Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax XG-1

Below, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax XG-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and XG-1 (16MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and XG-1 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS1 was revealed 6 years prior to the XG-1 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the ZS1 grades against the XG-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Pentax XG-1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax XG-1 has sizing of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax XG-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS1 against the XG-1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and XG-1 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes just by going through specifications. The pic underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS1 and XG-1.

To sum up, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax XG-1 will produce extra detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 will be behind in sensor tech.