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Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q

Portability
55
Imaging
76
Features
82
Overall
78
Pentax K-1 front
 
Pentax Q front
Portability
93
Imaging
35
Features
47
Overall
39

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Key Specs

Pentax K-1
(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
Pentax Q
(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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Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Overview

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.

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The 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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Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Pentax Q

 K-1 Q 
LaunchedFebruary 2016June 2011Fresher by 57 months
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display dimensions3.2"3"Larger display (+0.2")
Display resolution1037k460kClearer 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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q size comparison

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 top view buttons comparison

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.

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q sensor size comparison

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax K-1 as a Portrait photography camera
Pentax Q as a Portrait photography camera
85
has manual focus
sensor resolution is excellent (36 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
offers face detect autofocus
delivers RAW formats
45
has manual focus
high flash sync (1/2,000s)
supports RAW formats
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
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Street Comparison

Pentax K-1 Street photography factors
Pentax Q Street photography factors
70
screen articulates
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
delivers RAW formats
weather proof
very good ISO range (204,800)
more heavy than average in class (1,010g)
69
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
supports RAW formats
lighter than competition (180g)
screen does not articulate
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
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Sports Comparison

Pentax K-1 Sports photography information
Pentax Q Sports photography information
76
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor resolution is excellent (36 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
offers tracking focus
weather proof
comes with phase detect autofocus
low fps (4.4 frames per second)
not so great battery life (760 CIPA)
31
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
provides tracking focus
low frames per second (2.0 fps)
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
not so great battery pack (230 per charge)
does not have phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Pentax K-1 Travel photography details
Pentax Q Travel photography details
53
weather proof
sensor resolution is excellent (36MP)
not so great battery life (760 shots)
more heavy than average in class (1,010 grams)
screen is not selfie friendly
57
lighter than competition (180 grams)
built-in flash
no Time Lapse function
not so great battery pack (230 shots)
low MP (12 megapixels)
display is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Pentax K-1
Landscape photography with Pentax Q
81
has manual focus
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen size is decent (3.2 inch)
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor resolution is excellent (36MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
no low pass filter
very good ISO range (204,800)
delivers RAW formats
weather proof
has double storage slots
not so great battery life (760 shots)
51
has manual focus
switch lenses (Pentax Q mount)
screen is a good size (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
supports RAW formats
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
not so great battery pack (230 shots)
no Time Lapse function
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-1 Vlogging highlights
Pentax Q Vlogging highlights
31
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
offers face detect autofocus
great video quality (1920 x 1080 resolution)
does have microphone port
screen is not selfie friendly
more heavy than average in class (1,010g)
34
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than competition (180g)
display is not selfie friendly
no mic jack
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Pentax K-1 vs Pentax Q Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-1 and Pentax Q
 Pentax K-1Pentax 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