Panasonic L1 vs Pentax Q

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic L1 versus Pentax Q, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and Q (12MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and Q (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The L1 was introduced 5 years earlier than the Q and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the L1 scores against the Q in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Pentax Q. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic L1 has outside measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Pentax Q has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic L1 versus Pentax Q in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the L1 vs the Q.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the L1 and Q is 65 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The photograph below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the L1 and Q.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The L1 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax Q will resolve more detail using its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older L1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.