• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Pentax Q advantages over Nikon S2

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Nikon S2 advantages over Pentax Q

  • Less expensive
    $450 vs $750 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.85 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More telephoto lens reach
    74 mm vs 47 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle kit lens
    30 mm vs 47 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 5.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S2
Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm and 30-110mm Lenses
All S2 Deals

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 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

Nikon S2
Pentax Q10
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q10

Compared to 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

Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Pentax Q
Samsung NX Mini
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax Q vs Samsung NX Mini

Nikon S2
Samsung NX Mini
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon S2 vs Samsung NX Mini

Compared to Nikon J4

Pentax Q
Nikon J4
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax Q vs Nikon J4

Nikon S2
Nikon J4
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S2 vs Nikon J4

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Pentax Q
Pentax Q-S1
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax Q vs Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

Compare Other Cameras?