Comparing Sony’s QX1 and A6300: A Deep Dive Into Two Unique APS-C Cameras

In the diverse landscape of Sony’s APS-C sensor cameras, the Sony QX1 and the Sony A6300 stand out for very different reasons. One is an intriguingly unconventional lens-style camera released back in 2014, and the other, a powerhouse mirrorless system camera from 2016 that earned praise for its hybrid capabilities. Having personally tested both extensively over my 15+ years of evaluating camera gear, I’m excited to bring you a side-by-side comparison rooted in hands-on experience and technical expertise. We’ll cover everything from sensor and image quality to autofocus and ergonomics - and crucially, how each performs across real-world photography styles and shooting conditions.

Let’s get into it.

Form Factor and Handling: Two Worlds Collide

The Sony QX1 is one of the more unusual entries in Sony’s lineup - often described as a lens-style camera. It’s essentially a compact APS-C sensor module designed to pair wirelessly with smartphones, forming a hybrid shooting system. The lack of a traditional viewfinder or built-in screen means this is a camera that relies heavily on your phone’s display, making it a niche choice for those wanting full-frame-like sensors but smartphone-style convenience.

In contrast, the Sony A6300 is a conventional mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) with a well-thought-out body that fits comfortably in the hand with traditional camera controls.

Physically, the QX1’s dimensions (74x70x53mm) and light 216g weight make it extremely compact, but this comes at the cost of ergonomics and physical controls. If you crave a tactile shooting experience with buttons, dials, and a good grip, the QX1 isn’t going to satisfy - its design forces you onto the touchscreen of a smartphone or tablet for interface control.

On the other hand, the A6300’s 120x67x49mm size and 404g weight are typical for advanced mirrorless cameras - large enough to offer solid handling and comfortable grip, yet compact enough for travel. The layout includes a dedicated mode dial, an array of buttons, and customizable controls, enhancing fast manual operation - a feature that I found pivotal for professional workflows and situations requiring quick adjustments.

The QX1's minimalist button setup contrasts sharply with the A6300’s more traditional layout, complete with a tilting 3-inch LCD and a crisp 2359k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). This configuration makes the A6300 vastly superior for hands-on shooting without carrying extra devices.

Verdict: If you value compactness and smartphone integration over handling, the QX1’s design might appeal. But for most photographers wanting a standalone system with superior ergonomics, the A6300 wins outright.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Brilliance Versus APS-C Pragmatism

Both cameras pack APS-C CMOS sensors, but they differ in resolution, sensor technology, and image processing.

The QX1 sports a 20MP Sony Exmor APS-C sensor, sized 23.2x15.4mm, whereas the A6300 upgrades to a 24MP sensor at 23.5x15.6mm. This might look like a minor bump on paper, but in reality, the A6300’s sensor benefits from newer design improvements - yielding better dynamic range, lower noise at high ISO, and enhanced color depth.

According to DxO Mark benchmarks and personal tests, the A6300 scores an overall 85, with a color depth of 24.4 bits, dynamic range around 13.7 EV, and excellent low-light performance (ISO 1437 low-light score). The QX1 was not tested by DxO Mark, but user feedback and practical observations place it behind the A6300 in noise control and dynamic range.

In practical terms:

• Portraits: The A6300 provides smoother gradations in skin tones and finer detail retention. Its better sensor and image processor combination offers much cleaner results at ISO up to 3200, making it easier to shoot indoors without harsh noise.

• Landscape: The extra dynamic range on the A6300 allows for more recovery of shadow and highlight detail. Additionally, its slightly higher resolution gives more detail when cropping or printing large.

• Low Light & Night Photography: The A6300 dominates here, with cleaner images at ISO ~6400 and beyond, opening doors for night scenes and astro work. The QX1 ISO performance limits it to much lower native ISO range (max 16000 nominal, but noisy when pushed).

Verdict: While both cameras share the APS-C sensor size, the older 20MP QX1 sensor shows its age, especially against the more advanced A6300. Image quality, especially in challenging light, heavily favors the A6300.

Autofocus: Contrast Detection Versus Hybrid Phase + Contrast

Sony’s autofocus technology evolves rapidly, and this is one of the most striking points of difference.

The QX1 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 25 focus points, a face detection mode, and basic selective-area AF. However, it lacks any phase detection pixels or sophisticated tracking modes, which means autofocus can feel slower and hunt more in low contrast or moving subjects.

In contrast, the A6300 is equipped with Sony’s cutting-edge (for its time) 425-point hybrid AF system, combining phase-detection AF points across the sensor and contrast detection for accuracy. This system provides impressive tracking ability, fast acquisition times, and excellent precision - something I confirmed in my field tests with moving subjects like wildlife and sports.

• Continuous autofocus and face detection are smooth and reliable on the A6300.

• The QX1 does not support continuous AF in burst modes, and face detection can be inconsistent, limiting its use for action or unpredictable subjects.

Verdict: The A6300 clearly outshines the QX1 in autofocus speed, accuracy, and reliability. For anyone shooting wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects, the A6300’s AF system is a critical advantage.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Mechanics

The A6300 offers continuous shooting up to 11 fps with autofocus on, and its mechanical shutter supports speeds up to 1/4000 sec as well as an electronic shutter option. This capability is essential for sports and wildlife photographers who need to capture fleeting moments.

The QX1 is more modest, with only 4 fps continuous shooting and no electronic shutter. Its fastest shutter speed is also 1/4000 sec, but the absence of electronic silent shutter and slower burst rates limits its performance in action photography.

Moreover, the A6300’s shutter mechanism seems more durable and responsive - essential for heavier use scenarios.

Video Capabilities: 4K Versus 1080p Fundamentals

If video is on your radar, the A6300 offers significant advantages.

• Sony A6300 delivers 4K UHD video at 30p/24p with full pixel readout without pixel binning, leading to high detail video quality.

• Additional frame rates like 1080p at 120 fps enable excellent slow-motion capability.

• It supports professional video codecs including XAVC-S and has a microphone input for external audio capture - a boon for vloggers and indie filmmakers.

• There’s an HDMI port for clean 4K output and optional external recorder support.

Conversely, the QX1 is capped at 1080p Full HD video at 30p with MPEG-4 encoding, limited frame rate options, no microphone input, and no headphone jack. This restricts flexibility and audio quality control.

Verdict: The A6300 is a much more capable video tool with advanced recording and audio features. For video shooters, the QX1 is not a compelling choice.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

For professionals and serious enthusiasts, durability counts.

The A6300 features magnesium alloy body construction and partial weather sealing (resistance against dust and moisture), allowing more confidence shooting outdoors in variable conditions.

The QX1, by comparison, offers no weather sealing and a light lens-style build that feels more fragile and less resilient long-term.

Built-In Features: Displays, Viewfinders, and Wireless

The QX1 has no built-in viewfinder and no rear LCD screen. The user relies entirely on a paired smartphone for composition, live view, and settings adjustments. While this design lends extreme compactness, it can introduce lag, connectivity challenges, and awkward framing, especially in bright sunlight or fast-paced scenarios.

By contrast, the A6300 sports a bright 3-inch tilting LCD screen with 922k-dot resolution, beloved for flexible live view framing. Additionally, its high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification is a huge asset for precise composition and tracking.

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for wireless control, but the A6300 integrates these more effectively with reliable app support for remote shooting and file transfer.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

A shared strength between these two is the use of the Sony E-mount lens system, but here’s the key difference:

• The Sony QX1, due to its “lens-style” form factor, is designed to accommodate a spectrum of lenses but was primarily marketed for use with a handful of Sony E-mount lenses. Its small form factor limits extensive lens handling and compatibility with larger lenses.

• The Sony A6300 can mount and operate with the full array of Sony E-mount lenses (over 120 available), from fast primes to super-telephotos. This gives professionals and enthusiasts the versatility to adapt lenses for portraits, landscapes, sports, macro, and wildlife with confidence.

Battery Life and Storage

The QX1 uses the Sony NP-FW50 battery, rated for around 440 shots per charge, which is decent given its limited functionality.

The A6300 uses the same battery model but has a slightly lower CIPA rating at around 400 shots per charge. However, real-world usage often exceeds this with conservative shooting.

Storage-wise:

• QX1 supports microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards, and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Micro as well, but with a single slot.

• A6300 supports standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-I compatible).

No dual card slots exist on either, which is a consideration for professional reliability.

Real-World Photography Applications

To really bring this comparison home, I tested both cameras across multiple photography genres. Here’s a summary with practical takeaways.

Sony QX1 front Sony QX1 screen back Sony A6300 front Sony A6300 screen back

Portrait Photography

The A6300’s superior sensor and autofocus produce striking portraits with richly rendered skin tones and smooth bokeh, especially when paired with prime lenses like the 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.8. Eye AF (absent on both) is missed, but facial detection autofocus complemented by selective focus gives solid results.

The QX1 can achieve respectable portrait images in good light but struggles to isolate subjects elegantly due to limited AF and sensor performance.

Landscape Photography

Thanks to higher dynamic range and 24MP resolution, the A6300 delivers greater detail and tonal richness in landscape shots. Weather sealing allows shooting in more challenging conditions.

The QX1, lacking weather sealing and with a noisier sensor, is better suited to casual daylight use.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The A6300 is a competent performer here, with fast tracking AF and 11 fps burst. I used it to capture birds in flight and soccer matches, with good success.

The QX1 cannot keep up for fast subjects due to slower AF and limited burst.

Street Photography

QX1’s compact, discreet form factor wins points here for portability and unobtrusive shooting when paired with a mobile device. However, lack of viewfinder and slow AF hinder quick framing.

A6300 is less stealthy but offers the responsiveness and handling that street photographers often need.

Macro Photography

Both cameras depend heavily on the lens choice here.

The A6300’s versatility with compatible macro lenses and manual focus aids make it the better choice for precision work.

Night and Astro Photography

A6300’s lower noise at high ISO and longer maximum shutter speed (up to 30s) allow better night shooting. The QX1 also supports 30s shutter but produces grainier images at night.

Video Work

A winner for the A6300, as discussed, with 4K, slow motion, and audio inputs.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

Here is a consolidated performance overview based on my systematic evaluations.

• The A6300 scores highly across all disciplines, especially autofocus, image quality, and video.

• The QX1 rates modestly for image quality and low-light use but scores low for handling, autofocus, and video.

Price Versus Performance: What’s Your Money Buy?

At launch and even today, the Sony QX1 (~$500) represents a unique concept but compromises heavily on autonomy and professional usability. It makes an interesting secondary gadget for smartphone enthusiasts, but is unlikely to satisfy serious photographers.

The Sony A6300 (~$890 used or entry-level today) offers a robust, all-around system with capabilities that can serve professionals, enthusiasts, and hybrid shooters alike. Its value comes from feature richness and flexibility.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Pick the QX1 if:

  • You want a compact, smartphone-integrated lens-style camera.
  • Your photography is casual or experimental.
  • Portability and simplicity outweigh autofocus speed or video features.
  • Your budget is tight, and you already have a quality smartphone for control.

• Choose the A6300 if:

  • You desire a standalone camera with full mirrorless capabilities.
  • You shoot a wide variety of photography, including action, portraits, landscapes.
  • Video in 4K with manual controls is important.
  • You want access to a large lens ecosystem.
  • Durability and ruggedness matter.
  • You want solid autofocus reliability and high image quality.

Final Thoughts

The Sony QX1 and A6300 paint two very different pictures of APS-C imaging - one as a compact, experimental lens-style device integrated with mobiles, the other as a trailblazing mirrorless hybrid system. In over a decade of camera testing, I’ve rarely encountered a more striking contrast within the same brand and sensor format.

For practical shooting, professional use, or serious enthusiasts, the A6300 remains the clear choice - proving that ergonomic design, sensor improvements, autofocus sophistication, and video features all add up to a compelling package.

The QX1 serves as an interesting historical curiosity or a lightweight backup but ultimately delivers a compromised experience.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate your decision with clarity and confidence.

Happy shooting!

Images used under fair use for iconic product review purposes.