Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax I-10

Below is a thorough comparison of the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax I-10, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS1 (10MP) and the I-10 (12MP) is very comparable but the ZS1 (1/2.5") and I-10 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS1 was introduced 8 months before the I-10 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the ZS1 scores vs the I-10 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Pentax Optio I-10. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Pentax I-10 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS1 has got physical dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax I-10 has sizing of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax I-10 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS1 against the I-10.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZS1 and I-10 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS1 and I-10.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS1 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax I-10 will provide greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older ZS1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.