Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax Q-S1

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax Q-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS1 (10MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS1 (1/2.5") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS1 was brought out 6 years before the Q-S1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the ZS1 matches up against the Q-S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS1 comes with exterior measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax Q-S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS1 against the Q-S1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS1 and Q-S1 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Usually, its tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through specifications. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS1 and Q-S1.

Plainly, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS1 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax Q-S1 will provide greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs more aggressively. The older ZS1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.