The PENTAX MX-1 features a 4X optical zoom lens offering a large maximum aperture of F1.8 to F2.5 and 28mm wide-angle coverage (in the 35mm format).

ENGADGET: Pentax launches brass-bodied MX-1 point-and-shoot: 12MP with 4X zoom (update: now with hands-on photos)

This high performance, interchangeable zoom lens features an F2.8 maximum aperture throughout its entire 15-45mm zoom range and is designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX Q-Mount line of digital cameras.

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When set at maximum aperture and widest angle of view the photographer can use fast shutter speeds in dimly lit locations and take advantage of a beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus) effect in the background.

ENGADGET: Pentax launches brass-bodied MX-1 point-and-shoot: 12MP with 4X zoom (update: now with hands-on photos)

Its newly designed, large-aperture, 4x optical zoom lens (with the maximum aperture of F2.0 at wide-angle end), high-sensitivity, back-illuminated 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor, and sensor-shift Shake Reduction system ensure sharp, high-quality, low-noise images.

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The lens' wide F2 maximum, 9-bladed circular aperture enable beautiful background defocus ('bokeh') effects to rival or exceed professional-class DSLR camera lenses.

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Stopping down, using a smaller aperture like f11, or f16, will give you a maximum depth of field, which can help to show a wider scene like devastation from a tornado.

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