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Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1

Portability
92
Imaging
35
Features
30
Overall
33
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 front
 
Pentax Q-S1 front
Portability
92
Imaging
38
Features
54
Overall
44

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs

Panasonic ZS5
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
  • 214g - 103 x 60 x 32mm
  • Launched June 2010
  • Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-TZ8
Pentax Q-S1
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax Q Mount
  • 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
  • Launched August 2014
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Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") come with different sensor sizing.

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The ZS5 was announced 5 years prior to the Q-S1 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the ZS5 scores vs the Q-S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS5 over the Pentax Q-S1

 ZS5 Q-S1 

Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Panasonic ZS5

 Q-S1 ZS5 
LaunchedAugust 2014June 2010Newer by 50 months
Focus manually More accurate focus
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)

Common features in the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax Q-S1

 ZS5 Q-S1 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Lacking selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Lacking Touch friendly screen

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS5 against the Q-S1.

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 size comparison

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and Q-S1 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison

Often, it is tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking specs. The pic underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS5 and Q-S1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The ZS5 includes the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field harder. The more aged ZS5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 sensor size comparison

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Panasonic ZS5
Portrait photography with Pentax Q-S1
27
provides face detection focusing
no manual focus
external flash not possible
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW files
46
has manual focus
supports face detect focusing
saves RAW formats
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Panasonic ZS5
Street photography with Pentax Q-S1
61
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition (214 grams)
fixed screen
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW files
69
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
saves RAW formats
lighter than competitors in class (203 grams)
no moving screen
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic ZS5 Sports photography highlights
Pentax Q-S1 Sports photography highlights
31
image stabilization (Optical)
provides tracking autofocus
maximum shutter speed is a little low (1/1,300s)
slow fps (2.0 frames per second)
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF
37
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
supports tracking focus
slow fps (5.0 frames per second)
low MP (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
low battery (250 CIPA)
doesn't have phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Panasonic ZS5
Travel photography with Pentax Q-S1
63
lighter than competition (214 grams)
flash built-in
relatively wide (25mm)
long zoom (300mm)
does not have Time Lapse function
MP count low (12 megapixels)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
60
lighter than competitors in class (203g)
built-in flash
low battery (250 CIPA)
low MP (12 megapixels)
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic ZS5 as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax Q-S1 as a Landscape photography camera
33
relatively wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW files
does not have Time Lapse function
55
has manual focus
change lenses (Pentax Q mount)
decent sized screen (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
saves RAW formats
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
low battery (250 shots)
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Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZS5 Vlogging advice
Pentax Q-S1 Vlogging advice
31
relatively wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detection focusing
lighter than competition (214g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
low res video (1280 x 720 pxls)
does not have external mic port
35
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
supports face detect focusing
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than competitors in class (203g)
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
no mic port
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Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax Q-S1
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5Pentax Q-S1
General Information
Make Panasonic Pentax
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 Pentax Q-S1
Also Known as Lumix DMC-TZ8 -
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Entry-Level Mirrorless
Launched 2010-06-16 2014-08-04
Body design Compact Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Venus Engine HD II Q Engine
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/1.7"
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 7.44 x 5.58mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 41.5mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 12MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Highest native ISO 6400 12800
Min native ISO 80 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points 11 -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens Pentax Q
Lens zoom range 25-300mm (12.0x) -
Max aperture f/3.3-4.9 -
Macro focusing distance 3cm -
Total lenses - 8
Focal length multiplier 5.9 4.8
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 2.7" 3"
Resolution of screen 230k dot 460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 60 secs 30 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/1300 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 2.0 frames/s 5.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 5.30 m 4.90 m (at ISO 100)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video data format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 214 grams (0.47 lbs) 203 grams (0.45 lbs)
Dimensions 103 x 60 x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 250 photos
Style of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI68
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage slots One One
Launch price $300 $250