Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3
92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43


94 Imaging
33 Features
30 Overall
31
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3 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)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-140mm (F3.5-10.0) lens
- 185g - 97 x 59 x 22mm
- Released January 2009

Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3 Overview
In this article, we are comparing the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony G3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the Q-S1 (12MP) and the G3 (10MP) is very close but the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and G3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

The Q-S1 was revealed 5 years after the G3 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony G3 being a Compact camera.
Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the Q-S1 grades versus the G3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Q-S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3. The full galleries are provided at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery and Sony G3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Sony G3
Q-S1 | G3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | August 2014 | ![]() | January 2009 | Newer by 68 months |
Reasons to pick Sony G3 over the Pentax Q-S1
G3 | Q-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3.5" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper display (+461k dot) |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony G3
Q-S1 | G3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen |
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax Q-S1 has got outer measurements 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 G3 has proportions of 97mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).
See the Pentax Q-S1 versus Sony G3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the Q-S1 and the G3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the Q-S1 and G3 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions simply by looking through specifications. The image here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the Q-S1 and G3.
Plainly, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The Q-S1 using its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Pentax Q-S1 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher Q-S1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.

Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony G3 Specifications
Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2014-08-04 | 2009-01-08 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Q Engine | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 41.5mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 10 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax Q | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | - | 35-140mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | - | f/3.5-10.0 |
Available lenses | 8 | - |
Focal length multiplier | 4.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3.5 inches |
Display resolution | 460k dots | 921k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 1 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/1000 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | 5.0 frames per second | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) | 4.30 m (Auto ISO) |
Flash settings | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p) | 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
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 | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 203 grams (0.45 pounds) | 185 grams (0.41 pounds) |
Dimensions | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") | 97 x 59 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 250 pictures | - |
Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | D-LI68 | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, Internal |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Retail cost | $250 | $200 |