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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
versus
Leica X1
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 stabilizationno shake reduction
290 shots per battery charge260 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.

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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.

Size Pentax MX-1 vs Leica X1
Compare MX-1 versus X1 top
Comparison MX-1 or X1 rear

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.

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Body Specifications
  empty 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 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 449ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 599ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X30 119 mm 72 mm 60 mm 423 g 470 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X100 126 mm 75 mm 54 mm 445 g 300 n Sep 2010 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 699ebay.com
11.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 699ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon P7800 119 mm 78 mm 50 mm 399 g 350 n Sep 2013 549ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus Stylus 1 116 mm 87 mm 57 mm 402 g 410 n Oct 2013 699ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus XZ-2 113 mm 65 mm 48 mm 346 g 340 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LF1 103 mm 62 mm 28 mm 192 g 250 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

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.

Pentax MX-1 and Leica X1 sensor measures

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.

MX-1 versus X1 MP

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.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty 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 30001080/30p20.411.320849
2.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
3.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
4.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
5.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
6.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
7.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
8.
 
Fujifilm X30 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.411.2-31249
9.
 
Fujifilm X100 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/30p22.912.4100173
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
11.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
12.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
13.
 
Nikon P7800 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/30p21.211.720054
14.
 
Olympus Stylus 1 1/1.7 11.8 3968 29761080/30p20.711.617951
15.
 
Olympus XZ-2 1/1.7 11.8 3968 29761080/30p20.411.321649
16.
 
Panasonic LF1 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.811.621152
17.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
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.

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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.

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Core Features
  empty 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-1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/8000s 1.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Fujifilm X302360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Fujifilm X1001440 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
11.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon P7800921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus Stylus 11440 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Olympus XZ-2optional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/2000s 5.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Panasonic LF1200 n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 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.

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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.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty 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--mini2.0---
2.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
8.
 
Fujifilm X30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X100Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon P7800Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Olympus Stylus 1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Olympus XZ-2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic LF1-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
17.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

MX-1 11:09 X1

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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax MX-13/5....74/1004/54/5 Jan 2013 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 449ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 599ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X304/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X1003/5....75/1004/55/5 Sep 2010 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 699ebay.com
11.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 699ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon P78003/5......4/54.5/5 Sep 2013 549ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus Stylus 1..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 699ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus XZ-24/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LF13/5+....4/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.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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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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    Specifications: Pentax MX-1 vs Leica X1

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Pentax MX-1 Leica X1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-112mm f/1.8-2.5 36mm f/2.8
    Launch Date January 2013 September 2009
    Launch Price USD 499 USD 1,995
    Sensor Specs Pentax MX-1 Leica X1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.6 x 5.7 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 43.32 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.5 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 4.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 4272 x 2856 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.89 μm 5.51 μm
    Pixel Density 27.70 MP/cm2 3.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 49 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.4 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 208 ..
    Screen Specs Pentax MX-1 Leica X1
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Pentax MX-1 Leica X1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 1 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationno handshake reduction
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Pentax MX-1 Leica X1
    External Flash no Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Pentax MX-1 Leica X1
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI106 Leica BP-DC8
    Battery Life (CIPA)290 shots per charge260 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 122 x 61 x 51 mm
    (4.8 x 2.4 x 2.0 in)
    124 x 60 x 32 mm
    (4.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 391 g (13.8 oz) 306 g (10.8 oz)
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    Check X1 offers at
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