Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73


84 Imaging
37 Features
60 Overall
46
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Released April 2014
- Refreshed by Pentax K-3 II
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-112mm (F1.8-2.5) lens
- 391g - 122 x 61 x 51mm
- Launched July 2013

Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1 Overview
Here, we will be evaluating the Pentax K-3 and Pentax MX-1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the K-3 (APS-C) and MX-1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor sizes.

The K-3 was introduced 10 months later than the MX-1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.
Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the K-3 grades against the MX-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-3 and Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-3 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Pentax MX-1
K-3 | MX-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | April 2014 | ![]() | July 2013 | More recent by 10 months |
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 920k | Crisper screen (+117k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax MX-1 over the Pentax K-3
MX-1 | K-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Pentax K-3 and Pentax MX-1
K-3 | MX-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1 Physical Comparison
In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-3 provides exterior dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).
Check the Pentax K-3 and Pentax MX-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the K-3 and the MX-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-3 and MX-1 is 59 and 84 respectively.

Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by going over specs. The visual underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-3 and MX-1.
All in all, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The K-3 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax K-3 will offer extra detail using its extra 12MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more modern K-3 will have an edge in sensor innovation.

Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-3 vs Pentax MX-1 Specifications
Pentax K-3 | Pentax MX-1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Pentax |
Model | Pentax K-3 | Pentax MX-1 |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2014-04-10 | 2013-07-01 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Prime III | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/1.7" |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
Sensor area | 366.6mm² | 41.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24MP | 12MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 51200 | 12800 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 27 | 25 |
Cross focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | - | 28-112mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | - | f/1.8-2.5 |
Macro focus distance | - | 1cm |
Amount of lenses | 151 | - |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 4.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display diagonal | 3.2" | 3" |
Display resolution | 1,037 thousand dots | 920 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD monitor | TFT LCD with AR coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | - |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | 8.0 frames per sec | 1.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m |
Flash options | Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Speed sync, Trailing Curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/180 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 800g (1.76 pounds) | 391g (0.86 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 122 x 61 x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 80 | 49 |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.7 | 20.4 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.4 | 11.3 |
DXO Low light score | 1216 | 208 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 560 images | 290 images |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI90 | D-Li-106 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Dual | Single |
Cost at release | $639 | $400 |