Pentax K-30 vs Pentax Q-S1

In this article, we will be comparing the Pentax K-30 vs Pentax Q-S1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are produced by Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the K-30 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the K-30 (APS-C) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") come with different sensor sizes.

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The K-30 was brought out 21 months before the Q-S1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a quick view of how the K-30 matches up against the Q-S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-30 & Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K-30 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-30 has got outside measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) and 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 Pentax K-30 vs Pentax Q-S1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the K-30 compared to the Q-S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-30 and Q-S1 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions purely by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the K-30 and Q-S1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The K-30 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Pentax K-30 will render more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged K-30 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.