Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax Q7

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax Q7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the Q7 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and Q7 (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The ZS8 was announced 3 years prior to the Q7 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple view of how the ZS8 scores versus the Q7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Pentax Q7. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Pentax Q7 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS8 features physical dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Pentax Q7 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax Q7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS8 and the Q7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and Q7 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS8 and Q7.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS8 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS8 will provide greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older ZS8 will be behind in sensor innovation.