Pentax WS80 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here, we are analyzing the Pentax WS80 and Pentax Q-S1, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are offered by Pentax. The image resolution of the WS80 (10MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the WS80 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") posses different sensor sizes.

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The WS80 was revealed 6 years earlier than the Q-S1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the WS80 scores vs the Q-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio WS80 & Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax WS80 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax WS80 enjoys outside measurements of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Pentax WS80 and Pentax Q-S1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the WS80 compared to the Q-S1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the WS80 and Q-S1 is 95 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The visual underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the WS80 and Q-S1.

All in all, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The WS80 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax Q-S1 will give extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The older WS80 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.