Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax S1

Below is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic ZS100 versus Pentax S1, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and S1 (14MP) and the ZS100 (1") and S1 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS100 was revealed 4 years later than the S1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the ZS100 matches up versus the S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Pentax Optio S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS100 comes with external measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax S1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS100 versus Pentax S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS100 vs the S1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS100 and S1 is 87 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS100 and S1.

Clearly, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS100 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS100 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The younger ZS100 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.