Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Its time to look much closer at the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the Q-S1 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and NEX-5N (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The Q-S1 was brought out 2 years later than the NEX-5N and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the Q-S1 scores vs the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q-S1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax Q-S1 has got outside dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the Q-S1 against the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Q-S1 and NEX-5N is 92 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The graphic below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the Q-S1 and NEX-5N.

All in all, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The Q-S1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5N will offer you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher Q-S1 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.