Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax Q10

Following is a thorough review of the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax Q10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and Q10 (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ8 was manufactured 17 months after the Q10 making them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q10 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SZ8 scores versus the Q10 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Pentax Q10. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Pentax Q10 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ8 offers outside dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q10 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax Q10 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ8 against the Q10.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and Q10 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The image underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ8 and Q10.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic SZ8 to resolve greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more modern SZ8 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.