Leica M8 vs Pentax Q
79 Imaging
49 Features
31 Overall
41
93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Leica M8 vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - APS-H Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 2500
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- No Video
- Leica M Mount
- 591g - 139 x 80 x 37mm
- Launched July 2007
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Released June 2011
- Replacement is Pentax Q10
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Here, we will be evaluating the Leica M8 versus Pentax Q, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Leica and Pentax. The resolution of the M8 (10MP) and the Q (12MP) is relatively comparable but the M8 (APS-H) and Q (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe M8 was brought out 4 years before the Q which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the M8 scores against the Q in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M8 and Pentax Q. The entire galleries are provided at Leica M8 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica M8 over the Pentax Q
| M8 | Q |
|---|
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Leica M8
| Q | M8 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | June 2011 | July 2007 | More modern by 47 months | |
| Screen size | 3" | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.5") | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 230k | Clearer screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Leica M8 and Pentax Q
| M8 | Q | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | More exact focusing | |||
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Absent selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Neither provides Touch friendly screen |
Leica M8 vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
In case you're looking to carry around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Leica M8 provides exterior dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Pentax Q has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Examine the Leica M8 versus Pentax Q in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the M8 versus the Q.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the M8 and Q is 79 and 93 respectively.
Leica M8 vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by checking out a spec sheet. The pic here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and Q.
As you can see, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The M8 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax Q will produce more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged M8 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.
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Leica M8 vs Pentax Q Specifications
| Leica M8 | Pentax Q | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Leica | Pentax |
| Model | Leica M8 | Pentax Q |
| Type | Pro Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Launched | 2007-07-31 | 2011-06-23 |
| Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
| Sensor size | APS-H | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 27 x 18mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor surface area | 486.0mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 10MP | 12MP |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 3936 x 2630 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 2500 | 6400 |
| Minimum native ISO | 160 | 125 |
| RAW data | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch to focus | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| AF single | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detection focusing | ||
| Contract detection focusing | ||
| Phase detection focusing | ||
| Number of focus points | - | 25 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | Leica M | Pentax Q |
| Number of lenses | 59 | 8 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.3 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen sizing | 2.5" | 3" |
| Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Screen technology | - | TFT Color LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Optical (rangefinder) | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 8s | 30s |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/2000s |
| Continuous shutter speed | - | 2.0fps |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash range | no built-in flash | 5.60 m |
| Flash options | Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
| External flash | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash sync | 1/250s | 1/2000s |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | - | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | None | 1920x1080 |
| Video data format | - | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Mic jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 591 grams (1.30 lbs) | 180 grams (0.40 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 139 x 80 x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | 59 | 47 |
| DXO Color Depth score | 21.1 | 20.2 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | 11.3 | 11.1 |
| DXO Low light score | 663 | 189 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 550 photos | 230 photos |
| Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | - | D-LI68 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage media | SD/SDHC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
| Launch pricing | $4,400 | $695 |