Nikon D7200 vs Pentax MX-1

The Nikon D7200 and the Pentax MX-1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in March 2015 and January 2013. The D7200 is a DSLR, while the MX-1 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D7200) and a 1/1.7-inch (MX-1) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24 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

Nikon D7200		Pentax MX-1
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Nikon F mount lenses		28-112mm f/1.8-2.5
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		12 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 102,400)		ISO 100-12,800
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.2 LCD, 1229k dots		3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
6 shutter flaps per second		1 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
1110 shots per battery charge		290 shots per battery charge
136 x 107 x 76 mm, 765 g		122 x 61 x 51 mm, 391 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D7200 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 Nikon D7200 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 measures 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 (49 percent) than the Nikon D7200. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D7200 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 D7200 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D7200 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Nikon D7200	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	1110	Y	Mar 2015	1,199
	Pentax MX-1	122 mm	61 mm	51 mm	391 g	290	n	Jan 2013	499
	Canon 80D	139 mm	105 mm	79 mm	730 g	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199
	Canon G3 X	123 mm	77 mm	105 mm	733 g	300	Y	Jun 2015	999
	Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549
	Canon G15	107 mm	76 mm	40 mm	352 g	350	n	Sep 2012	499
	Fujifilm X20	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	599
	Nikon D7500	136 mm	104 mm	73 mm	720 g	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299
	Nikon D5600	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	465 g	970	n	Nov 2016	699
	Nikon D5	160 mm	159 mm	92 mm	1415 g	3780	Y	Jan 2016	6,499
	Nikon D500	147 mm	115 mm	81 mm	860 g	1240	Y	Jan 2016	1,999
	Nikon D3400	124 mm	98 mm	76 mm	445 g	1200	n	Aug 2016	499
	Nikon D5500	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	420 g	820	n	Jan 2015	899
	Nikon D750	141 mm	113 mm	78 mm	750 g	1230	Y	Sep 2014	2,299
	Nikon D7100	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	950	Y	Feb 2013	1,199
	Nikon P7800	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	549
	Olympus XZ-2	113 mm	65 mm	48 mm	346 g	340	n	Sep 2012	599
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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 D7200, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 Nikon D7200 features an APS-C sensor and the Pentax MX-1 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the MX-1 is 88 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 4.5. The sensor in the D7200 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the MX-1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 24MP, the D7200 offers a higher resolution than the MX-1 (12MP), but the D7200 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 1.89μm for the MX-1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D7200 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 1 month) 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. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D7200 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D7200 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D7200 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 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 Nikon D7200 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax MX-1 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 D7200 provides substantially higher image quality than the MX-1, with an overall score that is 38 points higher. This advantage is based on 4.1 bits higher color depth, 3.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

	Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
	Nikon D7200	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.5	14.6	1333	87
	Pentax MX-1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	208	49
	Canon 80D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.2	1135	79
	Canon G3 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.4	12.3	521	63
	Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
	Canon G15	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	19.9	11.5	165	46
	Fujifilm X20	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
	Nikon D7500	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	24.3	14.0	1483	86
	Nikon D5600	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1306	84
	Nikon D5	Full Frame	20.7	5588	3712	4K/30p	25.1	12.3	2343	88
	Nikon D500	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	24.0	14.0	1324	83
	Nikon D3400	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.8	13.9	1192	86
	Nikon D5500	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1438	84
	Nikon D750	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	1080/60p	24.8	14.5	2956	93
	Nikon D7100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.2	13.7	1256	83
	Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
	Olympus XZ-2	1/1.7	11.8	3968	2976	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	216	49

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D7200 provides a higher frame rate than the MX-1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D7200 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the MX-1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D7200, the Pentax MX-1, and comparable cameras.

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
	Nikon D7200	optical	Y	3.2	1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
	Pentax MX-1	none	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/8000s	1.0	Y	Y
	Canon 80D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	7.0	Y	n
	Canon G3 X	optional	n	3.2	1620	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
	Canon G16	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2	Y	Y
	Canon G15	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.1	Y	Y
	Fujifilm X20	optical	n	2.8	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
	Nikon D7500	optical	Y	3.2	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	8.0	Y	n
	Nikon D5600	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Nikon D5	optical	Y	3.2	2359	fixed	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	n
	Nikon D500	optical	Y	3.2	2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	n
	Nikon D3400	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Nikon D5500	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
	Nikon D750	optical	Y	3.2	1229	tilting	n	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
	Nikon D7100	optical	Y	3.2	1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
	Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
	Olympus XZ-2	optional	n	3.0	920	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.0	Y	Y

One feature that is present on the D7200, 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 Nikon D7200 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D7200 and the MX-1 write their files to SDXC cards. The D7200 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the MX-1 only has one slot. The D7200 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 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 Nikon D7200 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
	Nikon D7200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Pentax MX-1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon 80D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon G3 X	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon G16	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Canon G15	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Fujifilm X20	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon D7500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
	Nikon D5600	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
	Nikon D5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
	Nikon D500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	Y	Y
	Nikon D3400	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	Y
	Nikon D5500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Nikon D750	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Nikon D7100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon P7800	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Olympus XZ-2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the D7200 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.

Both the D7200 and the MX-1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The D7200 was replaced by the Nikon D7500, while the MX-1 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon and Pentax websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon D7200 better than the Pentax MX-1 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D7200:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 12MP) with a 44% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (38 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 (3.3 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.7 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• 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 optical 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 (1229k vs 920k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1110 versus 290) on a single battery charge.
• 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.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the MX-1 launch.

Arguments in favor of the Pentax MX-1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the D7200 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (122x61mm vs 136x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the D7200).
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• 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 D7200 is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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 Nikon D7200 and the Pentax MX-1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D7200 or the MX-1. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	camera   labs	dp review	ephoto   zine	imaging resource	photography   blog	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Nikon D7200	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2015	1,199
	Pentax MX-1	..	74/100	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jan 2013	499
	Canon 80D	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199
	Canon G3 X	+	..	4.5/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999
	Canon G16	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549
	Canon G15	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499
	Fujifilm X20	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	..	5/5	Jan 2013	599
	Nikon D7500	+ +	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299
	Nikon D5600	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699
	Nikon D5	..	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	6,499
	Nikon D500	+ +	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	1,999
	Nikon D3400	+	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499
	Nikon D5500	+	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899
	Nikon D750	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	2,299
	Nikon D7100	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	1,199
	Nikon P7800	..	..	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549
	Olympus XZ-2	+	..	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	599
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. 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: Nikon D7200 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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