Pentax Q vs Sony QX1

Following is a extended overview of the Pentax Q and Sony QX1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Lens-style by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the Q (12MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the Q (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The Q was announced 4 years before the QX1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the Q matches up versus the QX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Q and Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax Q Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax Q comes with exterior 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 QX1 has sizing of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") with a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check the Pentax Q and Sony QX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the Q and the QX1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the Q and QX1 is 93 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by researching technical specs. The image underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the Q and QX1.

As you can tell, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The Q with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony QX1 will result in more detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged Q will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.