Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A390
92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
66 Imaging
53 Features
54 Overall
53
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A390 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
- Revealed August 2014
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Introduced July 2010
- Old Model is Sony A380
Photography Glossary Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A390 Overview
Following is a complete comparison of the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony A390, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the Q-S1 (12MP) and the A390 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and A390 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsThe Q-S1 was introduced 4 years after the A390 which is a fairly serious gap 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 A390 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick summary of how the Q-S1 scores vs the A390 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q-S1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Sony A390
| Q-S1 | A390 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | August 2014 | July 2010 | More modern by 49 months | |
| Screen dimension | 3" | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 230k | Crisper screen (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony A390 over the Pentax Q-S1
| A390 | Q-S1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Tilting | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony A390
| Q-S1 | A390 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Dial precise focus | |||
| Selfie screen | Missing selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A390 Physical Comparison
When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax Q-S1 enjoys outside dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony A390 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony A390 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the Q-S1 against the A390.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the Q-S1 and A390 is 92 and 66 respectively.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A390 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, its tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes purely by going through specs. The pic here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the Q-S1 and A390.
All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The Q-S1 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A390 will provide more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger Q-S1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A390 Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony A390 Specifications
| Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
| Model | Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 |
| Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level DSLR |
| Revealed | 2014-08-04 | 2010-07-28 |
| 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 | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4592 x 3056 |
| Highest native ISO | 12800 | 3200 |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW files | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection focus | ||
| Contract detection focus | ||
| Phase detection focus | ||
| 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 screen | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen sizing | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
| Screen resolution | 460 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch operation | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | - | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.49x |
| Features | ||
| Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
| Continuous shutter rate | 5.0 frames/s | 3.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual mode | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Custom white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash range | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| Flash options | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AEB | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Max flash synchronize | - | 1/160 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) | - |
| Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
| Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
| Mic support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| 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 grams (0.45 pounds) | 549 grams (1.21 pounds) |
| 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 Overall score | not tested | 66 |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.5 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.5 |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | 607 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 250 photographs | 230 photographs |
| Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | D-LI68 | NP-FH50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| Card slots | 1 | 1 |
| Launch cost | $250 | $500 |