Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73
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92 Imaging
38 Features
54 Overall
44
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Introduced April 2014
- Later Model is Pentax K-3 II
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Introduced August 2014
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview
The following is a complete review of the Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are designed by Pentax. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the K-3 (APS-C) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") possess different sensor sizes.
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The K-3 was announced 3 months before the Q-S1 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the K-3 grades against the Q-S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-3 and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-3 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Pentax Q-S1
K-3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Display resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper display (+577k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Pentax K-3
Q-S1 | K-3 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-3 and Pentax Q-S1
K-3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | April 2014 | ![]() | August 2014 | Same generation |
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither offers selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither offers Touch display |
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-3 offers external measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).
See the Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the K-3 vs the Q-S1.
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Using size and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 and Q-S1 is 59 and 92 respectively.
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison
Often, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by checking out specifications. The image underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the K-3 and Q-S1.
Plainly, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The K-3 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Pentax K-3 will show more detail with its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively.
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder
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Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
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Street Comparison
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Sports Comparison
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Travel Comparison
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Landscape Comparison
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Vlogging Comparison
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications
Pentax K-3 | Pentax Q-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Pentax | Pentax |
Model | Pentax K-3 | Pentax Q-S1 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2014-04-10 | 2014-08-04 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Prime III | Q Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/1.7" |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 7.44 x 5.58mm |
Sensor surface area | 366.6mm² | 41.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 12800 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 27 | - |
Cross focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax Q |
Total lenses | 151 | 8 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 4.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3.2 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 1,037k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 8.0 frames/s | 5.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 800g (1.76 pounds) | 203g (0.45 pounds) |
Dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 80 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.7 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.4 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 1216 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 560 photos | 250 photos |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI90 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage slots | 2 | Single |
Pricing at launch | $639 | $250 |