Our take
The PENTAX Q-S1 is a very small interchangeable-lens body for a buyer deliberately choosing the Q system. RICOH IMAGING lists a 1/1.7-inch sensor, 12.4 MP, sensor-shift Shake Reduction, a 183 g body and CIPA battery figures. Those traits make it easy to compare for minimal kit weight, but the much smaller sensor and limited documented viewfinder information are important trade-offs. It should be selected for a specific system and use case, not mistaken for an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds alternative.
A tiny kit for buyers specifically choosing the PENTAX Q system, with low body weight and a documented still-battery estimate..
Skip it if you require a large sensor, a built-in high-resolution EVF, 4K recording, a dual-card setup or documented weather resistance.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- The 1/1.7-inch sensor, 12.4 MP resolution and PENTAX Q mount are directly specified by RICOH IMAGING.
- Sensor-shift Shake Reduction is built into the body, although no numeric stop rating is given.
- At about 183 g body-only, it is unusually light, and the source lists up to about 260 stills without flash.
What to weigh up
- Its 1/1.7-inch sensor is substantially smaller than APS-C or Four Thirds sensors in this category.
- The checked exact-model records do not establish a built-in EVF, screen movement or physical card-slot count.
- Full HD is the stated movie ceiling, and the checked sources do not document dust or moisture resistance.
Specifications and exact model details
The key details
| Model covered | Q-S1 |
|---|---|
| Sensor format | 1/1.7-inch |
| Effective pixels | 12.4 MP |
| Lens mount | PENTAX Q mount |
| In-body stabilization | Yes; sensor-shift Shake Reduction |
| Stabilization rating | No numeric stop rating stated |
| Maximum internal video | 1920 × 1080 Full HD |
| Mechanical burst rate | 5 fps continuous overall; mechanical-only mapping not established |
| EVF resolution | No built-in EVF resolution established |
| Rear monitor | Movement not stated in checked source |
| Card slots | Count not stated in checked source |
| CFexpress Type B | No CFexpress Type B support listed; SD media specified |
| Body-only weight | 183 g body-only |
| Still battery estimate | 260 shots without flash / 250 with 50% flash |
| Animal/bird AF | Not established in checked source |
| Weather protection | Not established in checked source |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 17, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
Full review: how the features affect your choice
What the features mean for you
A compact 1/1.7-inch sensor and Q-mount system
RICOH IMAGING specifies a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with about 12.4 effective megapixels and the PENTAX Q mount. These facts define the Q-S1 more clearly than a vague description of it as simply a small mirrorless camera. Its sensor is smaller than Four Thirds and APS-C formats, a difference that matters when comparing crop, lens framing and output expectations. The system is most persuasive for a buyer who specifically wants compact Q lenses and understands the format’s trade-offs.
Sensor-shift Shake Reduction without a numeric rating
The official specifications identify sensor-shift Shake Reduction in the body. That means the stabilization feature is not dependent on every Q-mount lens having optical stabilization, though the practical effect depends on the camera and lens combination. RICOH does not give a numeric stop rating on the checked page, so a hard threshold such as five or seven stops cannot be evaluated from this source. Stabilization can address camera movement in stills, not subject movement, and should be compared with that limit in mind.
A light body and modest continuous rate
The Q-S1 weighs approximately 183 g without a lens, battery or card, making it a very light body by interchangeable-lens standards. RICOH also lists a 5 fps continuous shooting mode, but the source does not establish that this rate is mechanical-only, so the technical profile does not map it into that field. The distinction is especially useful in a finder where buyers compare mechanical bursts. Its small size and overall continuous rate may suit casual subjects, but it is not documented here as an action specialist.
Full HD video and SD media
The specification lists Full HD movie recording at 1920 × 1080 and SD, SDHC and SDXC cards. The supported-media list does not mention CFexpress Type B, and the page does not state how many physical slots are present. The LCD is a 3-inch, approximately 460,000-dot display; the checked record does not specify whether it tilts or articulates. For a buyer planning video, the Q-S1 offers basic Full HD rather than 4K. Confirm display movement and card layout only if either is central to the intended setup.
Battery estimate and open environmental details
RICOH lists about 260 still images per charge with no flash and approximately 250 when flash is used for half the shots, measured under CIPA conditions at 23 degrees Celsius with a new battery. This is a useful, qualified comparison rather than a promise for every shooting pattern. The exact-model pages checked here do not establish an EVF resolution or dust-and-moisture protection. Buyers should plan battery spares around their usage and avoid inferring weather resistance from a compact product design or from lens descriptions.
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Before you buy
Does the Q-S1 have in-body stabilization?
Yes. RICOH IMAGING specifies sensor-shift Shake Reduction, but no numeric stop rating is provided on the checked specification page.
How many stills does one battery provide?
The CIPA figures are about 260 images without flash or 250 with flash used for half of the shots.
Does it record 4K video?
No. The official specification lists Full HD up to 1920 × 1080 as its movie size.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources and review basis
Sources & review basis
We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- RICOH IMAGING PENTAX Q-S1 specifications ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
- RICOH IMAGING PENTAX Q-S1 specifications ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
- RICOH IMAGING PENTAX Q-S1 product information ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
- RICOH IMAGING PENTAX Q-S1 sensor-shift SR feature ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.