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Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1

Portability
69
Imaging
52
Features
47
Overall
50
Pentax K-x front
 
Pentax MX-1 front
Portability
84
Imaging
37
Features
60
Overall
46

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 Key Specs

Pentax K-x
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400 (Boost to 12800)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
  • Revealed December 2009
Pentax MX-1
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-112mm (F1.8-2.5) lens
  • 391g - 122 x 61 x 51mm
  • Revealed July 2013
Photography Glossary

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 Overview

Here, we are evaluating the Pentax K-x versus Pentax MX-1, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both created by Pentax. The image resolution of the K-x (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is very well matched but the K-x (APS-C) and MX-1 (1/1.7") have different sensor measurements.

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The K-x was announced 4 years earlier than the MX-1 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the K-x scores against the MX-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Pentax MX-1

 K-x MX-1 

Reasons to pick Pentax MX-1 over the Pentax K-x

 MX-1 K-x 
RevealedJuly 2013December 2009Newer by 42 months
Display typeTiltingFixed Tilting display
Display size3"2.7"Larger display (+0.3")
Display resolution920k230kSharper display (+690k dot)

Common features in the Pentax K-x and Pentax MX-1

 K-x MX-1 
Focus manually Dial precise focus
Selfie screen Neither comes with selfie screen
Touch display Neither comes with Touch display

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 Physical Comparison

When you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-x comes with physical dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax K-x versus Pentax MX-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the K-x vs the MX-1.

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-x and MX-1 is 69 and 84 respectively.

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 top view buttons comparison

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 Sensor Comparison

More often than not, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by looking at specifications. The picture below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-x and MX-1.

Plainly, both of those cameras come with the identical megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The K-x provides the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult. The more aged K-x is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 sensor size comparison

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

Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax K-x Portrait photography info
Pentax MX-1 Portrait photography info
63
has manual focus
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
has face detect autofocus
delivers RAW files
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
42
has manual focus
comes with face detect focusing
delivers RAW formats
can't use external flash
megapixel count low (12MP)
small sensor (1/1.7")
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Street Comparison

Pentax K-x Street photography factors
Pentax MX-1 Street photography factors
67
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
screen does not articulate
65
screen tilts up and down
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
delivers RAW formats
small sensor (1/1.7")
more heavy than competition (391g)
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Sports Comparison

Pentax K-x as a Sports photography camera
Pentax MX-1 as a Sports photography camera
61
high shutter speed (1/6,000s)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
better than average battery life (1,900 per charge)
supports phase detect autofocus
max frames per second very slow (5.0 frames/s)
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
43
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with tracking focus
great battery life (290 CIPA)
very slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames per second)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/1.7")
lacks phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Pentax K-x as a Travel photography camera
Pentax MX-1 as a Travel photography camera
54
better than average battery life (1,900 per charge)
built-in flash
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
low resolution sensor (12MP)
does not have a selfie friendly screen
61
great battery life (290 per charge)
has built in flash
pretty wide (28mm)
great maximum aperture (f1.8)
no Timelapse recording
more heavy than competition (391 grams)
megapixel count low (12MP)
screen is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Pentax K-x
Landscape photography with Pentax MX-1
61
has manual focus
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
better than average battery life (1,900 shots)
small screen (2.7 inches)
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
55
has manual focus
pretty wide (28mm)
great maximum aperture (f1.8)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
delivers RAW formats
great battery life (290 per charge)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/1.7")
no Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-x as a Vlogging camera
Pentax MX-1 as a Vlogging camera
27
image stabilization (Sensor based)
has face detect autofocus
does not have a selfie friendly screen
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have mic support
33
pretty wide (28mm)
great maximum aperture (f1.8)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detect focusing
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
screen is not selfie friendly
no microphone support
more heavy than competition (391 grams)
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Pentax K-x vs Pentax MX-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-x and Pentax MX-1
 Pentax K-xPentax MX-1
General Information
Company Pentax Pentax
Model type Pentax K-x Pentax MX-1
Type Entry-Level DSLR Small Sensor Compact
Revealed 2009-12-23 2013-07-01
Physical type Compact SLR Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Prime -
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C 1/1.7"
Sensor measurements 23.6 x 15.8mm 7.44 x 5.58mm
Sensor surface area 372.9mm² 41.5mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4288 x 2848 4000 x 3000
Highest native ISO 6400 12800
Highest enhanced ISO 12800 -
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points 11 25
Lens
Lens support Pentax KAF2 fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 28-112mm (4.0x)
Maximal aperture - f/1.8-2.5
Macro focusing range - 1cm
Total lenses 151 -
Crop factor 1.5 4.8
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Tilting
Screen sizing 2.7 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 230k dots 920k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen tech TFT LCD monitor TFT LCD with AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror) None
Viewfinder coverage 96 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.57x -
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/6000s 1/8000s
Continuous shutter rate 5.0 frames per second 1.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 16.00 m 12.00 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Speed sync, Trailing Curtain sync
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/180s -
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 580g (1.28 lb) 391g (0.86 lb)
Physical dimensions 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") 122 x 61 x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 72 49
DXO Color Depth rating 22.8 20.4
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.5 11.3
DXO Low light rating 811 208
Other
Battery life 1900 images 290 images
Battery style Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID 4 x AA D-Li-106
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots One One
Pricing at release $600 $400