Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1
79 Imaging
69 Features
84 Overall
75
92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 21MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.00" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Increase to 204800)
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon Z Mount
- 405g - 128 x 74 x 60mm
- Launched June 2022
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Released August 2014
Photography Glossary Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview
Here is a extended overview of the Nikon Z30 and Pentax Q-S1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the Z30 (21MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the Z30 (APS-C) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor measurements.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe Z30 was brought out 8 years later than the Q-S1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Nikon Z30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the Z30 grades vs the Q-S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Z30 & Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon Z30 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon Z30 over the Pentax Q-S1
| Z30 | Q-S1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | June 2022 | August 2014 | Fresher by 97 months | |
| Display type | Fully Articulated | Fixed | Fully Articulating display | |
| Display resolution | 1040k | 460k | Sharper display (+580k dot) | |
| Selfie screen | Take selfies | |||
| Touch display | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Nikon Z30
| Q-S1 | Z30 |
|---|
Common features in the Nikon Z30 and Pentax Q-S1
| Z30 | Q-S1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus | Very precise focusing | |||
| Display dimensions | 3.00" | 3" | Equal display measurements |
Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and size. The Nikon Z30 features exterior dimensions of 128mm x 74mm x 60mm (5.0" x 2.9" x 2.4") having a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications 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 Nikon Z30 and Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the Z30 against the Q-S1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the Z30 and Q-S1 is 79 and 92 respectively.
Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by researching technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Z30 and Q-S1.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The Z30 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Nikon Z30 will render more detail having its extra 9 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The fresher Z30 will have an advantage in sensor tech.
Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsStreet Comparison
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoSports Comparison
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsTravel Comparison
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideLandscape Comparison
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneVlogging Comparison
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month
Nikon Z30 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications
| Nikon Z30 | Pentax Q-S1 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Make | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model type | Nikon Z30 | Pentax Q-S1 |
| Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Launched | 2022-06-29 | 2014-08-04 |
| Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor Chip | - | Q Engine |
| Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
| Sensor size | APS-C | 1/1.7" |
| Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
| Sensor surface area | 369.0mm² | 41.5mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 21 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 12800 |
| Maximum enhanced ISO | 204800 | - |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW data | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| AF touch | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| Single AF | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| AF center weighted | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detect AF | ||
| Contract detect AF | ||
| Phase detect AF | ||
| Total focus points | 209 | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | Nikon Z | Pentax Q |
| Total lenses | 35 | 8 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 4.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of display | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
| Display diagonal | 3.00 inch | 3 inch |
| Resolution of display | 1,040k dots | 460k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch display | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
| Continuous shutter rate | 11.0fps | 5.0fps |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual mode | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash distance | no built-in flash | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) |
| Flash modes | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, off | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync |
| External flash | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) |
| Maximum video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 405 grams (0.89 lbs) | 203 grams (0.45 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 128 x 74 x 60mm (5.0" x 2.9" x 2.4") | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 330 photographs | 250 photographs |
| Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | EN-EL25 | D-LI68 |
| Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Storage type | - | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Price at release | $650 | $250 |