Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax Q-S1

Below is a in-depth review of the Panasonic FZ200 and Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ200 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is pretty close but the FZ200 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ200 was announced 24 months prior to the Q-S1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FZ200 scores versus the Q-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ200 has got external dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 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).

Look at the Panasonic FZ200 and Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the FZ200 versus the Q-S1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FZ200 and Q-S1 is 65 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through specifications. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ200 and Q-S1.

Plainly, both cameras come with the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The FZ200 has got the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher. The older FZ200 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.