Panasonic S5 vs Pentax Q-S1

Following is a extensive overview of the Panasonic S5 vs Pentax Q-S1, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S5 was manufactured 6 years after the Q-S1 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the S5 grades against the Q-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S5 comes with outside measurements of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Panasonic S5 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the S5 and the Q-S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and Q-S1 is 60 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching specifications. The pic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S5 and Q-S1.

To sum up, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S5 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic S5 will render greater detail due to its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger S5 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.