Panasonic LZ30 vs Pentax S1

Below is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic LZ30 vs Pentax S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the LZ30 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is very close and they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The LZ30 was brought out 23 months later than the S1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the LZ30 grades versus the S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LZ30 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic LZ30 comes with external measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) while the Pentax S1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LZ30 vs Pentax S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the LZ30 against the S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the LZ30 and S1 is 66 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing specifications. The graphic below should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the LZ30 and S1.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic LZ30 to provide you with more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent LZ30 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.