Panasonic S1 vs Sony QX100

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic S1 and Sony QX100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Lens-style by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the S1 (12MP) and QX100 (20MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and QX100 (1") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The S1 was introduced 3 years earlier than the QX100 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the S1 matches up vs the QX100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Sony QX100 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic S1 offers physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Sony QX100 has sizing of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") having a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S1 and Sony QX100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the S1 against the QX100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S1 and QX100 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor sizes merely by going through a spec sheet. The picture here might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S1 and QX100.

Clearly, both of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony QX100 will produce more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged S1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.