Nikon S640 vs Pentax K-r

In this article, we are looking at the Nikon S640 vs Pentax K-r, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the S640 (12MP) and the K-r (12MP) is very close but the S640 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The S640 was released 19 months earlier than the K-r making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S640 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the S640 grades versus the K-r in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S640 & Pentax K-r. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon S640 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon S640 features outside measurements of 91mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon S640 vs Pentax K-r in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the S640 against the K-r.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S640 and K-r is 96 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements merely by researching technical specs. The graphic underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the S640 and K-r.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The S640 has the smaller sensor which should make getting shallow DOF trickier. The older S640 will be behind in sensor technology.