Casio EX-FC150 vs Pentax MX-1: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Compacts

In an era where mirrorless and full-frame cameras dominate conversations, compact cameras with smaller sensors can often be overlooked. Yet, for many photographers - enthusiasts and pros alike - small sensor compacts remain valuable tools for their portability, unique features, and affordability. Today, I’m putting two such cameras under the microscope: the Casio EX-FC150, released in late 2009, versus the more recent Pentax MX-1 from mid-2013. Both fall into the “small sensor compact” category but approach the format with distinct philosophies and capabilities. After hours of hands-on testing, field use, and image quality analysis, I’m sharing an expert, no-nonsense comparison designed to help you decide whether to buy, upgrade, or simply appreciate these interesting cameras.

Let’s delve into their build, image performance, usability, and suitability across various photography use cases.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Compactness Meets Handling

At a glance, the Casio EX-FC150 strikes you with its diminutive stature and unassuming profile, while the Pentax MX-1 carries a more substantial, retro-inspired aesthetic with carefully considered detailing.

Physical Dimensions & Weight:
The Casio measures just 99mm by 58mm by 28mm and weighs a lightweight 173 grams. This makes it a pocket-friendly option for discrete shooting or anytime portability is paramount. In contrast, the Pentax MX-1 is notably larger and heavier, at 122mm x 61mm x 51mm and 391 grams. While it’s still a compact, the added heft translates to better grip and a more robust feel in the hand, which can enhance stability during longer sessions.

Ergonomics:
Pentax has clearly placed emphasis on tactile control, with a thoughtfully sculpted body and higher button density that offers more direct access to essential functions. The Casio’s minimal control layout leans towards simplicity - but for experienced users, it feels somewhat limiting, especially since many exposure controls are absent (more on that later).

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on LCD screens, which impacts usability in bright outdoor conditions.

Design & Control Layout: Quick Access Matters

Taking a closer look at the controls and top panel, we find tangible differences that hint at how photographers will interact day-to-day with each model.

![Top View Design] (top-view-compare.jpg)

The Pentax MX-1 provides dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, alongside clearly marked mode selectors. This manual exposure mindset allows for nuanced control - something pros and hobbyists who understand exposure will appreciate. The drive mode dial and exposure compensation dial (a rare find on compact cameras) again hint at its ambitions beyond casual snapshots.

Conversely, the Casio EX-FC150 adopts a minimalist approach, with fewer external dials and buttons. There is no dedicated aperture or shutter priority mode, nor manual exposure - just full auto and limited manual focus. This simplicity may suit beginners or those who want a grab-and-go camera but restricts creative potential.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Arguably, the most critical difference lies with their sensors and resultant image quality. This distinction largely influences every shooting scenario, whether portraits, landscapes, or low-light work.

Sensor Specifications:

• Casio EX-FC150: 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS (6.17x4.55mm, 28.07mm² sensor area) with 10 megapixels
• Pentax MX-1: 1/1.7-inch CMOS (7.44x5.58mm, 41.52mm² sensor area) with 12 megapixels

The Pentax sports a physically larger sensor with approximately 48% more surface area - a critical factor in gathering light and improving image fidelity. Its 12MP resolution is modest but well-matched to its sensor size, striking a balance between resolution and pixel noise.

Image Processing & Noise:
Pentax’s processor delivers superior color depth (20.4 bits vs. Casio’s no data available) and wider dynamic range (11.3 EV vs. untested Casio). Practically, this means the MX-1 renders more nuanced tones and preserves details in shadows and highlights better than the EX-FC150, whose smaller sensor and older tech limit richness and latitude in challenging lighting.

ISO performance is a stark contrast: MX-1’s native ISO extends up to 12,800 with usable results up to ISO 800-1600 under expert settings. Meanwhile, Casio caps ISO at 1600 but with inferior noise control by today’s standards.

From practical shooting, the Pentax delivers crisper, more detailed images with less noise - notably in indoor and low-light conditions, where the Casio struggles significantly.

LCD Screen and Interface Usability: Your Window to the Scene

No EVF on either model means reliance on the rear LCD for composition and review, making screen quality paramount.

The Pentax MX-1 features a generously sized 3.0-inch tilting TFT LCD with 920k dots and anti-reflective coating, which improves visibility outdoors and when composing at awkward angles - a boon for street shooting or low perspectives.

The Casio’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD offers a meager 230k dots, with no anti-reflective treatment. During my testing, I found it challenging to review images accurately under bright sunlight, and composing shots from unconventional angles proved impossible without changing body position.

To sum up, the MX-1’s screen is far more user-friendly for both framing and image review, lending confidence in the field.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach and Aperture Tradeoffs

Each camera sports a fixed zoom lens, but their characteristics differ substantially - affecting creative possibilities.

• Casio EX-FC150: 37-185mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture f/3.6-4.5
• Pentax MX-1: 28-112mm equivalent (4x zoom), aperture f/1.8-2.5

Here, the MX-1’s faster aperture range stands out dramatically. At f/1.8 wide open, you can achieve better low-light performance and shallower depth of field - important for portraits and artistic bokeh - than the slower f/3.6 maximum aperture of the Casio.

Although the Casio reaches farther telephoto at 185mm equivalent, its smaller sensor and slower aperture limit its effectiveness for wildlife or sports shooting. The Pentax remains limited at 112mm but offers greater image quality and faster optics, ideal for environmental portraits and general travel photography.

For macro enthusiasts, the MX-1 can focus as close as 1cm (less than half an inch), compared to Casio’s 5cm minimum. This allows for more detailed close-ups with the Pentax.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

If you’re shooting fast-moving subjects - sports, wildlife, or kids - autofocus performance and burst rate become crucial.

• Casio EX-FC150: Single contrast-detect AF; no continuous or tracking AF; continuous shooting up to 40 frames per second (limited by small buffer and image quality sacrifices)
• Pentax MX-1: Contrast-detect AF with 25 focus points; face detection; continuous and tracking autofocus modes; continuous shooting at 1 fps (slow but reliable)

Quick note: The Casio’s advertised 40fps burst is a marketing eyebrow-raiser. In practice, it requires compromise - lower resolution or compressed image quality - and the buffer fills quickly. Its AF system is basic, offering no tracking or predictive focusing.

The Pentax’s burst speed is slower but paired with much more accurate and versatile autofocus, including face detection. This makes it the better choice for casual sports or street photographers who need dependable focus tracking.

Neither camera is ideal for serious wildlife photography; both lack phase-detect AF and lightning-fast burst rates found in modern mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Build Quality and Durability: Solid or Fragile?

Neither camera claims rugged weather sealing or shockproof design, but build quality does influence long-term satisfaction.

The Pentax MX-1 offers a more robust feel with solid metal construction and an understated toughness aligning with its higher price point. The Casio feels plasticky and prone to wear, with no environmental sealing or protections.

For photographers who prioritize durability during travel or rough conditions, the MX-1 is preferable - but those needing waterproof or weatherproof may want to look elsewhere.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery:
The Pentax MX-1 uses a proprietary D-Li-106 battery rated for approximately 290 shots per charge. The Casio EX-FC150 relies on a smaller NP-40 battery, with no official CIPA rating but generally delivers fewer shots per charge.

If extended shooting without frequent battery swaps matters (e.g., travel or event shooting), the MX-1 has a clear advantage.

Storage:
The Pentax supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, accommodating high-capacity media, whereas the Casio uses SD/SDHC with an internal buffer. Both have a single card slot, which is standard for compacts but limits in-camera backup or overflow.

Connectivity and Video: Modern Conveniences

Both cameras feature Eye-Fi card connectivity, allowing wireless image transfers - a forward-thinking addition for their releases. The Pentax adds an HDMI output for easy viewing on monitors - a bonus absent on the Casio.

Video capabilities differ substantially:

• Casio: Maximum 640x480 resolution with Motion JPEG format; slow-motion modes up to 1000fps but low resolution
• Pentax: 1920x1080 Full HD at 30fps in efficient H.264 format; also 720p at 60fps available

While the Casio’s slow-motion modes are interesting for fun creative capture, they’re niche. The Pentax delivers much more usable video suitable for casual filmmaking or documenting events, thanks to Full HD and better quality compression.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, limiting professional audio options.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s assess each camera’s actual suitability across major styles and scenarios.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tones, good dynamic range, and attractive bokeh. The Pentax’s larger sensor and fast f/1.8 aperture enable more control over depth of field and better subject isolation. Its face detection AF aids sharp eye focus, while Casio lacks such refinements.

Casio’s slower optics and smaller sensor yield flat images with less subject-background separation. The lack of manual exposure adjustment also hampers creative control over lighting.

Winner: Pentax MX-1

Landscape Photography

For detailed landscapes, resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance matter. Pentax again benefits from a larger sensor and better dynamic range, producing richer color gradations and finer textures. The Casio’s sensor and limited resolution keep files good for sharing but less suitable for large prints.

Neither offers weather sealing, so care is needed in inclement conditions.

Winner: Pentax MX-1

Wildlife Photography

Telephoto reach and fast autofocus are key. Casio’s 185mm equivalent telephoto gives it raw reach advantage, but its contrast-detect AF system cannot lock focus quickly or continuously on moving subjects. Pentax’s 112mm reach is lower, but autofocus tracking performs better.

Neither camera is ideal for serious wildlife where speed and reach are crucial.

Winner: Pentax MX-1 (for AF), Casio (for reach) - tie depending on priorities

Sports Photography

Requires fast autofocus, burst shooting, and good low-light sensitivity. Casio’s 40fps burst is impressive on paper but impractical because of focus and quality tradeoffs. Pentax’s slow 1fps burst limits action capture but better AF tracking helps with single shots.

Overall, neither excels, but Pentax offers more dependable framing.

Winner: Pentax MX-1

Street Photography

Street photographers value stealth, fast AF, and good low-light performance. Casio is smaller and lighter, favoring discretion. However, its slow apertures, poor AF, and dim LCD hamper quick candid shots.

Pentax is larger and more noticeable but offers faster optics, tilt-swivel LCD for creative angles, and AF face detection - key advantages.

Winner: Pentax MX-1, with caveat on size preference

Macro Photography

Close focusing ability and precise AF offer creative macro shots. Pentax can focus as close as 1cm, making it versatile for extreme close-ups. Casio’s minimum 5cm works but limits magnification.

Pentax’s faster lens also aids in low-light macro scenarios.

Winner: Pentax MX-1

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and long exposure capabilities matter. Pentax max shutter speed is 1/8000s (good for freezing action); Casio max 1/1000s is limited but not crucial here. Both support 30-second shutter exposure maximum, suitable for night scenes.

Pentax’s superior ISO handling and dynamic range means cleaner images under dim conditions.

Winner: Pentax MX-1

Video Capabilities

Pentax records smooth 1080p HD video with better compression and framing options; Casio’s max resolution is VGA (640x480) with niche slow-motion modes.

For casual videography, Pentax is clearly superior.

Winner: Pentax MX-1

Travel Photography

Travel demands compactness, battery life, lens versatility, and reliability. Casio’s smaller size favors portability, but limited exposure control and image quality are noticeable drawbacks on extended trips.

Pentax’s heavier body is a downside but better image quality, battery life (290 shots), and manual controls provide versatility for varied conditions.

Winner: Pentax MX-1 for most; Casio if ultra-portability is non-negotiable

Professional Work

Neither camera is intended for professional-level workflows due to sensor size and features. Pentax raw support offers flexibility; Casio shoots JPEG-only.

Pentax’s build quality, exposure bracketing, and more advanced controls make it better suited for casual pro use or backup camera.

Winner: Pentax MX-1

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Feature	Casio EX-FC150	Pentax MX-1
Sensor Size	Smaller 1/2.3" (28mm²); 10MP	Larger 1/1.7" (42mm²); 12MP
Lens	37-185mm equiv.; f/3.6-4.5	28-112mm equiv.; f/1.8-2.5
Autofocus	Single AF; contrast-detect only	25-point contrast AF with tracking
Burst	Up to 40fps (limited usability)	1fps continuous
Exposure Modes	Auto only; no manual exposure	Manual, aperture/shutter priority, exposure compensation
Video	VGA max; slow motion	1080p Full HD; better codec
Build	Lightweight plastic; minimal	Solid metal; heavier
Battery Life	Unknown, likely short	Approx 290 shots per charge
LCD Screen	2.7" fixed, 230k dots	3.0" tilting, 920k dots
Price	$350 (approximate launch)	$400 (approximate launch)

Overall Performance Ratings

To provide a snapshot of their performance across essential criteria, here are expert scores from comprehensive testing (where available and comparable).

The Pentax MX-1 clearly outperforms in IQ, low light, and controls, while Casio excels only in portability and burst shooting (with caveats).

Genre-Specific Scores and Recommendations

Breaking down suitability by genre further clarifies which camera meets which needs best:

• Pentax MX-1: Strong all-rounder in portrait, landscape, macro, night, and travel shooting. Video and manual controls add versatility.
• Casio EX-FC150: A niche choice for casual users wanting ultra-lightweight and fast continuous shooting at the cost of quality and control.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Casio EX-FC150 if you:

• Need a very compact, pocketable camera for casual snapshots and fun slow-motion video effects.
• Prioritize lightweight design over image quality or manual controls.
• Are on a tight budget and want a simple point-and-shoot experience.

Choose the Pentax MX-1 if you:

• Demand better image quality, versatility, and creative control in a compact package.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, macros, or video regularly and want faithful color and sharpness.
• Appreciate manual exposure options and more advanced autofocus.
• Are willing to trade some portability for greater handling and battery life.

Closing Thoughts

While neither camera challenges today’s mirrorless heavyweights, the Pentax MX-1 demonstrates a mature, more professional approach to a compact sensor camera - delivering a gratifying balance of image quality, control, and features that satisfy demanding enthusiasts and hobbyists alike. The Casio EX-FC150, meanwhile, serves as a lightweight, simple point-and-shoot with quirky slow-motion capabilities but lacks the substance needed for serious creative work.

From my first-hand experience testing over thousands of cameras in varied conditions, it remains evident that sensor size and lens speed have a profound impact on image quality and creative potential - findings confirmed in this head-to-head. As small sensor compacts go, the MX-1 stands out as the better all-round performer with a price tag justified by its capabilities.

When deciding between these two, consider what matters most to your photography style and priorities. If ultimate portability with some playful video features is your goal, Casio fits the bill. For greater photographic control, versatility, and image quality - especially if you want to explore manual settings and shoot in challenging light - Pentax is well worth the investment and added weight.

I hope this detailed comparison equips you with the insights you need for your next compact camera purchase. Feel free to reach out with questions or to share your experiences with either camera - I’m always eager to exchange views with fellow photography enthusiasts. Happy shooting!