Nikon S640 vs Pentax WS80

On this page, we are reviewing the Nikon S640 vs Pentax WS80, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by competitors Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the S640 (12MP) and the WS80 (10MP) is very well matched and both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The S640 was released within a month of the WS80 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the S640 scores versus the WS80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S640 & Pentax Optio WS80. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon S640 Gallery & Pentax WS80 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Nikon S640 offers outer dimensions of 91mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax WS80 has specifications of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Nikon S640 vs Pentax WS80 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the S640 compared to the WS80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S640 and WS80 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualize the difference between sensor measurements just by checking technical specs. The graphic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S640 and WS80.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You can expect to see the Nikon S640 to give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively.