Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax Q-S1

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic FZ300 versus Pentax Q-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is very well matched but the FZ300 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") posses different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ300 was introduced 12 months later than the Q-S1 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FZ300 matches up vs the Q-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ300 comes with outside measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ300 versus Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the FZ300 versus the Q-S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ300 and Q-S1 is 59 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through technical specs. The visual here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ300 and Q-S1.

As you can tell, both the cameras have the same megapixels but different sensor measurements. The FZ300 has the tinier sensor which will make getting shallower DOF tougher. The more modern FZ300 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.