Panasonic ZS10 vs Pentax Q-S1

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS10 vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS10 (14MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS10 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor measurements.

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The ZS10 was revealed 4 years before the Q-S1 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the ZS10 grades versus the Q-S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 and Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS10 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS10 offers physical dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS10 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS10 vs the Q-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS10 and Q-S1 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing simply by checking specs. The photograph here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS10 and Q-S1.

All in all, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS10 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS10 will give you more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older ZS10 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.