Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30
92 Imaging
37 Features
54 Overall
43
91 Imaging
44 Features
37 Overall
41
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- 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)
- 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- " Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-720mm (F3.5-6.3) lens
- 193g - 68 x 65 x 58mm
- Released September 2014
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Here, we will be matching up the Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the Q-S1 (12MP) and QX30 (20MP) and the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and QX30 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe Q-S1 was unveiled very close to the QX30 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.
Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the Q-S1 scores versus the QX30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
Photography Glossary Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q-S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Sony QX30
| Q-S1 | QX30 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus | More accurate focus | |||
| Screen size | 3" | " | Bigger screen (+3") | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 0k | Crisper screen (+460k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony QX30 over the Pentax Q-S1
| QX30 | Q-S1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touch screen | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony QX30
| Q-S1 | QX30 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | August 2014 | September 2014 | Same generation | |
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Neither offers selfie screen |
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30 Physical Comparison
When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Pentax Q-S1 offers external 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 QX30 has specifications of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).
Compare the Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the Q-S1 vs the QX30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Q-S1 and QX30 is 92 and 91 respectively.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the Q-S1 and QX30.
As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The Q-S1 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Sony QX30 will show extra detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively.
Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30 Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony QX30 Specifications
| Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
| Model | Pentax Q-S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30 |
| Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Lens-style |
| Released | 2014-08-04 | 2014-09-03 |
| Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Lens-style |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor Chip | Q Engine | Bionz X |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
| Sensor size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor surface area | 41.5mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 20 megapixels |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 5184 x 3888 |
| Highest native ISO | 12800 | 3200 |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
| RAW support | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch focus | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| Single AF | ||
| Tracking AF | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detection AF | ||
| Contract detection AF | ||
| Phase detection AF | ||
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | Pentax Q | fixed lens |
| Lens focal range | - | 24-720mm (30.0x) |
| Max aperture | - | f/3.5-6.3 |
| Total lenses | 8 | - |
| Crop factor | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen sizing | 3" | - |
| Resolution of screen | 460k dots | 0k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch friendly | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
| Continuous shutter rate | 5.0 frames/s | 10.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
| Set WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash range | 4.90 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
| Flash options | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync | None |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| 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 (60p, 30p) |
| Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
| Mic support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | Built-In |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 203g (0.45 lb) | 193g (0.43 lb) |
| Physical dimensions | 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") | 68 x 65 x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 250 shots | 200 shots |
| Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | D-LI68 | NP-BN, |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2, 10 secs) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC, Memory Stick Micro |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Cost at release | $250 | $348 |