Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax S1

Below is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is pretty similar and they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FZ300 was launched 4 years later than the S1 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the FZ300 matches up against the S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Pentax Optio S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ300 features exterior measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") along with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while the Pentax S1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax S1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FZ300 against the S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ300 and S1 is 59 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by reviewing technical specs. The visual below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ300 and S1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Pentax S1 to offer extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher FZ300 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.