Panasonic XS1 vs Pentax Q

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic XS1 vs Pentax Q, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the XS1 (16MP) and Q (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The XS1 was unveiled 19 months after the Q making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the XS1 scores vs the Q in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Pentax Q. The full galleries are available at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic XS1 provides outside dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") and a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) and 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).

Take a look at the Panasonic XS1 vs Pentax Q in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the XS1 and the Q.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XS1 and Q is 97 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by checking specifications. The picture below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the XS1 and Q.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic XS1 to resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The newer XS1 should have an edge in sensor tech.