Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The SP-100 was revealed 6 months before the Q-S1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SP-100 matches up versus the Q-S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-100 has external dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SP-100 against the Q-S1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and Q-S1 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching a spec sheet. The visual here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and Q-S1.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SP-100 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Olympus SP-100 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively.