PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. Announces the new PENTAX MX-1 compact digital camera with a quadruple zoom lens with apertures from F/1.8 to F/2.5. With its high aperture ratio, the camera allows you to take crisp, high-quality photos in low-light conditions, as well as a nice blur of the background in portraits or object photography.
The PENTAX MX-1 features a quad zoom lens with a fast F/1.8-F/2.5 maximum aperture and a wide 28 mm angle 35 mm equivalent . The high quality of the optics enables crisp, detailed images to be taken even at the maximum aperture at the wide-angle setting, enabling photographers to use slower shutter speeds in low light, and to achieve a beautiful out-of-focus blur bokeh effect .
The MX-1 also has a 1cm Macro mode that lets you take impressive close-ups of your subject from just 1cm away, as well as an Intelligent Zoom that lets you increase the zoom magnification to about 7.8x to a focal length of roughly 218mm in 35mm-equivalent without sacrificing image quality.
Back-lit CMOS sensor enhances image quality at higher ISO sensitivities
MX-1 uses a new 1/1.7 inch backlit CMOS image sensor. The highest possible ISO sensitivity of 12800, coupled with a large sensor size and modest 12MP resolution, delivers beautiful, sharp images with very low digital noise.
Sensor also offers high speed data readout, enabling powerful data processing and the most effective noise reduction algorithms.
The MX-1 is also equipped with a state-of-the-art graphics processor. Using the latest Super Resolution technology, it produces sharp, high-quality images with rich details. In addition, the unique Night Handheld Shooting mode helps photographers take blur-free pictures, capturing several images at a single press of the shutter, then combining them into a single shot.
Classic film style design
With a textured rubber grip, bottom plate and top plate in brass, the MX-1 has the look and feel of a traditional film camera. The camera also features a number of metallic details, including a lens ring, to complement the stylish, premium finish of the body.
Convenient and responsive exposure control, RAW data recording
Featuring a toothed dial for exposure control, the MX-1 offers convenient and quick access to settings without the need for an on-screen menu. Also features a classic dial mode selector that lets you quickly and easily switch between 10 shooting modes, from non-intrusive “Auto Picture” and multi-tasking auto P program modes to creative aperture priority Av, shutter speed Sv, and fully manual M modes.
As a result, the photographer can instantly select the mode for the shooting situation, giving him or her unmatched creative freedom. Moreover, the MX-1 is equipped with many functions that are standard in SLR cameras and provide excellent ergonomics, including flexible user interface settings, easy-to-use controls and in-camera RAW converter.
Dual stabilization system for sharp images
The camera’s dual image stabilization system combines the PENTAX-designed SR Shake Reduction mechanism that uses sensor shake with digital image stabilization to more effectively counteract the inevitable camera shake when shooting handheld.
This hybrid system gives photographers a sharp, blur-free shot even in demanding conditions such as long focal lengths, flash-less, low-light shooting.
Large, swiveling LCD monitor
MX-1 features a large 3-inch high-definition LCD monitor with a resolution of approximately 920,000 dots. Its swivel design allows the photographer to tilt the monitor up and down, setting the angle for the most comfortable viewing. It also provides a high-quality display of images and menus, allowing you to quickly and easily view the resulting images, as well as easily and accurately make changes to settings.
Full HD video for recording high-quality movies
Because the MX-1 is capable of recording Full HD video in H.264 format, you can shoot high-quality, long-form video 1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 30 frames per second . Dedicated movie-record button on top of the camera for instant movie start from any shooting mode.
Also offers creative video modes – including high-speed movies* for slow motion effects and Time Lapse Movie for fast-paced playback* – for an immersive, engaging way to watch your footage later. Micro-HDMI Type D connector on the camera makes it possible to play back recorded videos and audio on external devices.
* In these modes, video shooting is only possible in VGA 640 x 480 pixels format. .
Other features
1. Automatic bounce flash
2. Remote control sensors on front and back of camera body
3. Dual-axis digital level for accurate horizontal and vertical alignment
4. 15 digital filters, including Miniature and Camera Editor, for creative image processing
5. A range of creative image processing features, including Stretch and Face Reduction filters and a Collage function
6. A choice of four aspect ratios 4:3, 16:9. 3:2, 1:1 for a variety of creative ideas
7. SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3 software.0 LE for PENTAX RICOH IMAGING for RAW image processing developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory included, in addition to the built-in RAW conversion function
8. Compatible with Eye-Fi technology on SD memory cards
Does the high aperture ratio of the PENTAX MX-1 quad zoom camera provide excellent low-light performance for capturing clear and detailed night photos?