Panasonic FZ70 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic FZ70 vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the FZ70 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the FZ70 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ70 was announced 12 months prior to the Q-S1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the FZ70 scores vs the Q-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ70 has outer measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ70 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the FZ70 against the Q-S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ70 and Q-S1 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The visual below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ70 and Q-S1.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ70 with its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Panasonic FZ70 will produce more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FZ70 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.