Pentax MX-1 vs Leica X1

The Pentax MX-1 and the Leica X1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2013 and September 2009. Both the MX-1 and the X1 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/1.7-inch (MX-1) and an APS-C (X1) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 12.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Pentax MX-1		Leica X1
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28-112mm f/1.8-2.5		36mm f/2.8
12 MP – 1/1.7" sensor		12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video		no Video
ISO 100-12,800		ISO 100-3,200
No viewfinder, LCD framing		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 920k dots		2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
1 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		no shake reduction
290 shots per battery charge		260 shots per battery charge
122 x 61 x 51 mm, 391 g		124 x 60 x 32 mm, 306 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax MX-1 and the Leica X1? 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 Pentax MX-1 and the Leica X1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the MX-1 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax MX-1 and the Leica X1 are of equal size. However, the X1 is markedly lighter (22 percent) than the MX-1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the MX-1 nor the X1 are weather-sealed.

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.		Pentax MX-1	122 mm	61 mm	51 mm	391 g	290	n	Jan 2013	499	ebay.com
2.		Leica X1	124 mm	60 mm	32 mm	306 g	260	n	Sep 2009	1,995	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549	ebay.com
4.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449	ebay.com
5.		Canon G15	107 mm	76 mm	40 mm	352 g	350	n	Sep 2012	499	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X30	119 mm	72 mm	60 mm	423 g	470	n	Aug 2014	599	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X20	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	599	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X10	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	350 g	270	n	Sep 2011	599	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X100	126 mm	75 mm	54 mm	445 g	300	n	Sep 2010	1,199	ebay.com
10.		Leica D-LUX 6	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Sep 2012	699	ebay.com
11.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	1,995	ebay.com
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Sep 2010	699	ebay.com
13.		Nikon P7800	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	549	ebay.com
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	116 mm	87 mm	57 mm	402 g	410	n	Oct 2013	699	ebay.com
15.		Olympus XZ-2	113 mm	65 mm	48 mm	346 g	340	n	Sep 2012	599	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic LF1	103 mm	62 mm	28 mm	192 g	250	n	Apr 2013	499	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic LX5	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Jul 2010	499	ebay.com
Note: 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 markedly lower price (by 75 percent) than the X1, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax MX-1 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Leica X1 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X1 is 760 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.5 and 1.5. The sensor in the MX-1 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 12.2MP, the X1 offers a higher resolution than the MX-1 (12MP), but the X1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.51μm versus 1.89μm for the MX-1) due to its larger sensor. However, the MX-1 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 3 months) than the X1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The Pentax MX-1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X1 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

#		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Pentax MX-1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	208	49
2.		Leica X1	APS-C	12.2	4272	2856	none	22.6	11.8	1037	69
3.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
4.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
5.		Canon G15	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	19.9	11.5	165	46
6.		Fujifilm X30	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.4	11.2	-312	49
7.		Fujifilm X20	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.1	10.9	-462	46
8.		Fujifilm X10	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.5	11.3	245	50
9.		Fujifilm X100	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/30p	22.9	12.4	1001	73
10.		Leica D-LUX 6	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	19.8	10.8	-303	43
11.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/60p	19.5	10.4	-583	39
13.		Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	1/1.7	11.8	3968	2976	1080/30p	20.7	11.6	179	51
15.		Olympus XZ-2	1/1.7	11.8	3968	2976	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	216	49
16.		Panasonic LF1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.8	11.6	211	52
17.		Panasonic LX5	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/60p	19.6	10.8	132	41
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The MX-1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X1 does not. The highest resolution format that the MX-1 can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The MX-1 and the X1 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Pentax MX-1 and Leica X1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

#		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Pentax MX-1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/8000s	1.0/s	Y	Y
2.		Leica X1	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	3.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2/s	Y	Y
4.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon G15	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.1/s	Y	Y
6.		Fujifilm X30	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
7.		Fujifilm X20	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
8.		Fujifilm X10	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
9.		Fujifilm X100	1440	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
10.		Leica D-LUX 6	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
11.		Leica X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
13.		Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0 / 921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	Y
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	1440	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	7.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Olympus XZ-2	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Panasonic LF1	200	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
17.		Panasonic LX5	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The MX-1 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X1 comes with a built-in prime. The MX-1 has a 28-112mm f/1.8-2.5 optic and the X1 offers a 36mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Pentax provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Leica. The MX-1 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The MX-1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X1 uses SDHC 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 Pentax MX-1 and Leica X1 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 Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Pentax MX-1	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Leica X1	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon G16	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Canon S120	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Canon G15	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X30	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X20	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Fujifilm X10	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Fujifilm X100	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Leica D-LUX 6	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Leica X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon P7800	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Olympus XZ-2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic LF1	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Panasonic LX5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the X1 has a hotshoe, which makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun. The MX-1 does not feature such an accessory-socket.

Both the MX-1 and the X1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X1 was replaced by the Leica X2, while the MX-1 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the MX-1 and X1 can be found, respectively, in the Pentax MX-1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X1 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Pentax MX-1 better than the Leica X1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Pentax MX-1:

• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/2.8).
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (290 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (75 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 3 months of technical progress since the X1 launch.

Arguments in favor of the Leica X1:

• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 85g or 22 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2009).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the MX-1 emerges as the winner of the contest (11 : 9 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 Pentax MX-1 and the Leica X1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact 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 MX-1 and the X1 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], digitalcameraworld [DCW], 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	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Pentax MX-1	3/5	..	..	74/100	4/5	4/5	Jan 2013	499	ebay.com
2.		Leica X1	3/5	..	..	+	..	4/5	Sep 2009	1,995	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549	ebay.com
4.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449	ebay.com
5.		Canon G15	4/5	+	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X30	4/5	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	599	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X20	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	599	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X10	..	..	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	599	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X100	3/5	..	..	75/100	4/5	5/5	Sep 2010	1,199	ebay.com
10.		Leica D-LUX 6	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Sep 2012	699	ebay.com
11.		Leica X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	1,995	ebay.com
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2010	699	ebay.com
13.		Nikon P7800	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549	ebay.com
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	699	ebay.com
15.		Olympus XZ-2	4/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	599	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic LF1	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic LX5	4/5	+	..	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	499	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check X1 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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