Canon R vs Pentax MX-1

The Canon EOS R and the Pentax MX-1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2018 and January 2013. The Canon R is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the MX-1 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (Canon R) and a 1/1.7-inch (MX-1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 30.1 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon R		Pentax MX-1
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon RF mount lenses		28-112mm f/1.8-2.5
30.1 MP, Full Frame Sensor		12 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
4K/30p Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 100-40,000 (50 - 102,400)		ISO 100-12,800
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.2 LCD, 2100k dots		3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
8 shutter flaps per second		1 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
370 shots per battery charge		290 shots per battery charge
139 x 98 x 84 mm, 660 g		122 x 61 x 51 mm, 391 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS R and the Pentax MX-1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon R and the Pentax MX-1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax MX-1 is considerably smaller (45 percent) than the Canon R. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Canon R is splash and dust resistant, while the MX-1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the MX-1 has a lens built in, whereas the Canon R is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

The power pack in the Canon R can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon R	139 mm	98 mm	84 mm	660 g	370	Y	Sep 2018	2,299
2.		Pentax MX-1	122 mm	61 mm	51 mm	391 g	290	n	Jan 2013	499
3.		Canon R6	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	680 g	360	Y	Jul 2020	2,499
4.		Canon 90D	141 mm	105 mm	77 mm	701 g	1300	Y	Aug 2019	1,199
5.		Canon 6D Mark II	144 mm	111 mm	75 mm	765 g	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999
6.		Canon 80D	139 mm	105 mm	79 mm	730 g	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199
7.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549
8.		Canon 6D	145 mm	111 mm	71 mm	770 g	1090	Y	Sep 2012	2,099
9.		Canon G15	107 mm	76 mm	40 mm	352 g	350	n	Sep 2012	499
10.		Fujifilm X20	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	599
11.		Nikon Z6	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	310	Y	Aug 2018	1,999
12.		Nikon D750	141 mm	113 mm	78 mm	750 g	1230	Y	Sep 2014	2,299
13.		Nikon Df	144 mm	110 mm	67 mm	760 g	1400	Y	Nov 2013	2,749
14.		Nikon P7800	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	549
15.		Olympus XZ-2	113 mm	65 mm	48 mm	346 g	340	n	Sep 2012	599
16.		Panasonic GH5s	139 mm	98 mm	87 mm	660 g	440	Y	Jan 2018	2,499
17.		Sony A7 III	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	610	Y	Feb 2018	1,999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The MX-1 was launched at a lower price than the Canon R, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon R features a full frame sensor and the Pentax MX-1 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the MX-1 is 95 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 4.5. The sensor in the Canon R has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the MX-1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 30.1MP, the Canon R offers a higher resolution than the MX-1 (12MP), but the Canon R nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.36μm versus 1.89μm for the MX-1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Canon R is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 7 months) than the MX-1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon R implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Canon R for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 33.6 x 22.4 inches or 85.3 x 56.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 26.9 x 17.9 inches or 68.3 x 45.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 22.4 x 14.9 inches or 56.9 x 37.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax MX-1 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon R has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS R has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 40000, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax MX-1 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the Canon R provides substantially higher image quality than the MX-1, with an overall score that is 40 points higher. This advantage is based on 4.1 bits higher color depth, 2.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 3.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon R	Full Frame	30.1	6720	4480	4K/30p	24.5	13.5	2742	89
2.		Pentax MX-1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	208	49
3.		Canon R6	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4k/60p	24.2	14.3	3394	90
4.		Canon 90D	APS-C	32.3	6960	4640	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon 6D Mark II	Full Frame	26.0	6240	4160	1080/60p	24.4	11.9	2862	85
6.		Canon 80D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.2	1135	79
7.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
8.		Canon 6D	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	1080/30p	23.8	12.1	2340	82
9.		Canon G15	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	19.9	11.5	165	46
10.		Fujifilm X20	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
11.		Nikon Z6	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	25.3	14.3	3299	95
12.		Nikon D750	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	1080/60p	24.8	14.5	2956	93
13.		Nikon Df	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	none	24.6	13.1	3279	89
14.		Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
15.		Olympus XZ-2	1/1.7	11.8	3968	2976	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	216	49
16.		Panasonic GH5s	Four Thirds	9.9	3680	2700	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
17.		Sony A7 III	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.7	3730	96

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Canon R provides a higher video resolution than the MX-1. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Canon R has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the MX-1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon R and Pentax MX-1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon R	3690	Y	3.2	2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	8.0	n	n
2.		Pentax MX-1	none	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/8000s	1.0	Y	Y
3.		Canon R6	3690	n	3.0	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
4.		Canon 90D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	11.0	Y	n
5.		Canon 6D Mark II	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.5	n	n
6.		Canon 80D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	7.0	Y	n
7.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2	Y	Y
8.		Canon 6D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.5	n	n
9.		Canon G15	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.1	Y	Y
10.		Fujifilm X20	optical	n	2.8	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
11.		Nikon Z6	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
12.		Nikon D750	optical	Y	3.2	1229	tilting	n	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
13.		Nikon Df	optical	Y	3.2	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.5	n	n
14.		Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
15.		Olympus XZ-2	optional	n	3.0	920	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.0	Y	Y
16.		Panasonic GH5s	3680	n	3.2	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	n
17.		Sony A7 III	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y

One feature that is present on the Canon R, but is missing on the MX-1 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Canon R is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Canon R and the MX-1 write their files to SDXC cards. The Canon R supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the MX-1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS R and Pentax MX-1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
2.		Pentax MX-1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon R6	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon 90D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
5.		Canon 6D Mark II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon 80D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon G16	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Canon 6D	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Canon G15	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Fujifilm X20	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon Z6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
12.		Nikon D750	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Nikon Df	Y	-	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon P7800	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Olympus XZ-2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic GH5s	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
17.		Sony A7 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the Canon R has a hotshoe, while the MX-1 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

The Canon R is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the MX-1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the MX-1 from Pentax. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Pentax websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon R or the Pentax MX-1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS R:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (30.1 vs 12MP) with a 62% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (40 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (4.1 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.2 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (3.7 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 920k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (370 versus 290) on a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 7 months of technical progress since the MX-1 launch.

Advantages of the Pentax MX-1:

• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the Canon R necessitates an extra lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (122x61mm vs 139x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the Canon R).
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in January 2013).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Canon R is the clear winner of the match-up (28 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon R and the Pentax MX-1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the Canon R and the MX-1 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon R	4/5	o	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2018	2,299
2.		Pentax MX-1	3/5	..	74/100	4/5	4/5	Jan 2013	499
3.		Canon R6	5/5	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2020	2,499
4.		Canon 90D	4/5	+	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2019	1,199
5.		Canon 6D Mark II	4/5	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999
6.		Canon 80D	4/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199
7.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549
8.		Canon 6D	5/5	+ +	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099
9.		Canon G15	4/5	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499
10.		Fujifilm X20	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	599
11.		Nikon Z6	5/5	..	..	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	1,999
12.		Nikon D750	5/5	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	2,299
13.		Nikon Df	4/5	..	81/100	4/5	4/5	Nov 2013	2,749
14.		Nikon P7800	3/5	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549
15.		Olympus XZ-2	4/5	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	599
16.		Panasonic GH5s	..	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2018	2,499
17.		Sony A7 III	..	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Canon R vs Pentax MX-1

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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