• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 125 - 6400

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Differences

Canon S95 advantages over Pentax Q

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $750 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.08 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~2.20 vs 3.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Pentax Q advantages over Canon S95

  • Higher effective ISO
    189 vs 153 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/500 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    12.4 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 1.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Canon S95

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax Q
Kit with 5-15mm Lens
  • Kit with 5-15mm Lens
  • Kit with 8.5mm Lens

Review Excerpt

  • The first genuinely compact--almost pocket-friendly--compact system camera, paired with equally small, interchangeable lenses. Great ergonomics for the size, and it feels like a real camera, not a computer with a lens.

  • Very restrictive lens selection at launch. All but two current lenses have severe limitations in functionality. Performance is sluggish, and image quality trails large-sensor cameras by some distance.

  • Read our Pentax Q Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon S90

Canon S95
Canon S90
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Less shutter lag

Compare Canon S95 vs Canon S90

Pentax Q
Canon S90
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $430
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax Q vs Canon S90

Compared to Canon S100

Canon S95
Canon S100
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon S95 vs Canon S100

Pentax Q
Canon S100
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Hot shoe
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Pentax Q vs Canon S100

Compared to Pentax Q10

Canon S95
Pentax Q10
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon S95 vs Pentax Q10

Pentax Q
Pentax Q10
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Pentax Q vs Pentax Q10

Compared to Canon S110

Canon S95
Canon S110
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon S95 vs Canon S110

Pentax Q
Canon S110
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Hot shoe
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax Q vs Canon S110

Compared to Pentax Q7

Canon S95
Pentax Q7
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon S95 vs Pentax Q7

Pentax Q
Pentax Q7
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax Q vs Pentax Q7

Compare Other Cameras?