Leica M11 vs Pentax Q-S1

Let's take a closer look at the Leica M11 and Pentax Q-S1, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Leica and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the M11 (60MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the M11 (Full frame) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The M11 was released 7 years after the Q-S1 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the M11 grades vs the Q-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M11 & Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are available at Leica M11 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Leica M11 enjoys exterior dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 39mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 640 grams (1.41 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Leica M11 and Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the M11 against the Q-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M11 and Q-S1 is 76 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specifications. The picture here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the M11 and Q-S1.

To sum up, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The M11 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Leica M11 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 48 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The newer M11 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.