Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K-S1

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and K-S1 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS1 was released 6 years before the K-S1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the ZS1 matches up versus the K-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 has got outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the ZS1 against the K-S1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and K-S1 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS1 and K-S1.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-S1 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older ZS1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.