The 12-million-pixel, 7.8x zoom, model also features a top equivalent ISO of 12,800, raw (DNG) file capture and a claimed 1cm macro mode.

The 3in, 920,000-dot resolution LCD screen is tiltable and the movie mode is Full HD.

The MX-1 is due out next month priced £399.99.Press release, as supplied by Pentax UK:
PENTAX MX-1
All new high-performance digital compact camera
 
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING UK LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX MX-1 digital compact camera. Featuring a four-times optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8 to F2.5 and a 28mm wide-angle coverage (in the 35mm format), the camera delivers sharp, high-quality images and allows photographers to produce beautifully blurred backgrounds for portraiture and still-life photography.
 
The camera also features a 1cm Macro mode to capture dramatic close-up images of a subject from just one centimetre away. An Intelligent Zoom function extends the zoom coverage up to approximately 7.8 times, (for a focal length of approximately 218mm in the 35mm format) without compromising image quality.
 
The MX-1’s high performance assures sharp, well-defined images even when the zoom lens is set at maximum aperture and the widest angle of view, allowing the photographer to use faster shutter speeds in dimly lit locations and take advantage of a beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus) effect in the background.
 
Further enhancing the camera’s performance is a newly designed back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. With a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800 and approximately 12.0 effective megapixels, it boasts remarkable high-sensitivity, low-noise characteristics and high-speed image data readout to deliver super-high-resolution images.
 
The MX-1 also features a state-of-the-art imaging engine. Supported by the latest Super Resolution technology, this engine offers outstanding image-processing performance to produce clear, high-quality images with well-defined details. In addition, its unique Handheld Night snap mode helps photographers capture blur-free night-time images by taking multiple images at one time, then synthesizing them into a single composite picture.
 
Equipped with a large 3.0-inch, tilt-able, high-definition LCD monitor* – the MX-1 allows photographers to adjust the monitor to the easiest viewing angle. It also provides a clear view of menus displayed on the screen for quick, effortless check of recorded images and swift, easy setting changes.
 
Combining state of the art technology with a classic design reminiscent of film cameras, the MX-1 features a textured-rubber grip, and brass top and bottom panels. In addition the camera features a pop up auto flash, along with a number of metallic parts, including a metallic lens ring, to complete the tasteful, high-class retro design finish.
 
The PENTAX MX-1 will be available in Black and Black and Silver from February 2013. RRP. £399.99
 
 
Additional Features
 
1. In-body RAW data development and dedicated exposure compensation dial for SLR operability and RAW DNG data capture
Thanks to a dedicated exposure compensation dial, users can directly access the exposure compensation setting without the need to recall the menu screen. It also features a mode dial for swift, effortless setting of 10 different shooting modes – ranging from the hands-off Auto Picture and the all-purpose Programmed AE, to the more creative Aperture-priority AE, Shutter-priority AE and Metered Manual.
 
What’s more, the MX-1 comes equipped with a host of SLR-standard features to optimise its operability, including advanced user interface functions, easy-to-access controls and in-body RAW data development.
 
2. Dual shake-reduction system to assure sharp, blur-free images
The MX-1’s dual shake-reduction system couples the PENTAX developed sensor-shift SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism with a digital SR mode to effectively compensate for annoying camera shake. This hybrid system enables the photographer to take sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting with incidental light only in poorly lit locations, or photographing sunset scenes.
 
3. Full HD-standard movie recording for extended recording of high-quality movies
The MX-1 features a Full HD movie recording function employing the H.264 recording format to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (with 1920 x 1080 pixels, at a 16:9 aspect ratio, and at a frame rate of 30 frames per second). A dedicated movie recording button on the top panel of the camera, allows users to instantly start recording a movie from any shooting mode.
 
The camera also offers a range of creative movie capture modes – including a High-speed Movie mode** for slow-motion playback and a Time-lapse Movie mode* for fast-forward playback. A micro-HDMI terminal (Type D) is also provided on the camera body for the output of recorded movies and sound to external devices.
 
4. Other features
I.          Remote control sensors on front and back panels
II.        Dual-axial digital level for accurate horizontal and vertical alignment
III.       15 digital filters, including Miniature and Toy Camera, to add creative touches to captured images
IV.    A range of creative image-processing tools including Stretch and Small Face filters and Collage function
V.      A choice of four aspect ratios (4:3, 16:9. 3:2, 1:1) to accommodate specific applications
VI.    SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 LE for PENTAX RICOH IMAGING RAW data development software (designed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included, in addition to in-body RAW data development
VII.   Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards
 
*With approximately 920,000 dots
** In these modes, the recorded size is fixed at VGA dimensions (640 x 480 pixels).