Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A230

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony A230, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the Q-S1 (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is relatively comparable but the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and A230 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The Q-S1 was revealed 5 years after the A230 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the Q-S1 grades vs the A230 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q-S1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The full galleries are provided at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery & Sony A230 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax Q-S1 offers outer dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sony A230 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Look at the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony A230 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the Q-S1 against the A230.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Q-S1 and A230 is 92 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions merely by checking out a spec sheet. The pic here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the Q-S1 and A230.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The Q-S1 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax Q-S1 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer Q-S1 will have an advantage in sensor tech.