Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax Q10

The following is a extended review of the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax Q10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the Q10 (12MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FZ300 was released 2 years after the Q10 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q10 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the FZ300 scores versus the Q10 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Pentax Q10. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Pentax Q10 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ300 provides outer dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") having a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q10 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax Q10 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the FZ300 and the Q10.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ300 and Q10 is 59 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading through a spec sheet. The image underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ300 and Q10.

Clearly, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the identical megapixels so you should expect similar quality of pictures though you might want to factor the release date of the products into consideration. The more recent FZ300 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.