Nikon S230 vs Pentax K-r

Let's look a bit more closely at the Nikon S230 and Pentax K-r, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the S230 (10MP) and the K-r (12MP) is relatively similar but the S230 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The S230 was revealed 3 years prior to the K-r and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Nikon S230 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the S230 scores against the K-r in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S230 and Pentax K-r. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon S230 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon S230 enjoys external dimensions of 91mm x 57mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 115 grams (0.25 lbs) while the Pentax K-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

See the Nikon S230 and Pentax K-r in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the S230 compared to the K-r.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the S230 and K-r is 96 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading specs. The graphic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S230 and K-r.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S230 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-r will deliver greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older S230 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.