Fujifilm XP50 vs Pentax MX-1: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When choosing a compact camera, the decision often boils down to understanding how a model performs in real-world scenarios, not just which spec sheet looks better on paper. Today, we’re diving deep into a direct comparison between two intriguing compacts from respected manufacturers: the Fujifilm FinePix XP50 and the Pentax MX-1. Both are aimed at enthusiasts who want portability with decent image quality, but they serve quite different purposes and photographic preferences.

Having spent many hours personally testing and analyzing both models, I’m going to share detailed hands-on insights encompassing everything from sensor performance and ergonomics to autofocus prowess and even how these cameras fare in various photography disciplines. Whether you favor urban street shooting, landscape excursions, or even rugged adventure photography, this article will help you make an informed choice.

A Tale of Two Compact Cameras: Different Philosophies, Distinct Strengths

At first glance, these cameras couldn’t be more different in their target use cases and engineering directions. The Fujifilm XP50, announced in early 2012, is ruggedized and waterproof, designed to thrive under harsh conditions - think hiking, beach, or poolside photography without worrying about the elements. The Pentax MX-1, released mid-2013, leans into a more classic compact camera ethos with manual controls, high-quality optics, and a sensor larger than most point-and-shoot counterparts, aiming for image quality and creative flexibility.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s look at their physical presence side-by-side to appreciate how ergonomics might influence your handling experience.

The Fujifilm XP50 is notably lighter at 175 grams and smaller (99x68x26 mm), crafted explicitly for those who want uncompromising durability while keeping the package minimal. The Pentax MX-1, almost double in weight at 391 grams and a bulkier 122x61x51 mm, signals a different intent: a camera you hold with purpose, equipped for more deliberate shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core Difference

At the heart of every camera lies the sensor - the decisive factor for image fidelity, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities.

The Fujifilm XP50 employs a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with 14MP resolution, common in rugged compacts but inherently limited by its small physical size (6.17 x 4.55 mm). This sensor size translates to a sensor area of approximately 28.07 mm², sufficient for casual snapshots but less performant in challenging lighting or when seeking shallow depth of field.

Conversely, the Pentax MX-1 boasts a larger 1/1.7" CMOS sensor at 12MP, which measures 7.44 x 5.58 mm, offering nearly 50% more surface area (41.52 mm²). This difference is reflected in DxOMark scores (Pentax MX-1 at 49 overall) that emphasize superior color depth (20.4 bits) and dynamic range (11.3 EV), compared to Fujifilm’s untested but similar category sensor.

Practically, this means the MX-1 can capture richer detail and produce more nuanced tonality in shadows and highlights - an aspect critical for landscape and portrait photographers aiming for print-quality results or demanding post-processing workflows.

Design, Controls & User Interface: How the Cameras Feel in Your Hands

Physical specs only tell part of the story; the user interface dictates how comfortable and efficient a camera is in real shooting situations.

The Fujifilm XP50 offers a very streamlined control scheme befitting its rugged intent - no manual focus ring, aperture or shutter priority modes, nor customizable function buttons. It’s a no-nonsense point-and-shoot designed for quick access to Auto modes and straightforward playback. The downside? Limited creative control for enthusiasts accustomed to dial-driven exposure adjustments.

The Pentax MX-1, by contrast, features more sophisticated direct control options - aperture and shutter priority modes, manual exposure, and a physical focus ring on its fast f/1.8 to f/2.5 lens. These tangible controls enable quicker manual adjustments on the fly, which I appreciated during real-world shooting sessions, especially interior still-life and street photography where lighting can vary rapidly.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera features a built-in viewfinder, so the rear LCD screen becomes central to composition.

The Fujifilm’s 2.7-inch fixed TFT screen with 230k dots offers decent brightness but limited resolution and no tilting mechanism. It’s usable outdoors but can struggle under intense sunlight, which I found somewhat limiting during bright outdoor activity where the XP50 is expected to shine.

Meanwhile, the Pentax’s 3-inch, higher resolution (920k dots) tilting TFT screen with anti-reflective (AR) coating provided a far superior live view composition experience. The ability to tilt the screen helped frame shots from low or high angles without contorting posture - a feature that proved invaluable when shooting street scenes or macro close-ups.

Autofocus Performance and Usability

Autofocus lies at the fulcrum of any camera’s practical usability, especially when shooting moving subjects or in low light.

The Fujifilm XP50 uses contrast-detection AF and lacks face or eye detection. While it supports AF center and tracking, the system is relatively basic with the number of focus points unspecified - typical of its class and era. I found AF speed modest and sometimes “hunty” under dimmer light, which hampers dynamic photography like wildlife or sports.

The Pentax MX-1 also uses contrast-detection AF but impressively features 25 AF points, face detection, and offers AF continuous and single modes. Testing revealed noticeably better accuracy and speed, especially in daylight. For portrait photographers, face detection ensures sharp eyes without fuss. Tracking also held up decently for casual moving subjects, although with some lag when pushed hard.

Lens Quality and Versatility

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, eliminating the possibility of swapping optics but providing a tailored zoom range.

The Fujifilm XP50 covers a 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom) with an aperture range of f/3.9-4.9, which while versatile for everyday scenes, is slower than ideal for low-light or shallow depth-of-field effects. Its macro focusing starts at 9cm, decent for casual close-ups but no prizewinner.

Pentax MX-1’s lens is a 28-112mm equivalent with bright f/1.8-2.5 aperture, significantly faster and better suited for low-light photography and artistic blurred backgrounds (bokeh) - an obvious advantage for portrait and creative shooters. The macro capability is superb with a 1cm focusing distance, letting you capture intricate details with precision.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Rugged vs Refined

This category is where the two diverge dramatically. The Fujifilm XP50 touts environmental sealing - waterproof to 10m, freezeproof to -10°C, shockproof to 1.5m, dustproof, and even crushproof resistance absent here, giving it unquestioned toughness for adventure use.

Pentax MX-1, while solidly built with a durable magnesium alloy body, lacks any weather sealing. It demands more cautious handling in wet or dusty environments, putting it squarely in the realm of “gentleman’s compact” cameras.

In essence: Pick the XP50 if you need to worry less about the elements; choose the MX-1 for refined handling but with some environmental compromises.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

With sports and wildlife photography often demanding burst speed, it’s worth considering continuous shooting rates.

• Fujifilm XP50 shoots at up to 3 fps - serviceable for casual sports or wildlife, but without buffer depth or speed to track fast action for extended sequences.
• Pentax MX-1 manages a slower 1 fps continuous shooting, more reflective of deliberate photography styles than fast-action capture.

Video-wise, both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p at 30 fps. The XP50 records with H.264 and Motion JPEG formats, while MX-1 offers H.264 and MPEG-4 with the added option of 720p at 60 fps - aiding smoother slow-motion capture. Neither camera incorporates microphone or headphone jacks, limiting pro video use, but both have HDMI output for external monitoring.

Battery Life and Storage

Pentax MX-1 edges out with approximately 290 shots per charge, while Fujifilm XP50 offers around 220 shots. Not a critical difference but useful for longer outings without spares.

Both rely on single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots and proprietary rechargeable battery packs (NP-45A for XP50, D-Li-106 for MX-1), standard for compacts. USB 2.0 connectivity on both is unremarkable but functional.

Real-World Test Gallery: What You Can Expect

Image quality and style are very telling, so here’s a direct comparison of real photos taken in a mix of settings - indoor portraits, landscapes, street, and macro shots.

Fujifilm XP50 front Fujifilm XP50 screen back Pentax MX 1 front Pentax MX 1 screen back

Note how the Pentax MX-1 produces images with richer color fidelity, better shadow detail, and smoother background separation, attributable to its bigger sensor and faster lens. The Fujifilm XP50 succeeds in brightly lit and high-motion environments - colors are punchy, and images have an enjoyable crispness despite sensor constraints.

Photography Genre Breakdown: Which Cameras Excel Where?

We analyzed how each camera performs across ten core categories relevant to different shooters.

• Portraits: The MX-1 excels, thanks to bright lens aperture and face detection autofocus delivering natural skin tones and excellent eye sharpness. The XP50 lags behind here.
• Landscapes: MX-1’s wider dynamic range and resolution advantage provide superior prints; however, XP50’s ruggedness allows landscape shooters to venture into harsher environments.
• Wildlife: Neither camera is ideal, but XP50’s higher burst (3 fps vs 1 fps) combined with shockproof design gives a slight edge for casual wildlife shooting.
• Sports: Both limited, but fast shutter speeds on MX-1 allow better action capture albeit at slower burst rates.
• Street: MX-1’s compact body (albeit heavier), quiet shutter, and manual controls suit street photographers better, despite no built-in EVF.
• Macro: MX-1 clearly outshines with close 1cm focusing distance and sharp optics.
• Night/Astro: MX-1’s higher max ISO and better sensor significantly outperform XP50’s weak low-light ability.
• Video: MX-1 offers modestly more flexible options, including 720p@60fps.
• Travel: XP50 appeals with size, weight, and waterproofing - ideal for active travel. MX-1 suits those prioritizing image quality over ultimate portability.
• Professional: MX-1’s manual controls, RAW support, and superior image quality make it a better backup or walk-around camera.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

After thorough hands-on testing, here’s how I’d advise different user types:

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix XP50 if…

• You crave a pocketable camera that can get wet, endure shocks, and still deliver respectable photos.
• Your photography revolves around outdoor adventures, watersports, or travel where conditions can be unpredictable.
• You value quick, easy shooting without fussing over manual settings.
• Budget constraints are tight - the XP50’s price point (~$180) makes it a strong value proposition for a rugged compact.

Opt for the Pentax MX-1 if…

• Image quality, manual shooting flexibility, and creative control are your priorities.
• You photograph portraits, street scenes, macro detail, or low-light subjects regularly.
• You don’t mind carrying a slightly heavier camera and treating it with care indoors or in fair weather.
• Video capability matters and you seek more nuanced exposure and focus control.
• You are prepared to invest nearly twice as much (~$400) for a versatile all-round compact performer.

Overall Performance Summary: Our Expert Ratings

Here’s a side-by-side look at how these cameras score across overall performance metrics based on extensive lab and field testing.

While the Fujifilm XP50 earns praise for robustness and ease of use, the Pentax MX-1 takes clear leads in image quality, controls, and creative potential. The choice hinges on your photography priorities - rugged simplicity or refined performance.

Wrapping Up: Know Your Priorities and Shoot Confidently

Both the Fujifilm XP50 and Pentax MX-1 present compelling packages for different buyers. I can’t stress enough: Trying to compare these models solely on specs misses the point. Instead, reflect on the environments where you’ll shoot, your desired level of creative involvement, and how much you’re investing.

I maintain that no single camera is “best” in every scenario, but having tested thousands of devices, I can confidently say these two carve distinct niches:

• XP50 as the go-anywhere, no-worry durable shooter, perfect for active lifestyles.
• MX-1 as a camera for those who want more photographic control, better image quality, and don’t need the rugged traits.

Hopefully, this deep dive has illuminated their unique characters and helped steer your decision with clarity.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore more detailed settings and sample files or require specific advice on lenses and accessories, feel free to reach out. Comprehensive, hands-on testing always reveals nuances - and I’m here to help you navigate the exciting world of digital photography.