Panasonic LX100 vs Pentax S1

Let's look closer at the Panasonic LX100 and Pentax S1, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the LX100 (13MP) and the S1 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the LX100 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The LX100 was released 3 years later than the S1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the LX100 matches up vs the S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 and Pentax Optio S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic LX100 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX100 comes with external dimensions of 115mm x 66mm x 55mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.2") with a weight of 393 grams (0.87 lbs) and the Pentax S1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LX100 and Pentax S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the LX100 versus the S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the LX100 and S1 is 83 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by seeing specifications. The graphic below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX100 and S1.

Plainly, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX100 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Pentax S1 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern LX100 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.