Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-5

Its time to take a closer look at the Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the Q (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the Q (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The Q was released 13 months later than the NEX-5 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the Q matches up vs the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Q and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax Q Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you should take into account its weight and size. The Pentax Q comes with physical measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the Q compared to the NEX-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Q and NEX-5 is 93 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the Q and NEX-5.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The Q due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The younger Q provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.