Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax S1

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic ZS1 versus Pentax S1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and S1 (14MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and S1 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The ZS1 was brought out 21 months before the S1 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the ZS1 matches up vs the S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS1 comes with exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax S1 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS1 versus Pentax S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the ZS1 versus the S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and S1 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading through specs. The pic here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS1 and S1.

All in all, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax S1 will give extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.