Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A3000

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony A3000, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the Q-S1 (12MP) and A3000 (20MP) and the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and A3000 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The Q-S1 was manufactured 12 months after the A3000 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A3000 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the Q-S1 matches up vs the A3000 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q-S1 and Sony Alpha A3000. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery and Sony A3000 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax Q-S1 features outer measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony A3000 has sizing of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Check the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony A3000 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the Q-S1 vs the A3000.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the Q-S1 and A3000 is 92 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through specs. The image below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the Q-S1 and A3000.

All in all, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The Q-S1 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Sony A3000 will render greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The fresher Q-S1 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.