Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1
86 Imaging
48 Features
60 Overall
52


92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 369g - 122 x 69 x 34mm
- Launched August 2011
- Earlier Model is Olympus E-P2
- Replacement is Olympus E-P5
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Revealed August 2014

Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview
Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax Q-S1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor dimensions.

The E-P3 was brought out 4 years earlier than the Q-S1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-P3 grades against the Q-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-P3 over the Pentax Q-S1
E-P3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 614k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+154k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Olympus E-P3
Q-S1 | E-P3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | August 2014 | ![]() | August 2011 | More modern by 36 months |
Common features in the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax Q-S1
E-P3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen |
Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison
If you're intending to carry around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 has got exterior measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).
Examine the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax Q-S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 against the Q-S1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and Q-S1 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at specs. The image underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and Q-S1.
As you can plainly see, the two cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The E-P3 features the bigger sensor which is going to make getting bokeh easier. The more aged E-P3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.

Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications
Olympus PEN E-P3 | Pentax Q-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Olympus | Pentax |
Model type | Olympus PEN E-P3 | Pentax Q-S1 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2011-08-17 | 2014-08-04 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | TruePic VI | Q Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | 1/1.7" |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 41.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4032 x 3024 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 35 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax Q |
Amount of lenses | 107 | 8 |
Crop factor | 2.1 | 4.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 614 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display technology | 3:2 OLED with Anti-Fingerprint Coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames per second | 5.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 10.00 m (@ ISO 200) | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Wireless, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | AVCHD, Motion JPEG | 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 | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 369 grams (0.81 lbs) | 203 grams (0.45 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 122 x 69 x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 51 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.8 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.1 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 536 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 330 photos | 250 photos |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BLS-5 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail price | $0 | $250 |