Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax MX-1

The following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax MX-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS35 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the ZS35 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS35 was revealed 7 months after the MX-1 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a concise overview of how the ZS35 matches up vs the MX-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS35 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS35 has outer dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS35 vs the MX-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS35 and MX-1 is 89 and 84 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading through technical specs. The image underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS35 and MX-1.

As you have seen, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS35 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS35 will give more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger ZS35 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.