Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax Q-S1

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic ZS45 versus Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS45 was announced 6 months later than the Q-S1 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a short overview of how the ZS45 matches up vs the Q-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS45 comes with physical measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS45 versus Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS45 and the Q-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS45 and Q-S1 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through specs. The visual underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS45 and Q-S1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS45 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS45 will result in more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively.