Pentax Q-S1 vs Sony RX100 II

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony RX100 II, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the Q-S1 (12MP) and RX100 II (20MP) and the Q-S1 (1/1.7") and RX100 II (1") use different sensor sizes.

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The Q-S1 was launched 14 months after the RX100 II which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the Q-S1 grades versus the RX100 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q-S1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax Q-S1 Gallery & Sony RX100 II Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax Q-S1 has 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 RX100 II has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 38mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 281 grams (0.62 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax Q-S1 and Sony RX100 II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the Q-S1 vs the RX100 II.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Q-S1 and RX100 II is 92 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading through specs. The picture below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the Q-S1 and RX100 II.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The Q-S1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX100 II will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern Q-S1 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.