Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1
85 Imaging
65 Features
76 Overall
69


92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 25600)
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Canon EF-M Mount
- 366g - 111 x 68 x 44mm
- Revealed February 2015
- Updated by Canon M6
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Released August 2014

Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview
Following is a comprehensive review of the Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Canon and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the M3 (24MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the M3 (APS-C) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") boast different sensor sizing.

The M3 was brought out 7 months after the Q-S1 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the M3 matches up versus the Q-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS M3 and Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are provided at Canon M3 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon M3 over the Pentax Q-S1
M3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | February 2015 | ![]() | August 2014 | More modern by 7 months |
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Screen resolution | 1040k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+580k dot) |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Canon M3
Q-S1 | M3 |
---|
Common features in the Canon M3 and Pentax Q-S1
M3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More precise focusing | ||
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen measurement |
Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Canon M3 has physical measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 366 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).
Look at the Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the M3 compared to the Q-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the M3 and Q-S1 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison
Often, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through specifications. The image below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the M3 and Q-S1.
Plainly, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The M3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Canon M3 will result in extra detail having its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots more aggressively. The younger M3 provides an edge in sensor technology.

Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon M3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications
Canon EOS M3 | Pentax Q-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Pentax |
Model | Canon EOS M3 | Pentax Q-S1 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2015-02-06 | 2014-08-04 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | DIGIC 6 | Q Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/1.7" |
Sensor dimensions | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
Sensor surface area | 332.3mm² | 41.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
Max boosted ISO | 25600 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 49 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Canon EF-M | Pentax Q |
Available lenses | 23 | 8 |
Crop factor | 1.6 | 4.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 1,040 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic (optional) | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 4.2 frames/s | 5.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m (at ISO 100) | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, on, off, slow synchro | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 366g (0.81 lbs) | 203g (0.45 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 111 x 68 x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 72 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.8 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.8 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 1169 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 250 photographs | 250 photographs |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | LP-E17 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch pricing | $481 | $250 |