Panasonic FZ35 vs Pentax Q-S1

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic FZ35 vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ35 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively close but the FZ35 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The FZ35 was released 5 years prior to the Q-S1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ35 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FZ35 grades vs the Q-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 and Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FZ35 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ35 provides exterior measurements of 118mm x 76mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") along with a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ35 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the FZ35 vs the Q-S1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ35 and Q-S1 is 72 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The visual here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ35 and Q-S1.

As you can see, both of the cameras have the same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The FZ35 provides the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging. The older FZ35 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.