Pentax Q vs Sony RX1

Below is a extended analysis of the Pentax Q and Sony RX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the Q (12MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the Q (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The Q was introduced 20 months before the RX1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the Q scores versus the RX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Q & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax Q Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax Q provides external 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 RX1 has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Compare the Pentax Q and Sony RX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the Q and the RX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Q and RX1 is 93 and 79 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The graphic here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the Q and RX1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The Q using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX1 will render greater detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older Q will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.