Pentax Q vs Sony HX30V

Here is a complete comparison of the Pentax Q vs Sony HX30V, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the Q (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The Q was introduced 8 months before the HX30V so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the Q scores vs the HX30V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Q & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are available at Pentax Q Gallery & Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax Q enjoys outside measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has sizing of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Examine the Pentax Q vs Sony HX30V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the Q compared to the HX30V.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the Q and HX30V is 93 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The graphic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the Q and HX30V.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You can expect the Sony HX30V to render greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older Q will be behind in sensor innovation.