A Hands-On Comparison: Nikon Coolpix S3600 vs. Pentax MX-1

When it comes to small sensor compact cameras, it’s often a challenge to find one that strikes a reasonable balance between image quality, versatility, and usability. Today, I want to take you through a detailed comparison between two models that may have flown under the radar but still offer intriguing propositions: the Nikon Coolpix S3600 and the Pentax MX-1. Both fall within the compact category but cater to somewhat different audiences and photographic ambitions.

Having tested both extensively across multiple photography genres, I’ll break down how each performs technically and practically in real-world use, highlighting strengths, compromises, and - importantly - who each camera would suit best. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions and Build: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

Both cameras are designed with portability in mind, yet their physical differences are immediately apparent.

The Nikon S3600 is a featherweight at just 125 grams and very compact with dimensions roughly 97 x 58 x 20 mm. This ultra-slim profile makes it an easy pocket companion - ideal for those who want to travel light or slip a camera into a bag without noticing it much.

The Pentax MX-1, on the other hand, feels markedly more substantial - a hefty 391 grams and chunkier at 122 x 61 x 51 mm. This solidness contributes to a more confident grip and a premium feel. While it won’t slide as readily into tight pockets, it’s better suited for photographers prioritizing handling comfort and a level of heft that steadies shots.

Taking a glance at the top controls, the MX-1 offers traditional manual dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation - controls that many enthusiasts will cherish for their tactile precision and ease of adjustment without diving into menus. The Nikon S3600, by contrast, takes the straightforward automatic point-and-shoot route, with minimal buttons and no dedicated dials. There’s a simplicity here, but it inherently limits user control.

So, from an ergonomic standpoint, if you appreciate physical controls and a solid feel, Pentax MX-1 clearly leads. For effortless, grab-and-go shooting, Nikon S3600 shines.

Sensor and Image Quality: Digging Into the Details

One of the most critical factors defining image quality, especially in compact cameras, is the sensor size and technology. Here’s a visual comparison for context:

The Nikon S3600 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a resolution of 20 megapixels - the higher pixel count is appealing on paper but may not translate into better image quality because of the sensor’s smaller effective light-gathering area (approx. 28.07 mm²). Moreover, CCD sensors, though traditionally known for pleasing color rendition, often struggle with noise performance at higher ISOs.

The Pentax MX-1 sports a physically larger 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels (area: approx. 41.52 mm²). While it has fewer megapixels, the larger photosites typically deliver cleaner output, better dynamic range, and improved high ISO performance. Pentax backs this with a respectable DxO Mark overall score of 49, color depth of 20.4 bits, and dynamic range around 11.3 EVs - good numbers in this category.

In practical terms, Nikon tends to deliver sharper images in bright conditions thanks to its higher resolution but falls off quickly when the light dims, leading to more visible noise and reduced detail. Pentax’s images, while slightly softer due to the lower pixel density, maintain cleaner shadows and highlights, so they fare better in varied lighting scenarios.

Display and Interface: How You See Your Shots Counts

Touchscreens seem to dominate many cameras these days, but neither of these offer one. Still, the way information is displayed and accessed can affect your shooting flow.

The Nikon S3600’s 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution feels quite basic. It’s serviceable for framing but can struggle outdoors due to low brightness and limited viewing angles.

In contrast, the Pentax MX-1 provides a brighter 3-inch tilting screen with 920k-dot resolution - a definite upgrade that makes manual focusing and low-angle shooting much easier. Though not touch-enabled, the tilt mechanism assists in more creative framing options like high or ground-level shots.

For photographers who rely on the LCD rather than a viewfinder, the MX-1 clearly delivers a superior experience to help check focus and composition confidently.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems, typical for compacts, but there are notable differences in precision and speed.

• Nikon S3600 offers face detection and has 99 focus points over its sensor area, which helps with tracking static subjects but the AF is relatively sluggish with limited ability for continuous tracking. Its continuous shooting rate is a mere 1 fps, making it unsuitable for action or sports.

• Pentax MX-1 limits AF points to 25 but offers refined contrast detection with face detection and live view autofocus capabilities. The MX-1 also has a 1 fps burst - similarly modest - but crucially benefits from manual focus, offering precision critical in macro work or tricky lighting.

In real shooting, the MX-1’s manual focus ring is a revelation for those who want deliberate control, such as in street or macro photography, where autofocus can hunt frequently.

Lens and Zoom: Range vs. Aperture

Nothing beats a versatile lens, and here we have an interesting tradeoff:

• Nikon S3600: Fixed lens with a wide zoom from 25-200 mm equivalent (8x optical zoom), aperture range f/3.7-6.6
• Pentax MX-1: Fixed lens covering 28-112 mm equivalent (4x optical zoom), aperture range f/1.8-2.5

The Nikon’s 8x zoom offers significant reach for casual telephoto needs such as wildlife or sports at a distance. But the small maximum aperture (narrower) limits low-light capability and depth-of-field control.

Pentax’s lens, though offering only half the zoom range, compensates with a bright aperture opening to f/1.8 at wide and f/2.5 telephoto. This means more light hits the sensor, enabling faster shutter speeds and creating pleasing background blur for portraits and close-ups.

For landscapes and general travel, Nikon’s longer zoom can be handy. For portraits, street, and low-light scenarios, the Pentax lens’ brightness makes a tangible difference.

Photography Genres: Practical Testing Across the Board

Let's see how each performs in various disciplines:

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Pentax MX-1's fast lens coupled with manual focus lets you craft beautiful portraits with shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh. Skin tones render with nice warmth and contrast. The Nikon S3600, with its slower lens and fixed foci, struggles to isolate subjects from distracting backgrounds. Facial recognition works on Nikon but limited by the sensor size and lens speed.

Landscapes: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Despite Nikon’s higher megapixels, landscape details appear softer, probably due to diffraction and sensor limitations at smaller apertures. Pentax’s larger sensor and better dynamic range capture more tonal gradations and hold highlight and shadow details better. Neither has weather sealing, so cautious use in harsh conditions applies.

Wildlife: Autofocus and Reach

Nikon’s 8x zoom gives it an edge for distant subjects, but the slow AF and 1 fps burst rate reduce chances of sharp capture with fast animals. Pentax’s shorter reach and similar burst limit its usability here, but quicker autofocus (especially manual override) improves capture reliability.

Sports: Tracking and Speed

Neither camera is designed for sports photography. The slow autofocus and minimal continuous shooting make action shots challenging. Nikon’s wider zoom may tempt DSLR refugees, but you’ll likely find both frustrating.

Street Photography: Discreet and Fast

The Pentax MX-1, with its stylish retro look, silent shutter modes, and fast lens, is a better fit for street shooting. Its tilt screen aids candid angles, and manual focus provides creative latitude. The Nikon S3600 is too basic and feels more like a tourist cam.

Macro: Magnification and Focus

Pentax has a closer macro focus at 1 cm versus Nikon’s 2 cm, paired with manual focus, delivering sharper close-ups with richer detail. Optical image stabilization on both helps handheld macro.

Night and Astro: Low Light Handling

Pentax’s higher max ISO (12,800 native) and superior noise handling let it capture usable shots in darker conditions. Nikon tops out at ISO 3200 but with more noise. Neither is designed for dedicated astro, but Pentax is clearly the better tool for occasional night shots.

Video: Specs and Quality

• Nikon records 720p HD video limited to 30fps. A subpar option today with no mic input or manual controls.
• Pentax shoots Full HD (1080p) at 30fps and HD at 60fps, with MPEG-4 codec - not cinema quality but respectable for a compact. Lacks mic input, however.

If video is important, Pentax’s options are clearly more usable and creative.

Travel: Versatility and Battery Life

Nikon’s ultra-compact size and light weight make it an ideal hiking or urban travel companion, packing easily. Battery life is 230 shots per charge - modest but acceptable for casual use.

Pentax offers more functionality but at nearly three times the weight and larger volume. It delivers around 290 shots per battery cycle and more control, making it better for photographers who prioritize image quality and settings over pocket dimensions.

Durability, Battery, and Storage

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness, so expect careful handling.

Pentax’s battery life is slightly lower capacity but offers more control, justifying the tradeoff for many. Both use proprietary battery packs (Nikon EN-EL19, Pentax D-Li-106) and single SD/SDHC/SDXC slots.

Connectivity-wise, Pentax includes Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility and HDMI out for instant image sharing and playback; Nikon lacks wireless features entirely.

Price and Value Analysis

At the time of writing, the Nikon Coolpix S3600 retails near $200, and the Pentax MX-1 around $400. This price difference reflects their target users:

• Nikon fits casual buyers seeking easy operation, long zoom, and ultra-compact size for a bargain.
• Pentax targets enthusiasts wanting manual controls, better image quality, and flexibility at a higher investment.

Nikon S3600 front Nikon S3600 screen back Pentax MX 1 front Pentax MX 1 screen back

Overall Performance Ratings

Here's a synthesized scorecard balancing core specs and practical user experience:

Pentax MX-1 scores higher on sensor performance, image quality, and usability features, while Nikon fares better for compactness and zoom range.

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Wins Where?

Breaking it down by photography types:

• Portraits: Pentax dominant
• Landscapes: Pentax by margin
• Wildlife: Nikon gives reach but slow AF hampers
• Sports: Neither suitable
• Street: Pentax preferred
• Macro: Pentax by control and closer lenses
• Night: Pentax for ISO capability
• Video: Pentax offers full HD, Nikon limited HD
• Travel: Nikon for portability, Pentax for image quality
• Workflow/Professional: Pentax with RAW capability and manual modes

My Take: Which Should You Choose?

I’ve enjoyed using both cameras in different ways and can say they serve distinct niches.

Choose Nikon Coolpix S3600 if:

• You want an ultra-lightweight, pocketable travel companion
• You value simplicity and an affordable price point
• Your photography is casual or snapshot-focused
• You want long zoom reach without fuss or manual adjustments

Choose Pentax MX-1 if:

• You want serious manual controls and superior image quality
• You shoot in diverse lighting, including low light and portraits
• You prefer tactile handling and a more premium build
• You want video options and RAW shooting for post-processing
• You’re an enthusiast willing to carry a bit more weight for creative flexibility

Final Reflections

Both the Nikon S3600 and Pentax MX-1 offer compelling packages within the small compact category, but their philosophies couldn’t be more different. Nikon marches to the tune of ease and portability; Pentax doubles down on control and quality.

If forced to pick one for versatility and image quality - my day-to-day pick would be the Pentax MX-1, hands down. It simply offers more tools to craft better photos and videos despite being bulkier and pricier.

That said, for someone who values having a camera always ready in their pocket with a useful zoom to cover all basics - the Nikon S3600 will keep things delightfully simple and effective.

Hope this comparison sheds light on where your priorities might lie. Happy shooting!

Disclosure: All testing conducted under comparable lighting conditions using identical SD card models and latest available firmware. Images and data represent averages across multiple real-world shoots.