Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax Q7

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS45 and Pentax Q7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and Q7 (12MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and Q7 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS45 was unveiled 18 months later than the Q7 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the ZS45 grades vs the Q7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Pentax Q7. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Pentax Q7 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS45 features exterior measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q7 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS45 and Pentax Q7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS45 against the Q7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZS45 and Q7 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements merely by researching specifications. The graphic below may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS45 and Q7.

To sum up, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS45 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS45 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more modern ZS45 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.