Panasonic FH8 vs Pentax Q-S1

In this article, we will be contrasting the Panasonic FH8 vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the FH8 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the FH8 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH8 was launched 3 years prior to the Q-S1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise view of how the FH8 grades against the Q-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH8 has outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH8 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the FH8 against the Q-S1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FH8 and Q-S1 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by researching technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH8 and Q-S1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH8 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Panasonic FH8 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older FH8 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.