Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q
55 Imaging
75 Features
82 Overall
77
93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 100 - 204800
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 1010g - 137 x 110 x 86mm
- Launched February 2016
- Renewed by Pentax K-1 II
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Launched June 2011
- New Model is Pentax Q10
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Here is a in depth overview of the Pentax K-1 and Pentax Q, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both produced by Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and Q (12MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and Q (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe K-1 was announced 4 years later than the Q and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the K-1 grades vs the Q in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
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Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-1 & Pentax Q. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-1 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Pentax Q
| K-1 | Q | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | February 2016 | June 2011 | Fresher by 57 months | |
| Display type | Fully Articulated | Fixed | Fully Articulating display | |
| Display dimensions | 3.2" | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") | |
| Display resolution | 1037k | 460k | Clearer display (+577k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Pentax K-1
| Q | K-1 |
|---|
Common features in the Pentax K-1 and Pentax Q
| K-1 | Q | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus | Very accurate focus | |||
| Selfie screen | Neither features selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly display | Neither features Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to carry your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") having a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) while the Pentax Q has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax K-1 and Pentax Q in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the K-1 and the Q.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the K-1 and Q is 55 and 93 respectively.
Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the K-1 and Q.
As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The K-1 with its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Pentax K-1 will deliver extra detail with its extra 24MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The younger K-1 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.
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Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Specifications
| Pentax K-1 | Pentax Q | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand Name | Pentax | Pentax |
| Model type | Pentax K-1 | Pentax Q |
| Type | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Launched | 2016-02-17 | 2011-06-23 |
| Body design | Mid-size SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | Full frame | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 35.9 x 24mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor surface area | 861.6mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 36 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 204800 | 6400 |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 125 |
| RAW format | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Autofocus continuous | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Multi area autofocus | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detect autofocus | ||
| Contract detect autofocus | ||
| Phase detect autofocus | ||
| Total focus points | 33 | 25 |
| Cross type focus points | 25 | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens support | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax Q |
| Total lenses | 151 | 8 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Display type | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
| Display size | 3.2" | 3" |
| Resolution of display | 1,037 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch operation | ||
| Display technology | - | TFT Color LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% | - |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | - |
| Features | ||
| Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
| Continuous shutter speed | 4.4fps | 2.0fps |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Custom white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash distance | no built-in flash | 5.60 m |
| Flash options | Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AEB | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Max flash sync | 1/200 secs | 1/2000 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) | 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 format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Mic input | ||
| Headphone input | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | Built-in | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 1010g (2.23 lbs) | 180g (0.40 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 137 x 110 x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | 96 | 47 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | 25.4 | 20.2 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | 14.6 | 11.1 |
| DXO Low light rating | 3280 | 189 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 760 images | 230 images |
| Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | D-LI90 | D-LI68 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage media | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage slots | Dual | 1 |
| Retail cost | $1,499 | $695 |