Pentax RS1500 vs Sony QX1

Following is a thorough assessment of the Pentax RS1500 versus Sony QX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Lens-style by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the RS1500 (14MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the RS1500 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The RS1500 was brought out 4 years earlier than the QX1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the RS1500 grades versus the QX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio RS1500 and Sony Alpha QX1. The entire galleries are available at Pentax RS1500 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax RS1500 enjoys outside dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony QX1 has measurements of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") and a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Look at the Pentax RS1500 versus Sony QX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the RS1500 against the QX1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the RS1500 and QX1 is 93 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The image below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the RS1500 and QX1.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The RS1500 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony QX1 will produce extra detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged RS1500 will be behind in sensor innovation.