Pentax has announced the arrival of the Pentax MX-1, a camera aimed towards enthusiast photographers.

The Pentax MX-1 features a newly designed 1/1.7″ 12MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor with a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800, while the Pentax MX-1 sports a 4x optical zoom ranging from 28-112mm and a max. aperture range of f/1.8-2.5. The lens also features a 1cm Macro feature for close subject shooting, while Pentax claims the Intelligent Zoom function found on the Pentax MX-1 increases the zoom coverage up to approximately 7.8x (equivalent to 218mm) without compromising image quality.

The Pentax MX-1 features a dual shake-reduction system that couples Pentax’s sensor-shift Shake Reduction (SR) system and a digital SR systems.

At rear is a 3.0in, 920k-dot LCD that can be pulled outwards and angled for waist-level up and raised shooting, though the lack of a hotshoe means you’re very unlikely to be able to attach an optional viewfinder.

The design of the Pentax MX-1 makes reference to Pentax’s heritage, with noticeably retro styling thanks to the metal top, bottom and leather grip in the middle. As the top layer of paint is worn away, expect to see the brass of the top and bottom panels being revealed to produce a pleasing, classic camera look.

There’s a built-in flash nestled in the top-plate, while there’s a mode dial and exposure compensation dial also, though it’s interesting to see the Pentax has shunned including a control ring round the lens, instead favouring a single control dial at the rear to dial in changes.

The Pentax MX-1 is expected to be available in February, with a asking price of £399.