Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax RZ10

Below is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax RZ10, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and RZ10 (14MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and RZ10 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS1 was announced 3 years prior to the RZ10 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the ZS1 scores against the RZ10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Pentax Optio RZ10. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS1 offers physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ10 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax RZ10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS1 and the RZ10.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS1 and RZ10 is 91 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by checking out technical specs. The visual here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS1 and RZ10.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS1 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax RZ10 will produce extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images more aggressively. The older ZS1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.