Pentax Q vs Samsung NX5

Its time to examine more closely at the Pentax Q versus Samsung NX5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Pentax and Samsung. The resolution of the Q (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is pretty well matched but the Q (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The Q was brought out 13 months later than the NX5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the Q scores against the NX5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Q and Samsung NX5. The entire galleries are available at Pentax Q Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax Q has got external dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) and the Samsung NX5 has dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

See the Pentax Q versus Samsung NX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the Q vs the NX5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the Q and NX5 is 93 and 80 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Q and NX5.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The Q due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX5 will give more detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher Q will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.