Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax Q10

Below is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax Q10, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS3 (10MP) and the Q10 (12MP) is very close and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The ZS3 was brought out 4 years prior to the Q10 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q10 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ZS3 grades vs the Q10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Pentax Q10. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Pentax Q10 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS3 comes with outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax Q10 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax Q10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS3 against the Q10.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and Q10 is 91 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and Q10.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Pentax Q10 to render greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.