Pentax W80 vs Sony QX1

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Pentax W80 vs Sony QX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Lens-style by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the W80 (12MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the W80 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The W80 was announced 6 years prior to the QX1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the W80 matches up vs the QX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio W80 and Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax W80 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax W80 offers outside dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst 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 W80 vs Sony QX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the W80 compared to the QX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the W80 and QX1 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The visual here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the W80 and QX1.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The W80 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony QX1 will give you more detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images far more aggressively. The older W80 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.