Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-3N
92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
89 Imaging
57 Features
52 Overall
55
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-3N 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
- Revealed August 2014
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 200 - 16000
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 269g - 110 x 62 x 35mm
- Revealed February 2013
- Old Model is Sony NEX-F3
- Updated by Sony a5000
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On this page, we will be comparing the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony NEX-3N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Pentax and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the Q-S1 (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and NEX-3N (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe Q-S1 was unveiled 18 months after the NEX-3N which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the Q-S1 grades vs the NEX-3N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q-S1 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are available at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Sony NEX-3N
| Q-S1 | NEX-3N | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revealed | August 2014 | February 2013 | More modern by 18 months |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-3N over the Pentax Q-S1
| NEX-3N | Q-S1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Tilting | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony NEX-3N
| Q-S1 | NEX-3N | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual focus | Dial exact focus | |||
| Screen dimensions | 3" | 3" | Equal screen sizing | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 460k | Identical screen resolution | |
| Selfie screen | Neither includes selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Lack of Touch friendly screen |
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-3N Physical Comparison
If you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax Q-S1 features outer dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony NEX-3N in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the Q-S1 vs the NEX-3N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Q-S1 and NEX-3N is 92 and 89 respectively.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-3N Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading through a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the Q-S1 and NEX-3N.
As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The Q-S1 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Sony NEX-3N will give you greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The newer Q-S1 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-3N Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-3N Specifications
| Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha NEX-3N | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Company | Pentax | Sony |
| Model | Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha NEX-3N |
| Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Revealed | 2014-08-04 | 2013-02-25 |
| Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | Q Engine | Bionz |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | 1/1.7" | APS-C |
| Sensor measurements | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
| Sensor area | 41.5mm² | 366.6mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12MP | 16MP |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Full resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4912 x 3264 |
| Max native ISO | 12800 | 16000 |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 200 |
| RAW format | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Center weighted autofocus | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detect autofocus | ||
| Contract detect autofocus | ||
| Phase detect autofocus | ||
| Number of focus points | - | 25 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mounting type | Pentax Q | Sony E |
| Number of lenses | 8 | 121 |
| Crop factor | 4.8 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Display sizing | 3" | 3" |
| Resolution of display | 460 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch capability | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
| Continuous shooting speed | 5.0 frames/s | 4.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Custom white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash range | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) | - |
| Flash settings | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync | - |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Maximum flash sync | - | 1/160s |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) | 1920 x 1080 |
| Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
| Microphone jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment seal | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 203 grams (0.45 pounds) | 269 grams (0.59 pounds) |
| Physical dimensions | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") | 110 x 62 x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around score | not tested | 74 |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.8 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 12.5 |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | 1067 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 250 photos | 480 photos |
| Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | D-LI68 | NPFW50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | - |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Storage slots | Single | Single |
| Cost at launch | $250 | $399 |