Panasonic ZS50 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here is a complete analysis of the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax Q-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS50 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is fairly close but the ZS50 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS50 was released 6 months later than the Q-S1 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the ZS50 matches up versus the Q-S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 & Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS50 provides outside dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax Q-S1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the ZS50 versus the Q-S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS50 and Q-S1 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by researching specifications. The photograph here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS50 and Q-S1.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The ZS50 uses the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF harder.