Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Canon SX230 HS and Pentax Q-S1 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX230 HS has external dimensions of 106 x 62 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.44 x 1.3″) and weighs 223 g (0.49 lb / 7.87 oz) (including batteries). Pentax Q-S1 has external dimensions of 105 x 58 x 34 mm (4.13 x 2.28 x 1.34″) and weighs 203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX230 HS and the Pentax Q-S1. Pentax Q-S1 is 1mm narrower and 4mm shorter than Canon SX230 HS but it is also 1mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX230 HS has a built-in lens but Pentax Q-S1 doesn't. Once you put a lens on Q-S1, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Canon SX230 HS and Pentax Q-S1.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon SX230 HS and Pentax Q-S1.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Pentax Q-S1 is 20g lighter than the Canon SX230 HS but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on Q-S1, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS nor Pentax Q-S1 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon SX230 HS and Pentax Q-S1's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.