Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively close but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZR3 was revealed 5 years prior to the Q-S1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the ZR3 matches up versus the Q-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZR3 provides physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZR3 against the Q-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and Q-S1 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR3 and Q-S1.

Clearly, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZR3 will result in more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older ZR3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.