Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here is a complete comparison of the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax Q-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS30 was introduced 19 months before the Q-S1 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the ZS30 scores versus the Q-S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS30 offers outer measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS30 versus the Q-S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and Q-S1 is 92 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS30 and Q-S1.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS30 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will deliver extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The older ZS30 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.