compare them step-by-step.

Getting Familiar: Canon PowerShot A800 and Pentax MX-1 Overview

Before we dissect their features, here’s the quick lowdown for reference:

• Canon PowerShot A800 (Announced 2011)

  • Sensor: 1/2.3" CCD, 10MP
  • Lens: 37-122mm equivalent, F3.0–5.8
  • Screen: 2.5” fixed TFT LCD, 115K dots
  • Video: VGA 640x480 30fps
  • Stabilization: None
  • Price: ~$90 (budget-friendly)
  • Weight: 186g, compact size

• Pentax MX-1 (Announced 2013)

  • Sensor: 1/1.7" CMOS, 12MP
  • Lens: 28-112mm equivalent, fast aperture F1.8–2.5
  • Screen: 3” tilting TFT LCD, 920K dots
  • Video: Full HD 1080p 30fps
  • Stabilization: Sensor-shift IS
  • Price: ~$400 (enthusiast level)
  • Weight: 391g, larger and heavier

Size and ergonomics comparison: noticeably heavier and chunkier MX-1 vs petite Canon A800

Body, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

Canon’s A800 is a simple, lightweight pocket camera designed for straightforward point-and-shoot operation. Its plastic body lacks weather sealing, some controls feel superficial, and the 2.5” low-res screen limits preview clarity. The camera’s slimness and weight make it ideal for casual travel or as a petite backup.

The Pentax MX-1, while still compact, is markedly more robust. With a metal body, textured grip, and robust construction, the MX-1 feels much more substantial and reliable - a “serious compact” as Pentax markets it. Its slightly larger size accommodates additional manual controls, a vastly superior tilting 3” touchless screen, and sensor-shift stabilization mechanisms. The absence of weather sealing is unfortunate but typical at this price point.

Top view reveals the MX-1’s dedicated manual dials vs the simpler A800 interface

Ergonomics takeaway:

• The A800’s petite and lightweight design is comfortable for casual carry but limited in handling and grip for precision shooting.
• The MX-1’s body suits enthusiast photographers who demand manual control, better ergonomics, and a tactile photographic experience.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs CMOS, Resolution, and Size

A key performance differentiator lies in sensor technology and size. The Canon A800 employs a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 10 megapixels, a standard choice in affordable compact cameras of its era. CCDs are known for decent color fidelity but tend to lag in noise management and dynamic range compared to CMOS sensors.

In contrast, the Pentax MX-1 advances with a physically larger 1/1.7" CMOS sensor at 12 megapixels, offering improved image quality potential. The MX-1 benefits from a larger sensor area (41.52 mm² vs 28.07 mm²), inherently yielding better low light performance, dynamic range, and color depth.

Sensor size and technology are crucial - Pentax’s larger CMOS sensor offers a technical edge

In practical testing:

• Dynamic Range: MX-1’s sensor delivers around 11.3 EV stops dynamic range based on DxO Mark data, translating into richer detail in shadows and highlights. The A800, lacking formal DXO testing, is known to be more limited, struggling in high contrast scenes typical of budget CCD sensors.
• Noise Handling and ISO: The Canon’s max native ISO is 1600 but with visibly grainy noise at anything above 400 ISO. The MX-1 manages ISO up to 12800 with reasonable quality retention up to around ISO 800-1600, thanks to its CMOS sensor and better processing.
• Resolution and Detail: The MX-1 offers 12MP in multiple aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9), producing sharper images influenced by a higher quality lens and sensor chemistry. A800’s 10MP output is adequate for small prints and online use but reveals softness and loss of detail in demanding situations.

Image quality verdict: Pentax MX-1 clearly outperforms the Canon A800 for image clarity, noise, and dynamic range.

Lens, Aperture, and Focusing System

The lens is another pivotal component in determining overall image quality and creative potential.

• Canon A800 lens: 37-122 mm equivalent, 3.3x zoom, f/3.0-5.8 maximum aperture
• Pentax MX-1 lens: 28-112 mm equivalent, 4x zoom, bright f/1.8-2.5 aperture

The Canon A800’s lens specs indicate a slower variable aperture, which means less light gathering ability and more difficulty with low-light or shallow depth-of-field shots. Additionally, a 37mm wide end is not particularly wide for landscapes or tight spaces.

In contrast, the MX-1 boasts a fast aperture starting at f/1.8 (wide) and remains bright at telephoto (f/2.5). This speed creates substantially better bokeh (background blur), eye-catching portraits, and overall versatility in dim conditions. The wider 28mm equivalent gives photographers room to shoot landscapes, architecture, and street scenes more naturally.

Focusing on autofocus:

• Canon A800 has an older contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and face detection but no manual focus or phase detection, leading to slower AF in low light or moving subjects. Continuous AF and tracking are basic.
• Pentax MX-1 also uses contrast detection but incorporates 25 AF points, faster processing, and manual focus support with focus peaking and distance scales when needed.

Focusing experience: In wildlife and sports shooting tests, the MX-1 registered quicker, more accurate AF locks and retained them better on slow-moving subjects, while the A800 struggled to keep up efficiently.

User Interface and Display Quality

The experience of composing and reviewing images often depends on screen size and quality.

The Canon A800’s 2.5” fixed TFT LCD at only 115K dots resolution provides a basic viewing experience. Color accuracy and angle of view are limited, making it hard to judge sharpness, exposure, and color fidelity on the fly.

The Pentax MX-1’s 3” tilting TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating and 920k dots delivers a much clearer, more flexible interface. The tilt mechanism aids shooting at high and low angles comfortably - a feature particularly useful for macro, street photography, or creative compositions.

The MX-1’s higher resolution and tilting screen provide a more intuitive shooting experience than the fixed display on the A800.

Menus on the Canon A800 are simple but shallow, reflecting its entry-level positioning. Options for exposure control, white balance, and image quality are minimal and mostly automatic. The Pentax MX-1 offers fully manual exposure modes (Aperature Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual), customizable buttons, exposure compensation, and more extensive image setting capability - a boon for enthusiasts.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

Burst shooting is vital for sports, wildlife, and fast-action photography.

• Canon A800 shoots at a low continuous speed of 1 frame per second, effectively limiting its ability to capture decisive moments in action photography.
• Pentax MX-1 also manages around 1fps burst but features faster shutter speeds (max 1/8000s) and better autofocus tracking.

Video recording capabilities underline significant generational differences.

• The Canon A800 supports only VGA (640x480) at 30fps video, encoded in Motion JPEG. The quality is poor by modern standards, with no autofocus during video and no external mic input.
• The MX-1 offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps, HD 720p up to 60fps, with H.264 encoding. Although lacking microphone ports, video quality is sharp, with continuous AF and image stabilization active during recording - a substantial advantage.

Battery Life and Storage

The A800 uses two AA batteries, which offer practicality in the field (easy to replace anywhere), but have limited capacity - rated at about 300 shots per charge. This is good for casual users but may require carrying spare cells.

The MX-1 uses a proprietary rechargeable battery pack (D-Li-106), with a similar rating of approximately 290 images per charge. Although less convenient to swap on the fly without charging, this reflects typical enthusiast-level compacts. Both cameras accept a single SD card slot and support modern memory cards.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is minimal in both cameras, but the Pentax MX-1 edges ahead with Eye-Fi card-compatible wireless image transfer (requires special Eye-Fi cards). Neither camera has Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, headphone or mic jacks, but only the MX-1 includes an HDMI port for direct output to larger screens.

Real-World Photography Disciplines Evaluated

To provide a practical assessment, I tested both cameras in the core photographic categories you might care about:

Portrait Photography

Canon A800:

• The slower lens aperture and smaller sensor produce moderate depth-of-field with less subject separation.
• Face detection AF works reasonably well in good light but struggles in low light or complex compositions.
• Skin tones are warm but sometimes oversaturated due to basic processing.

Pentax MX-1:

• Fast f/1.8 aperture yields excellent, creamy bokeh, ideal for portraits.
• 25 AF points and face detection deliver crisp focus on eyes.
• Colors are natural and vibrant without over-processing.

Landscape Photography

Canon A800:

• Moderate resolution and narrower lens field limit expansive shots.
• Dynamic range shortcomings cause blown highlights or muddy shadows in contrasty scenes.
• No weather sealing; handle carefully in challenging outdoor environments.

Pentax MX-1:

• Larger sensor and wider lens provide richer details and greater tonal latitude.
• Tilting screen helps compose unconventional angles.
• While not weather-sealed, the MX-1 feels rugged enough for moderate outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

Canon A800:

• Autofocus speed and 1fps burst limit tracking moving subjects and capturing fleeting wildlife moments.

Pentax MX-1:

• Faster AF and slightly better handling help in slow wildlife tracking, though 1fps burst and lens reach are limiting for serious wildlife shooters.

Sports Photography

Both cameras are not ideal for fast sports action due to low burst rates and autofocus limitations, but MX-1 offers marginally better control and shutter speeds.

Street Photography

Canon A800:

• Small, lightweight profile and simple operation appeal to discreet shooters.
• Fixed screen may slightly limit versatility.

Pentax MX-1:

• Larger body and louder zoom may attract attention but the tilting screen and manual control enable creativity.
• Higher ISO capabilities amplify performance in low light urban scenarios.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus as close as 1cm, but the MX-1’s faster lens and sensor-shift stabilization give it a tangible edge in macro clarity and handheld stability.

Night and Astrophotography

The MX-1’s higher max ISO, manual exposure modes, and sensor technology make it the better choice over the Canon’s noisy performance and restricted shutter capabilities.

Video

MX-1 supports Full HD and stabilizes video adequately, making it viable for short vlogs or casual shooting. Canon’s VGA limit and no stabilization make video an afterthought.

Travel Photography

For travelers, the Canon’s lightweight design and AA battery convenience make it easy to carry and maintain on the go at a minimal cost. The MX-1’s enhanced image quality and manual controls suit those prioritizing image quality and versatility over pocketability.

Professional Use

Neither camera replaces professional DSLR or mirrorless systems but the MX-1 with RAW support, manual exposure, and superior image quality can serve as a secondary camera for enthusiasts or professionals in need of a compact backup.

Summary of Technical and Performance Scores

The Bottom Line: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose Canon PowerShot A800 if you want:

• An ultra-budget, pocketable point-and-shoot for everyday snapshots
• Easy operation with minimal controls suited for beginners
• An inexpensive second camera powered by ubiquitous AA batteries
• Basic video capability and very lightweight design

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, easy to use
• Inexpensive entry-level camera
• Simple control scheme

Cons:

• Limited image quality and sensor performance
• Slow autofocus and no image stabilization
• Low-res fixed screen and poor video functionality

Choose Pentax MX-1 if you want:

• A premium compact enthusiast camera with manual control options
• Superior image quality from a larger sensor and fast lens
• Robust build with better ergonomics and stabilization
• Full HD video and versatile shooting modes
• A compact camera that can handle various genres well including portraits, landscapes, and low light

Pros:

• Excellent image quality and low light performance
• Fast, bright lens with effective IS
• Sharp tilting screen with manual controls
• Raw shooting support and modern video features

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than typical compacts
• Pricier, targeting photography enthusiasts
• No weather sealing or extended burst rates

Final Recommendations

For casual photographers upgrading from a smartphone who want maximum simplicity at an ultra-low cost, the Canon A800 remains a viable entry-level compact.

For photography enthusiasts or semi-pros seeking a robust point-and-shoot with advanced creative control, the Pentax MX-1 offers much more fulfilling results and flexibility for a still reasonable investment.

Both cameras occupy distinct niches, and your choice should align with your photography style, budget, and expectations. As someone who has personally tested thousands of cameras, I recommend prioritizing sensor size, lens speed, and control options, which really separate the MX-1 from the Canon A800.

Canon A800 front Canon A800 screen back Pentax MX 1 front Pentax MX 1 screen back

Thank you for trusting this analysis. Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences with these two cameras below!