Pentax Q-S1 vs Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Pentax Q-S1 and the Leica D-Lux (Typ 109), highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Pentax Q-S1 was introduced in August 2014 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) was introduced in September 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Pentax Q-S1 Highlights

      • 12.4 MP 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Highlights

      • 12.8 MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor
      • 200 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 49 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2,760k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pentax Q-S1 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109).

      PROS

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)

      CONS

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.8 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Advantage of Pentax Q-S1

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Q-S1 over Leica D-Lux (Typ 109).

      Pentax Q-S1 vs Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz) vs 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax Q-S1.

      Advantage of Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) over Pentax Q-S1.

      Pentax Q-S1 vs Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
      Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs Micro Four Thirds
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.4 Megapixel vs 12.8 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 25,600
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 4112 x 3088
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 921k dot
      Viewfinder vs Electronic
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 3840 x 2160
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Longer Battery Life 250 shots vs 300 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica D-Lux (Typ 109).

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pentax Q-S1 Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor Shift
        Light203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Pentax Q-S1 Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inchMicro Four Thirds
        Low Resolution Sensor12.4 Megapixel12.8 Megapixel
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life250 shots300 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Pentax Q-S1 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) have 3.0" Fixed screens with 460k dot and 921k dot resolutions respectively.


      Electronic Viewfinder on Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,760k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Q-S1.

      Sensor

      Pentax Q-S1 features a 12.4 megapixel 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) features a 12.8 megapixel Micro Four Thirds [] sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 25,600 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

      Pentax Q-S1 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Pentax Q-S1 is equipped with Q Engine processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2664, 4000 x 2248, 2992 x 2992, 3072 x 2034, 3072 x 2048, 3072 x 1728, 2304 x 2304, 1920 x 1400, 1920 x 1280, 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1440 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) can take pictures up to 4112 x 3088 resolution.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Pentax Q-S1 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC on Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Pentax Q-S1 comes with D-LI68 battery pack with battery life of 250 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Pentax Q-S1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Leica D-Lux (Typ 109). Pentax Q-S1 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.


      Flash

      Pentax Q-S1 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 4.90 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Shoe Mount..

      Physical Parameters

      Pentax Q-S1 body has dimensions of 105 x 58 x 34 mm (4.13 x 2.28 x 1.34") and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) body has dimensions of 118 x 66 x 55 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 2.17"). Pentax Q-S1 weighs 203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz) and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) weighs 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz).

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      105 mm

      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      118 mm

      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      34 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      55 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Pentax Q-S1 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      Pentax Q-S1 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      POOR
      51
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      72
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Street Photography

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax Q-S1 and Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) and give them scores of 63 and 68 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      68

      Sensor

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.8 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      GOOD
      76
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps

      Video

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160

      Focusing

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      GOOD
      77
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      73
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      GOOD
      75
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,760k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      73
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Pentax Q-S1

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.