Skip to product overview

Pentax MX-1 Point & Shoot Camera

The Pentax MX-1 is a 12MP 1/1.7 inch compact camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Pentax MX-1 Point & Shoot Camera

Pentax MX-1 Point & Shoot Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Pentax MX-1 is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Pentax MX-1 sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Pentax MX-1 on GearFocus

Camera Overview — Pentax MX-1

The Pentax MX-1 is a premium point-and-shoot compact camera built around a 12MP, 1/1.7-inch sensor and dressed in a distinctive body featuring brass top and bottom plates — a nod to classic camera craftsmanship rarely seen in the digital compact segment. Measuring 122.5 x 60 x 51.5 mm and weighing 363g, it sits on the heavier side for a compact, which reflects that premium metal construction. The camera features a 3.0-inch tilting LCD with a sharp 920,000-dot resolution, giving shooters the flexibility to frame shots from awkward angles without contorting themselves.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is built in, helping manage camera shake in low light or at longer focal lengths. Video capabilities reach up to 1080p at 30fps, with additional options at 720p/60fps and VGA at 120fps for slow-motion capture. ISO sensitivity spans from 100 to 12800, providing a wide exposure range across lighting conditions.

Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and the camera connects via USB and Mini HDMI for playback on external displays. A built-in pop-up flash handles fill-light duties, and autofocus is handled by a contrast-detection system. The rechargeable D-LI106 Li-ion battery keeps things running.

Key Features — Pentax MX-1

Brass Top & Bottom Plates: Metal construction with brass top and bottom panels gives the MX-1 a premium, classic feel uncommon in modern digital compacts.

1/1.7-Inch 12MP Sensor: Larger-than-typical compact sensor captures more light and detail than standard point-and-shoot cameras.

Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in OIS compensates for camera shake in low light or at the telephoto end of the zoom range.

3.0-Inch Tilting LCD: 920,000-dot articulating screen lets you shoot from high or low angles without guessing the framing.

ISO 100–12800 Range: Wide sensitivity range allows shooting in dim environments while retaining the option for clean, base-ISO images in good light.

1080p Video with Slow-Motion: Records full HD at 30fps and offers 720p/60fps and high-frame-rate options at lower resolutions for slow-motion playback.

Camera Specifications — Pentax MX-1

Pentax MX-1 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/1.7 inch
Resolution12MP
ISO Range100 – 12800
AF SystemContrast Detection
Max Photo Resolution4000x3000
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Image StabilizationOptical (OIS)
Display3.0 inch Tilting LCD
Display Resolution920,000 dots

Description — Pentax MX-1

The Pentax MX-1 point-and-shoot camera combines premium materials with solid imaging capability in a compact form factor. Its body is distinguished by brass top and bottom plates, giving it a weight of 363g and a build quality that stands out from typical plastic-bodied compacts — all within 122.5 x 60 x 51.5 mm dimensions. The 12MP, 1/1.7-inch sensor captures stills at up to 4000x3000 pixels, while Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps keep shots sharp.

The 3.0-inch tilting LCD with 920,000-dot resolution makes it easy to compose from high or low angles with clarity. For video, the MX-1 supports 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60fps, and VGA at 120fps. ISO sensitivity runs from 100 to 12800.

A built-in pop-up flash handles fill lighting, and the camera stores images on SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards. Output options include Mini HDMI and USB connectivity. The autofocus system uses contrast detection, and the battery is the rechargeable D-LI106 Li-ion type.

Pros — Pentax MX-1

  • ✓Distinctive brass top and bottom plate construction sets it apart from typical plastic compact bodies
  • ✓Tilting 3.0-inch LCD with 920,000-dot resolution enables flexible, high-clarity framing
  • ✓Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce camera shake without relying on digital processing

Cons — Pentax MX-1

  • ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in rain or dusty environments
  • ✗Contrast-detection autofocus only, with no subject tracking or eye tracking
  • ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer

Reviews — Pentax MX-1

Videos — Pentax MX-1

Pentax MX-1 Review - Worlds Best Value Compact? (+ RX100 Vs MX1 ) — Blunty

Resources & Downloads — Pentax MX-1

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Pentax MX-1

What sensor size does the Pentax MX-1 use?+
The MX-1 uses a 1/1.7-inch sensor with a 12MP resolution. This is a relatively large sensor for the point-and-shoot category, capturing images at a maximum resolution of 4000x3000 pixels.
Does the Pentax MX-1 have image stabilization?+
Yes, the MX-1 is equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Note that neither in-body IS nor digital IS is active — the stabilization is purely optical.
What video resolutions and frame rates does the MX-1 support?+
The MX-1 records video at up to 1080p/30fps, and also supports 720p/60fps and VGA/120fps. The VGA/120fps mode enables slow-motion playback capabilities.
Can I connect the Pentax MX-1 to a TV or monitor?+
Yes, the camera includes a Mini HDMI output for connecting to external displays. It also has USB connectivity, though it does not support USB-C.
Is the Pentax MX-1 weather-sealed?+
No, the MX-1 has no weather sealing. Care should be taken to avoid exposing it to moisture, rain, or heavy dust.
What memory cards are compatible with the Pentax MX-1?+
The MX-1 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, giving you broad compatibility with both older and modern storage media.

Similar to Pentax MX-1

Loading similar products...