Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290
92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
66 Imaging
54 Features
47 Overall
51
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Introduced August 2014
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Revealed June 2010
- Replaced the Sony A230
Photography Glossary Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 Overview
Below, we are analyzing the Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the Q-S1 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very close but the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and A290 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe Q-S1 was launched 4 years after the A290 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the Q-S1 grades against the A290 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Q-S1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Sony A290
| Q-S1 | A290 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revealed | August 2014 |  | June 2010 | More modern by 51 months |
| Display dimension | 3" |  | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
| Display resolution | 460k |  | 230k | Sharper display (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Pentax Q-S1
| A290 | Q-S1 |
|---|
Common features in the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony A290
| Q-S1 | A290 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus |  | Very exact focusing | ||
| Display type | Fixed |  | Fixed | Fixed display |
| Selfie screen |  | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
| Touch display |  | Neither includes Touch display |
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Pentax Q-S1 features outer measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Compare the Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the Q-S1 compared to the A290.
Using size and weight, the portability rating of the Q-S1 and A290 is 92 and 66 respectively.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizes merely by researching specifications. The picture below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the Q-S1 and A290.
Plainly, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The Q-S1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A290 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The fresher Q-S1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 Screen and ViewFinder
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesStreet Comparison
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneSports Comparison
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banTravel Comparison
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsLandscape Comparison
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoVlogging Comparison
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A290 Specifications
| Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Sony |
| Model | Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 |
| Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level DSLR |
| Introduced | 2014-08-04 | 2010-06-09 |
| Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Compact SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor Chip | Q Engine | Bionz |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/1.7" | APS-C |
| Sensor dimensions | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
| Sensor surface area | 41.5mm² | 369.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12MP | 14MP |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Full resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4592 x 3056 |
| Max native ISO | 12800 | 3200 |
| Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW support | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| AF touch | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| Single AF | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| AF center weighted | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detect AF | ||
| Contract detect AF | ||
| Phase detect AF | ||
| Number of focus points | - | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | Pentax Q | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Total lenses | 8 | 143 |
| Focal length multiplier | 4.8 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Display sizing | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
| Resolution of display | 460 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch function | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | - | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.55x |
| Features | ||
| Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
| Highest shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
| Continuous shooting rate | 5.0 frames per second | 3.0 frames per second |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash range | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| Flash modes | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Highest flash synchronize | - | 1/160s |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) | - |
| Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
| Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
| Mic port | ||
| Headphone port | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 203 gr (0.45 lbs) | 549 gr (1.21 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around score | not tested | 66 |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.6 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.5 |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | 615 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 250 photos | 290 photos |
| Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | D-LI68 | NP-FH50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC |
| Card slots | 1 | 1 |
| Price at launch | $250 | $600 |