Pentax K-01 vs Pentax MX-1

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1
      64
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      59
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Pentax K-01 and the Pentax MX-1, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Pentax K-01 was introduced in May 2012 and Pentax MX-1 was introduced in July 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Pentax K-01 Highlights

      • 16 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 81 Focus Points (81 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax MX-1 Highlights

      • 12 MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points (25 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Tilting Screen
      • 1.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pentax K-01
      4. Advantage of Pentax MX-1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax MX-1.

      PROS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz)
      •   Internal Storage

      CONS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 49
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Advantage of Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-01
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-01 over Pentax MX-1.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax MX-1
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/1.7-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 4000 x 3000
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 81 vs 25
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 920k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 1.0 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1135 vs 208
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.7 vs 20.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.9 vs 11.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 79 vs 49
      Speaker Mono vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Longer Battery Life 540 shots vs 290 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-01.

      Pentax K-m
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      APS-C

      10.0 MP

      Pentax K100D
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Pentax K-r
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      APS-C

      12 MP

      Pentax KF
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      APS-C

      24.24 MP

      Pentax Q
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.4 MP

      Sony a7C
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Pentax K-x
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      APS-C

      12.6 MP

      Nikon P500
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Pentax 645Z
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      Medium format

      51.4 MP

      Sigma SD1
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Pentax ist DL2
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Panasonic S5 II X
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax MX-1

      Pentax MX-1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax MX-1 over Pentax K-01.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax MX-1
      Cheaper US: $749, UK: £629, EU: €823 vs $499
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 12,800
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fixed vs Tilting
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Lighter 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) vs 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 75.3 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax MX-1.

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Kodak Z5120
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Fujifilm X-T30 II
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      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Sony a7R III
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pentax K-01 Pentax MX-1
        CheapUS: $749, UK: £629, EU: €823$499
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Type D Mini
      WEAKNESSES Pentax K-01 Pentax MX-1
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        No Viewfinder
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life540 shots290 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Pentax K-01 and Pentax MX-1 have 3.0" screens with 921k dot and 920k dot resolutions respectively. Pentax K-01 has a Fixed screen Pentax MX-1 has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Pentax MX-1 with Tilting screen

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01 features a 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 372.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Pentax MX-1 features a 12 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 31.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800.

      Photography Features

      Pentax K-01 can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4352 x 3264, 4224 x 2816, 4928 x 2776, 4224 x 2376, 3840 x 2880, 3456 x 2304, 3456x1944, 3264 x 3264, 3072 x 2304, 2880 x 2880, 2688 x 1792, 2688 x 1512, 2304 x 2304, 2304 x 1728, 1728 x 1728 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax MX-1 can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3984 x 2656, 3968 x 2232, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 2048, 3072 x 1728, 2592 x 1728, 2560 x 1440, 2048 x 1152 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Pentax K-01 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Pentax K-01 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Pentax MX-1 has a Type D Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Pentax K-01 comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 540 shots and Pentax MX-1 comes with D-Li-106 battery pack with battery life of 290 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Pentax K-01 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Pentax MX-1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K-01, and up to 1/8000 sec on Pentax MX-1. Pentax K-01 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Pentax MX-1 can shoot continuously up to 1.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-01 and 12.00 m on Pentax MX-1. Pentax K-01 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Pentax K-01.

      Physical Parameters

      Pentax K-01 body has dimensions of 122 x 79 x 58 mm (4.8 x 3.11 x 2.28") and Pentax MX-1 body has dimensions of 122 x 61 x 51 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 2.01"). Pentax K-01 weighs 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) and Pentax MX-1 weighs 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz).

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      122 mm

      79 mm

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      122 mm

      61 mm

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      58 mm

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      51 mm

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      Size comparisons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax MX-1

      Pentax K-01 and Pentax MX-1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      GOOD
      81
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      GOOD
      81
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax K-01 and Pentax MX-1 and give them scores of 64 and 59 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 49

      Photo

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      GOOD
      75
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      50
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax MX-1

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 391 g (0.86 lb / 13.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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