Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V
93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39


90 Imaging
42 Features
50 Overall
45
Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Launched June 2011
- Replacement is Pentax Q10
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-500mm (F3.2-5.8) lens
- 254g - 107 x 62 x 35mm
- Launched July 2012
- Succeeded the Sony HX10V
- Updated by Sony HX30V

Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V Overview
On this page, we are matching up the Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the Q (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The Q was launched 13 months before the HX20V making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.
Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the Q scores vs the HX20V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Q and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are available at Pentax Q Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Sony HX20V
Q | HX20V |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony HX20V over the Pentax Q
HX20V | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | July 2012 | ![]() | June 2011 | Fresher by 13 months |
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper display (+462k dot) |
Common features in the Pentax Q and Sony HX20V
Q | HX20V | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More precise focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal display measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Lacking Touch friendly display |
Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V Physical Comparison
For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Pentax Q features 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) whilst the Sony HX20V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).
Look at the Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the Q vs the HX20V.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the Q and HX20V is 93 and 90 respectively.

Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V Sensor Comparison
Generally, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the Q and HX20V.
As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should anticipate the Sony HX20V to provide extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older Q will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.

Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax Q vs Sony HX20V Specifications
Pentax Q | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
Model | Pentax Q | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Launched | 2011-06-23 | 2012-07-20 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | BIONZ |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 18MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4896 x 3672 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
Lowest native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Number of focus points | 25 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Pentax Q | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | - | 25-500mm (20.0x) |
Max aperture | - | f/3.2-5.8 |
Macro focus range | - | 1cm |
Number of lenses | 8 | - |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 460k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | TFT Color LCD | XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 2.0fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 5.60 m | 7.10 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/2000 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 180 gr (0.40 lbs) | 254 gr (0.56 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") | 107 x 62 x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 47 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 20.2 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.1 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 189 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 photos | 320 photos |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI68 | NP-BG1 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $695 | $397 |