Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax Q-S1

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax Q-S1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is very well matched but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-11 was launched 4 years prior to the Q-S1 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-11 matches up vs the Q-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-11 and Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-11 offers physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-11 and the Q-S1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-11 and Q-S1 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes just by checking specifications. The image below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-11 and Q-S1.

Plainly, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-11 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-11 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-11 is going to be behind in sensor tech.