Pentax K-5 IIs vs Pentax Q-S1

Below, we will be analyzing the Pentax K-5 IIs and Pentax Q-S1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the K-5 IIs (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the K-5 IIs (APS-C) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The K-5 IIs was announced 14 months earlier than the Q-S1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the K-5 IIs scores against the Q-S1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-5 IIs and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Pentax K-5 IIs has outer measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Pentax K-5 IIs and Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the K-5 IIs against the Q-S1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the K-5 IIs and Q-S1 is 60 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over specs. The graphic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the K-5 IIs and Q-S1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The K-5 IIs using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax K-5 IIs will offer greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older K-5 IIs is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.