Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here, we will be contrasting the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax Q-S1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ3 was manufactured 19 months prior to the Q-S1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SZ3 grades against the Q-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ3 has external measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ3 and the Q-S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and Q-S1 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ3 and Q-S1.

As you can see, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ3 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic SZ3 will give you extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.