Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS25 and Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS25 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the ZS25 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS25 was launched 19 months prior to the Q-S1 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS25 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the ZS25 grades vs the Q-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25 and Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS25 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS25 has exterior dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS25 and Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS25 compared to the Q-S1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS25 and Q-S1 is 93 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The visual below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS25 and Q-S1.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS25 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZS25 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older ZS25 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.