Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1
89 Imaging
52 Features
33 Overall
44


92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- No Video
- 35mm (F2.8) lens
- 306g - 124 x 60 x 32mm
- Launched December 2009
- Refreshed by Leica X2
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Announced August 2014

Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview
Let's take a more detailed look at the Leica X1 and Pentax Q-S1, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Leica and Pentax. The image resolution of the X1 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is very close but the X1 (APS-C) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor measurements.

The X1 was revealed 5 years before the Q-S1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Leica X1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the X1 grades against the Q-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica X1 and Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Leica X1 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica X1 over the Pentax Q-S1
X1 | Q-S1 |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Leica X1
Q-S1 | X1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | August 2014 | ![]() | December 2009 | More modern by 56 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Display resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Leica X1 and Pentax Q-S1
X1 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly display |
Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison
When you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Leica X1 features exterior dimensions of 124mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 306 grams (0.67 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).
Check the Leica X1 and Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the X1 vs the Q-S1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the X1 and Q-S1 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The pic here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the X1 and Q-S1.
As you can see, each of these cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The X1 features the larger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF simpler. The more aged X1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.

Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Leica X1 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications
Leica X1 | Pentax Q-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Leica | Pentax |
Model | Leica X1 | Pentax Q-S1 |
Category | Large Sensor Compact | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2009-12-18 | 2014-08-04 |
Body design | Large Sensor Compact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | Q Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/1.7" |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.9mm² | 41.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4272 x 2856 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | Pentax Q |
Lens focal range | 35mm (1x) | - |
Highest aperture | f/2.8 | - |
Macro focus range | 30cm | - |
Total lenses | - | 8 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 4.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.7 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames/s | 5.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync, Studio | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | - | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) |
Maximum video resolution | None | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | - | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | 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 | 306g (0.67 lb) | 203g (0.45 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 124 x 60 x 32mm (4.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around 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 | - | 250 images |
Battery format | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage slots | One | One |
Cost at launch | $1,495 | $250 |