Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic ZS80 and Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the ZS80 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS80 was unveiled 3 years later than the Q-S1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZS80 grades vs the Q-S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS80 provides outer measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS80 and Pentax Q-S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS80 against the Q-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ZS80 and Q-S1 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading specifications. The visual here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS80 and Q-S1.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS80 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic ZS80 will deliver extra detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer ZS80 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.