Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q-S1

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.

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.

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.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 and Q-S1 is 59 and 92 respectively.

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.