Pentax MX-1 Hands-On Field Test
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- The MX-1's design reminds us of the great Pentax cameras of old. The Camera Store's Chris Niccolls takes a look at this new camera to see how well the classic design melds with current digital technology.
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Shot and edited by Jordan Drake
Filmed on the Sony FS700
I'm visiting this after 7 years. It sounds like a great camera now.
Yeah, i bought one recently it is awesome
I got my MX-1 in 2013 and is still going on recording concerts as this gem does a GREAT job at it.
I've taken more photos with the MX-1 than with all my DSLRs combined.
This little buddy is superb.
Wow, that is great to hear! I am considering buying a Pentax MX-1, but have a newer iPhone, the XS. On paper, they have the same specs. Do you think the MX-1 will deliver better results?
Dennis Crommett they did not have the same spec. Yes, both are 12mp but mx1 got a bit bigger sensor. To answer your question, do you shoot raw with your iphone and then edit it? If yes, then you’ll benefit from xm1. If not, just stay with iphone because it got good image processing.
@@denniscrommett the lens is way more flexible and high quality on the MX-1 though. I don't know if the iPhone have In-Body Image Stabilization or not but the MX-1 does have it.
3 years later, I'm still shooting with this little warrior. It continues to be a great compact buddy of my 6D gear.
I started using my MX-1 in 2024. Still good!
I'd go with the X20 for its viewfinder and image quality, unless you do a lot of macro, where the Pentax's tilt screen and close focusing abilities are superior.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
The best hidden jewel in the industry this camera is AMAZING! I have used over a dozen premium point and shoot cameras and the MX-1 is far above anything I have ever used
Wow, that is great to hear! I am considering buying a Pentax MX-1, but have a newer iPhone, the XS. On paper, they have the same specs. Do you think the MX-1 will deliver better results?
@@denniscrommett get the Mx
1 to safe your phone battery
This was filmed on the Sony FS700, my current favourite camera.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
I just bought this camera not long ago and this review is right on the mark!
I think the fast autofocus and image stabilization is the key to what let's this camera take very amazing high quality photos even though other cameras may have larger sensors. If you like to take macro shots you'll love this camera since it can do no only macro but super-macro at 1cm.
Don't forget this camera, although not mentioned, also has a internal ND Filter, for cutting back glare and accentuating colors!!
Excellent camera, really good features I've enjoyed in these last 15 months. Very good lens, good response (not as fast as a DSLR of course!), usable tiltable screen, good colors, video recording is good for concerts! the sound doesn't distort and the autofocus has worked well in the occasions I've used it. I've taking thousand of pics and I'm very happy with my purchase.
One of the complains would be that when shoting in RAW it takes a couple of seconds to save to my class 10 SD card.
Have had mine for quite some time now. Wanted a backup camera for what was then my main camera, the k20d. And I had to say, I was impressed immediately with this cameras low light performance, and the back screen was better than the dslr's.
I have moved up to a k-3 DSLR, but my trusty little MX-1 is still my backup, or my tag along camera for days when I do not want to drag its bigger brother around. And the little camera has so many nice features, that it still often surprises me with the quality of the shots it gives me, very well worth getting, even now with so many newer compacts coming out. Very satisfied with it.
The RX100 still has better image quality, it's the king of the compacts right now. That said, the MX-1 is quite a bit less expensive, has a tilt screen, and far superior macro capabilities.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
"Some manufacturers have the bad habit of marking their lenses not with their true focal length, but with the focal length of the equivalent lens on a full frame (24 x 36 mm) camera. This is confusing.* Pentax doesn't belong to that camp; they mark their lenses correctly (i.e. with the true focal length)."
Read more at: www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/table-of-equivalent-focal-lengths.html#page_#ixzz3UZ7UgfFU
+olafreinhardweyer Considering the large number of different sensor sizes used in compact cameras, I can only consider giving the FF equivalent a GOOD habit rather than a bad one. Took me ages to calculate the zoom range of different compact cameras my grandfather was interested in, digging around for crop factors on the manufacturer's websites ...
We've got some plans for some educational videos in the near future. With all the new cameras constantly coming out, it's tough to get to other types of videos as well.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
It certainly would have helped. I think vintage designs make a lot of sense for a smaller company with a lot of history.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
This review makes me wanna get one PENTAX MX-1 !!!!!! GOOD JOB
Get one. Little too heavy but quality is excellent.
Justsome Bloke i like heavy cameras. if its to light, it feels cheap.
I am after one as I have a Pentax Q and love what I can get from it. So even today I would love this camera to my collection.
The Macro capability of this is insane. 1cm focus distance.
They don't really talk to us.
8 years later...if anyone here wants to sell me their mx-1, send me a pm 😆
Very informative. Considering this cam for travel. Your review was very influential. Ixne on the K-01 comments, as you were unable to think out of the box. Think again. Work within the K-01's clear limitations and you will be surprised. I grade your review on the MX-1 a B+ when compared to others on line. In any case, I enjoyed the review.
Bought a used one in 12/17.
Love it. Love the macro, too.
Ricoh was stupid to drop the model.
The brassing thing is so b.s. Is cited too much in reviews...
Wishing that it had a mic. external plug.
Picked up a $7 Pentax clearance padded mini-shoulder bag.
I had a play with the MX-1 at CES (vid on that is already up) and I'm meeting up with the Local Aussie Pentax folks in a couple of days to snatch up the first MX-1 to hit our shores to put it through its paces myself. Really looking forward to it. And your comments are falling pretty much right in line with my brief experience and expectations.
Also a bit jelly that you beat me to it ;P
Filming it today.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
I'm disappointed that theres no manual focusing ring like the X10/20. Great little cameras but lacked in good manul focus, I didn't enjoy trying to focus using the dial with the Fuji at all. I wished they had that manual focus ring :(
Yes.
Calls MX-1 bulky brick. Calls A7 'pocket-sized.' Hrm.
Just bought one. Love the design
can you guys talk some sense into drtv, they have been moving away from sensible and funny reviews and videos to eerrr...crap.
Chris your impression of Kai was brilliant though ;)
thanx for this Pentax marketing clip... since Pentax don´t seem to be able to advertise products for themselves all that well ;)
It´s really good to see, that Pentax got this MX-1 right. They´ve always made good cameras and back in the film days there was nothing better out on the market than the ME and ME-super. I just wish they´d make something like the ME-super nawadays with a full frame sensor and affordable lenses. I´d buy one...
Nice video, but I keep thinking your store needs to carry Olympus. I realize this is probably nixed by the relationship with other manufacturers, but the real comparison for this camera might be the Oly XZ-2, or even the E-PL5, or a E-PM2. These are about the same price point, with a larger 43rd sensor, interchangeable lenses (other than XZ), and allow for an evf. I've used many Pentax cameras (digital and film), but wonder if an OIy comparison might be needed. Cheers.
The relatively big flange focal length of the K-mount will only effect a camera's depth. Therefore, from the front and rear it is possible to make a K-mount mirrorless or DSLR the same size (if not smaller than) as this MX-1. Just take a look at the 35mm Pentax ME which is actually smaller than this 1/1.7 sensor MX-1!
There must be a way to make something like a ME-D, a Pentax DSLR with the same styling and size as the original ME. Can you imagine a FF DSLR smaller than a MFT mirrorless?!
Is it ALWAYS winter in Calgary and surrounding areas? lol Whenever I watch TCSTV reviews it seems that Calgary is in some state of coldness.
I'm surprised at how the Pentax MX-1 has performed here. Normally I don't take much notice of Pentax's hardware (except for the K-30 which is pretty good). Excellent review.
good old times... I saw one on eBay listing for above 400 EUR :P
Maybe the X20 as well? Better, a premium compact comparison with at least X20 and RX100 - but you could add the LX7, XZ-2 and the Canons. Tests with IQ, Bokeh on the tele-end/portrait, video, handles, etc.
Yes, looking at the specs and pics, doesn't mx-1 and zx-2 have the very same lens??
I believe the flange focal length of the k-mount lenses wouldn't have allowed for a smaller body on the K-01. I think their mistake was putting a P&S sensor in the Q.
I’ve been on a retro p&s kick lately, using my Fuji X20 a lot. Going to look into this one!
Its a pity Pentax didn't make the K-01 look more like the MX-1. It would have been a much better looking camera and got a lot more sales.
Thanks! Can you do a video on the best camera in Auto mode? I get asked every day, "I'm going to buy a camera for my wife\grandpa\poodle, what is the best camera?" I never know what to say because the best cameras that would fit in their pocket are always tweaker cameras that only photography nerds like me can use effectively. I know they all take pretty good pictures right out of the box in Auto mode, but can you do a shootout or something for the best Auto mode pocket camera for grandma?
I'm really conufsed about buying one of these four cameras. (All Below £700)
Pentax K5iis OR Fuji x20 OR Panasonic GH2 OR Oly OM-D?
I prefer Interchangeable Lens/Optical Viewfinder/External Mic/Supports 24p for Short Film/Street Photography. (No DSLR for me)
Hi there, I wonder if you (all?) could help me with a question:
As background, I've always had some type of point-and-shoot camera, but only recently have used "professional" cameras, with a Fuji X-T1 at my workplace, which I've learned to use with practice and a bunch of Googling.
Currently (July 2020), I'm drawn to this Pentax MX-1, and I know it's supposed to be quite a marvel.
I'm curious, though: on paper, both the MX-1 and my iPhone XS have a 12MP, 1/1.7" sensor, and get as wide as f1.8. Since I don't have all the money in the world, I'm having trouble convincing myself that the MX-1 is worth the purchase, except for the shooting experience (which I know is a huge thing), and the ability to control more parameters from the get-go. I anticipate starting on "auto pict" mode and learning from there (though I have dabbled with Aperture Priority on the X-T1).
All things being equal (meaning, my shooting abilities), will the MX-1 turn out better images in a way I don't yet understand?
I'd be grateful to hear any thoughts in either direction. Thank you!
What are your thoughts on this versus the Olympus xz-2? Seem like almost identical cameras?
Can do some tips and tricks for different cameras u have..? (Not review of cameras..)
So what's a non-vintage equivalent of this Pentax?
Should be lighter (plastic instead of brass) and have a viewfinder maybe...
- probably a Panasonic or Sony...
Oops, did not mean to say the Oly ZX is a 43rd sensor. The XZ is a 1/1.7.
can you review panny 12-35mm and 35-100mm 2.8? maybe vs the canicon lens..
The K-01 does take k mount lenses. The Q takes the much smaller lens.
Another excellent review!
Could be tempted by one but used they seem rare sadly.
your really the best. Now tell me what best camera I should buy.
Hey, what would you recommend? the canon 7d. or the nikon d7000.
I actually used this review to purchase my MX-1 upon it's initial release last February...used it in my month-long vacation in Greece and Italy without issues. Loving it for a first time Pentax-user (been a Canon user since 2000). Thanks for the review.
Wow, thanks for such a speedy reply. I was desperately searching for this answer. Keep up the great work and thanks again. Greetings from NY.
Thinking of selling my 1100D and getting a high end compact. I'm not sure what to get though, either the MX-1, because I've heard a lot about it being a pleasure to use (which means I'll be more inclined to pick it up all the time), or the slightly more sensible/boring and also cheaper X10. Will I be making a massive mistake getting up the Pentax? Also, a bit worried I'll miss the narrow depth of field of a 1.8 lens on my Canon. Any opinions?
Super nice review - I went with the Fuji X20 - super super nice - much better looking and lighter and has viewfinder, nice IQ, super fast focus and larger sensor, of course in ultra compact the Sony RX100 is king which I also have but you get good stuff from Pentax - just looks fail them over and over. For that size body give us a larger sensor or longer zoom range and even a viewfinder - I suspect the MX-1 will not be a top seller. So MX-1 is till a good value for the Pentax fans
I've been downloading tons of samples from all the 1/1.7" compacts like the LX7, G15, XZ-2 and MX-1. And I have to say the MX-1 images just look sharper, and with nicer colors than the others. Only the XZ-2 is very competitive for IQ, but it's much more expensive, and it doesn't have the retro goodness. For all compacts, the X20 may rule for the OVF and large sensor. But the tradeoff there is no tilt LCD and more money.
Hi guys, assuming that you might've had some hands-on time with the upcoming X20, how do the 2 cameras measure up in low-light focusing, dynamic range, expected price and just basic usability. Kind of keen on the X20 as a pocket carry-everywhere camera, but I do have a soft spot of Pentax, but the Fuji colors are oh so nice!
Pro's and Con's between the two would be nice with some comparison in stills and vid quality, perhaps? Thanks and keep up the great work with your Vids!!
If you had to pick between this and the Fujifilm X20 which would you pick?
they are running out of steam. alambi is the only one that is actually funny (see the strobist blog post about his visit with them) and without her it would be two boring chinese guys going "bokeh!" over and over again. I like Kai and I watch their show pretty regularly, but I have to admit that their older episodes were a lot better. They did do a good job of emulating top gear.
Really look forward to your Fuji X20 video - will it come close to the Sony RX100 - your reviews are always great - The Pentax is like you said either a brick or you dig it's looks.
Pentax makes pretty good stuff but really suffers in the looks - that goes for so many of their models - such a shame as their prices are not bad -
The MX-1 doesn't look worse than the X20, it just doesn't have a VF. But IQ is about as good as the X20. Files from the X20 are noisier than the X10 and JPEGs are far worse. The MX-1 just as good high ISO ability as the larger sensor X20, with far better JPEGs.
Great Reviews! Any chance you gonna review Pentax K-5 II-s anytime soon ?
There aren't many good reviews online..
Since you are in Canada maybe some cold weather /snow test would make sense ;)
Thanks for the always awesome reviews. They have always been very informative. You certainly are ahead of DRTV now. Cheers from Toronto.
Great review. There's something special about Pentax cameras. Just wish the company would show video people a little more love.(read manual control. None on this camera or the K5II)
excellent review as always....been a little while since your last upload
Would love to see a review of the M 240 and the 50 AA, maybe even 50 AA vs 50 Lux.
not all of us live near a store that carries Leica =/
No hotshoe. nooooooo! i live my k1. Lol.
Hey, Promise me no matter where life takes us we'll always be friends. Send this to ten people (including me) or lose something big tonight.
You probably already know this, but the Olympus XZ-2 addresses two of your big gripes about the MX-1: It has a dedicated hot shoe and a front control ring. It doesn't have the sweet retro look of the MX-1 though, or the direct exposure comp. dial. But the ability to take an SLR-style dedicated flash really puts the Olympus above the competition (except Canon G) for dynamic indoor photography.
XZ-2 is better than G series but not G1X series. The lens on XZ-2 and MX-1 is probably best in this class, only camera I could think having a better lens would be Lumix LX7.
Asad Malik I don't know if the LX7 has a "better" lens. Wider, and a little faster at the telephoto end, but not as long. "Better" on XZ-2 vs. Canon G and G1X is also relative. The Canons are easier to handle, on account of their larger size, and have easier access to certain features due to having discrete controls for more things. But the XZ-2 is more compact. I also love Olympus' Art Filters, esp. Grainy B&W and Dramatic Tone.
Great review. Being a Pentaxian myself, it is great that they have brought out a proper enthusiast compact. I agree about the hotshoe, something that has been missed. Shame though that it came 12 months too late for me, as I bought the LX-5 back then. Still I may still consider getting one as I do like the Pentax approach to cameras.
Please review the Pentax K5-IIs, I wanna buy that camera but I wanna be sure about some specs of that camera, please review it!
Good review...
What about a MX-1 vs. P7700?
Would you chose this camera over the Sony RX-1?
I don't pit DRTV versus TCS, sue me UA-camrs.
Why don't you guys post more review, you guys mach far superior reviews than any other youtube channel.
And don't forget the new Sigma DP3 Merrill!!!
Nice video once again!
Any chance of seeing a video about the Fuji X100S in the near future ?
Glad to see Pentax doing some good again. Glad to see Pentax in general.
nikon d5200 Hands-On Field Test plss :)
MX-1 is amazing
I also have pre-production , well AF speed
Sony RX100 or the Pentax MX-1
Just picked one up because I’m tired of my micro four thirds kit and not happy with any of the now mostly non-existent options for small but high quality cameras. Loving every moment of using the mx-1 and the quality is very high
is the Pen-F not good enough?
adding background music will be much better
FINALLY...a real camera review. Nice work.
Add the hotshoe and EVF and you'll have a real winner here.
which is better, fuji x100s or pentax mx1 ? I am planning to buy either.
I live to watch TheCameraStoreTV and DigitalRev videos.
Should I go for the Pentax, a leica x1 or a Ricoh grii ? I'm right now looking at cameras in the 300$ category. I do really love be the format of this camera. The brass body and the screen. But does it fall back to much because it's smaller censor?
I'm curious about the same thing! Have you made any more discoveries in the past 6 months since posting this? I'm trying to decide whether to buy the MX-1 or just stick with my iPhone XS, which on paper has the same specs.
@@denniscrommett it ended with me buying the Ricoh grII. I love it it takes great pictures, but I'm sure it doesn't have the same soul and feel as the Pentax. But since I read that it really shows that the Pentax has both a smaller censor and an very aged software (which affects the lights and color in the photos) I just couldn't bring myself to buy an camera just for the gimmick, if I head a better economic stand I'm sure it would look different. And I would still love to own that Pentax some day.
@@denniscrommett oh and just rememberd that the speed of the camera was the last thing that made me decide to get a newer camera. Because really really I would probably be fine with the Pentax and it specs, since I'm an absolute amateur and its most important thing is person who takes the photos. But you can't really compare speed in a newer camera, and the older Pentax.
Thank you Jordan. I look forward to Chris's review as I am interested in purchasing the camera.
Great review! Thanks for doing it.
This or the fuji x20? That is the question?
Do you even x100, leica x2, fujifilm x30?
sgtoconor
too expensive of options, and mx-1 beats x20 hands down in image qualiity
Excellent review as usual - thanks!
Can i set it up so when i tap the screen once it will focus on where i tap and take a photo?
RX-100
"1.8 to 2.5" :O Thats Bananas!
dff
Hey TCS, why are you guys so awesome?
Yep, waiting for D5200