Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1
82 Imaging
68 Features
58 Overall
64


92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 50000
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Leica L Mount
- 403g - 131 x 78 x 45mm
- Introduced November 2017
(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
- Launched August 2014

Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview
Here is a extended comparison of the Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Leica and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the CL (24MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the CL (APS-C) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor measurements.

The CL was introduced 3 years later than the Q-S1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the CL scores vs the Q-S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica CL and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are available at Leica CL Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica CL over the Pentax Q-S1
CL | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | November 2017 | ![]() | August 2014 | Fresher by 41 months |
Screen resolution | 1040k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+580k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Leica CL
Q-S1 | CL | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very exact focus |
Common features in the Leica CL and Pentax Q-S1
CL | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen measurements |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen |
Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison
If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Leica CL comes with outer measurements of 131mm x 78mm x 45mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 1.8") with a weight of 403 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).
Examine the Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the CL compared to the Q-S1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CL and Q-S1 is 82 and 92 respectively.

Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the CL and Q-S1.
Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The CL having a bigger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Leica CL will give greater detail using its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer CL will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.

Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Leica CL vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications
Leica CL | Pentax Q-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Leica | Pentax |
Model | Leica CL | Pentax Q-S1 |
Class | Advanced Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2017-11-21 | 2014-08-04 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Maestro II | Q Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/1.7" |
Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.7mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
Sensor area | 370.5mm² | 41.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 6014 x 4014 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 50000 | 12800 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 49 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Leica L | Pentax Q |
Number of lenses | 30 | 8 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 4.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3" | 3" |
Display resolution | 1,040 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder resolution | 2,360 thousand dots | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.74x | - |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Fastest quiet shutter speed | 1/25000 secs | - |
Continuous shutter rate | 10.0fps | 5.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | no built-in flash | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) |
Max video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | Yes | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 403 gr (0.89 lbs) | 203 gr (0.45 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 131 x 78 x 45mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 1.8") | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 shots | 250 shots |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | BP-DC12 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported) | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $3,799 | $250 |