Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q
92 Imaging
40 Features
56 Overall
46


93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 197g - 102 x 61 x 30mm
- Revealed June 2013
- Renewed by Nikon 1 S2
(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
- Launched June 2011
- Renewed by Pentax Q10

Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q Overview
Here, we will be comparing the Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the 1 S1 (10MP) and the Q (12MP) is pretty close but the 1 S1 (1") and Q (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

The 1 S1 was introduced 2 years after the Q which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the 1 S1 grades vs the Q with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 S1 and Pentax Q. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 S1 over the Pentax Q
1 S1 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | June 2013 | ![]() | June 2011 | More modern by 25 months |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Nikon 1 S1
Q | 1 S1 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon 1 S1 and Pentax Q
1 S1 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen measurement |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither offers Touch friendly screen |
Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 S1 offers outer measurements of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Pentax Q has sizing of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Look at the Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the 1 S1 and the Q.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 S1 and Q is 92 and 93 respectively.

Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by researching specs. The image underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 S1 and Q.
All in all, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 1 S1 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Pentax Q will render more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer 1 S1 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.

Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 S1 vs Pentax Q Specifications
Nikon 1 S1 | Pentax Q | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon 1 S1 | Pentax Q |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2013-06-21 | 2011-06-23 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 116.2mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 125 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 135 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon 1 | Pentax Q |
Number of lenses | 13 | 8 |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 460 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Highest quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 seconds | - |
Continuous shooting speed | 15.0fps | 2.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/60 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 1072 x 720 (60 fps) 640 x 240 (400), 320 x 120 (1200) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | 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 | 197 grams (0.43 lb) | 180 grams (0.40 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 102 x 61 x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 56 | 47 |
DXO Color Depth score | 21.4 | 20.2 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.1 | 11.1 |
DXO Low light score | 397 | 189 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 photos | 230 photos |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL20 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Price at launch | $231 | $695 |