Panasonic S2 vs Sony QX1

Let's look a little more in depth at the Panasonic S2 versus Sony QX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Lens-style by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the S2 (14MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the S2 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The S2 was announced 3 years earlier than the QX1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a quick overview of how the S2 scores against the QX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic S2 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic S2 provides physical measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs) and the Sony QX1 has specifications of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S2 versus Sony QX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the S2 vs the QX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S2 and QX1 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S2 and QX1.

As you can see, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S2 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony QX1 will provide more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older S2 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.