Panasonic GH1 vs Pentax Q-S1

On this page, we will be analyzing the Panasonic GH1 versus Pentax Q-S1, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GH1 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the GH1 (Four Thirds) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GH1 was unveiled 6 years prior to the Q-S1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the GH1 grades against the Q-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GH1 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic GH1 features outside dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GH1 versus Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GH1 compared to the Q-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the GH1 and Q-S1 is 81 and 92 respectively.

Usually, its hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GH1 and Q-S1.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The GH1 offers the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field easier. The older GH1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.