Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ |
I got the Woot deal. And I'm liking the MX-1.
I do prefer a hotshoe. But as a fried of mine pointed out, if I am out carrying this camera, the whole point is that I probably would not want to also be carrying a flash unit. Turns out he is right. Furthermore, if I am going to bring a flash, then I often want to bring along additional gear, like a sync cord, umbrella, etc. So realistically, not having a hotshoe is turning out to be not such a serious limitation. For those times, I have the K-5.
I also prefer a traditional optical viewfinder. But there are some benefits to using an LCD, like the ability to use both eyes! The LCD quality is excellent, and has a good tilt feature. I think that using an LCD is just a different shooting experience from using an OVF, something that you just have to get used to, but once you accept it, you can use either. I know about all the OVF vs. EVF vs. LCD debates out there, but as far as I know, nobody has ever been able to use the excuse that they couldn't get the shot because of one or the others.
Contrast this to the Q, which I also have, and enjoy for other reasons. It has a manual zoom, and a hotshoe, if I want to play with lighting. The Q is a lot of fun in its own way. But the MX-1 has, during the last few days of ownership, turned out to be pretty fun too, and in some ways a more practical camera, for its more compact overall dimensions than the Q (with lens), and the excellent tilting LCD screen. I don't want to overstate the image quality since I haven't done any side-by-side tests yet, but it does appear the MX-1 has considerably better image quality than the Q, which is just what the PF In-Depth Reviews say. I could really see taking this around in lieu of the K-5 or the Q when travelling.
Another thing. I love the K-5, but sometimes people just get weirded-out when you point that thing at them. Kids' birthday parties, even my own family gatherings, people just get uptight. I usually don't give a darn, but the MX-1 is almost like holding a little sleeping puppy. I suspect it will earn its keep over the upcoming holiday season.
Another thing. The Woot deal is for the all-black version. I tend to think this looks better with the black lens bezel ring thingy than the black-and-silver MX-1 does, because the bezel ring protrudes over the latter's silver top plate, and to me, based on pictures, this seems to emphasize it's plasticy look. The black has a smoother look to me, classic black understatement, vs. a design that, while it invokes the classic silver MX film body, just slightly misses the mark. Just my personal preference.
One more thing, for $250, you will be amazed how solid feeling this camera is. Like most Pentax products, this thing feels really solid. Makes you feel you got your money's worth.
|
Originally posted by ecruz 
Similar Threads 
