Nikon S3100 vs Pentax K-S1

On this page, we are evaluating the Nikon S3100 and Pentax K-S1, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Nikon and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the S3100 (14MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the S3100 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

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The S3100 was announced 4 years before the K-S1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon S3100 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the S3100 scores against the K-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S3100 & Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S3100 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S3100 comes with exterior measurements of 94mm x 58mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Examine the Nikon S3100 and Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the S3100 compared to the K-S1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S3100 and K-S1 is 96 and 69 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading through specs. The visual here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S3100 and K-S1.

All in all, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S3100 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-S1 will give you greater detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The older S3100 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.