Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q
95 Imaging
37 Features
34 Overall
35


93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Push to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 136g - 104 x 58 x 21mm
- Introduced July 2012
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Introduced June 2011
- Successor is Pentax Q10

Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q Overview
Following is a complete overview of the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax Q, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the Q (12MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The SZ5 was revealed 14 months after the Q which makes them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SZ5 scores vs the Q in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Pentax Q. The full galleries are available at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Pentax Q
SZ5 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | July 2012 | ![]() | June 2011 | More modern by 14 months |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Panasonic SZ5
Q | SZ5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very exact focus | ||
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax Q
SZ5 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly screen |
Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ5 features outside dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Look at the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax Q in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ5 vs the Q.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ5 and Q is 95 and 93 respectively.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
Generally, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through specs. The pic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ5 and Q.
As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic SZ5 to give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern SZ5 should have an advantage in sensor tech.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax Q Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 | Pentax Q | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Panasonic | Pentax |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 | Pentax Q |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2012-07-18 | 2011-06-23 |
Physical type | Compact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Max boosted ISO | 6400 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 125 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 23 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | Pentax Q |
Lens focal range | 25-250mm (10.0x) | - |
Largest aperture | f/3.1-5.9 | - |
Macro focus distance | 5cm | - |
Amount of lenses | - | 8 |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display tech | TFT Screen LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1600 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 2.0 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.60 m | 5.60 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | - | 1/2000 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720p ( 30,25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 136 gr (0.30 pounds) | 180 gr (0.40 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 104 x 58 x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 47 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 20.2 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.1 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 189 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 250 photographs | 230 photographs |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $195 | $695 |