Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5
92 Imaging
38 Features
54 Overall
44
![Pentax Q-S1 front Pentax Q-S1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-Q-S1/Pentax-Q-S1-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha NEX-5 front Sony Alpha NEX-5 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-NEX-5/Sony-NEX-5-front.jpg)
89 Imaging
54 Features
58 Overall
55
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 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
- Released August 2014
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 287g - 111 x 59 x 38mm
- Launched June 2010
- Newer Model is Sony NEX-5N
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Overview
Lets examine more closely at the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the Q-S1 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very similar but the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
The Q-S1 was introduced 4 years later than the NEX-5 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the Q-S1 matches up vs the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Q-S1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Sony NEX-5
Q-S1 | NEX-5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | August 2014 | ![]() | June 2010 | More recent by 51 months |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5 over the Pentax Q-S1
NEX-5 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display resolution | 920k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper display (+460k dot) |
Common features in the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony NEX-5
Q-S1 | NEX-5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly display |
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Physical Comparison
If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax Q-S1 features 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) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).
Take a look at the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the Q-S1 vs the NEX-5.
![Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 size comparison Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-Q-S1-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Q-S1 and NEX-5 is 92 and 89 respectively.
![Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 top view buttons comparison Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-Q-S1-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specs. The graphic here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the Q-S1 and NEX-5.
As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The Q-S1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will offer you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The newer Q-S1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.
![Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 sensor size comparison Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Pentax-Q-S1-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Screen and ViewFinder
![Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-Q-S1-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-5-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5 Specifications
Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha NEX-5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Alpha NEX-5 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Released | 2014-08-04 | 2010-06-07 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Q Engine | Bionz |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/1.7" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 41.5mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4592 x 3056 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | - | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Pentax Q | Sony E |
Total lenses | 8 | 121 |
Crop factor | 4.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 460 thousand dots | 920 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 5.0 frames per second | 7.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m |
Flash settings | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | - | 1/160 seconds |
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) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD |
Microphone 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 | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 203g (0.45 pounds) | 287g (0.63 pounds) |
Dimensions | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") | 111 x 59 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 69 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 22.2 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 796 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 250 images | 330 images |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI68 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $250 | $599 |