Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax Q

On this page, we are comparing the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax Q, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS1 (10MP) and the Q (12MP) is very well matched but the ZS1 (1/2.5") and Q (1/2.3") have different sensor measurements.

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The ZS1 was released 3 years earlier than the Q and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZS1 matches up vs the Q for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Pentax Q. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 comes with physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax Q has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax Q in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the ZS1 against the Q.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS1 and Q is 91 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS1 and Q.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax Q will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.