Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax Q-S1

Below is a extended overview of the Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax Q-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively similar but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was launched 5 years before the Q-S1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the FZ40 matches up vs the Q-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ40 has got outer measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") along with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the FZ40 compared to the Q-S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ40 and Q-S1 is 68 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by reviewing specs. The visual underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ40 and Q-S1.

All in all, both of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FZ40 will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The older FZ40 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.