Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax Q-S1

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively similar but the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") use different sensor sizing.

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The SP-590 UZ was introduced 6 years prior to the Q-S1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SP-590 UZ scores versus the Q-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has got external measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the SP-590 UZ compared to the Q-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-590 UZ and Q-S1 is 72 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements only by reading technical specs. The graphic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-590 UZ and Q-S1.

As you can tell, both the cameras have got the exact same MP albeit different sensor measurements. The SP-590 UZ features the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field tougher. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.