Pentax RZ10 vs Pentax Q-S1

Here, we are reviewing the Pentax RZ10 versus Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are produced by Pentax. The resolution of the RZ10 (14MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is very similar but the RZ10 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The RZ10 was announced 4 years prior to the Q-S1 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short overview of how the RZ10 scores vs the Q-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio RZ10 and Pentax Q-S1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax RZ10 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax RZ10 offers exterior dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Pentax RZ10 versus Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the RZ10 compared to the Q-S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RZ10 and Q-S1 is 92 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by going over specifications. The graphic here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the RZ10 and Q-S1.

To sum up, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The RZ10 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax RZ10 will offer greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older RZ10 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.