Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax S1

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic FS15 and Pentax S1, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FS15 (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is fairly well matched and they come with the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FS15 was released 3 years prior to the S1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FS15 grades versus the S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 & Pentax Optio S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FS15 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS15 has external dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax S1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS15 and Pentax S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the FS15 against the S1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS15 and S1 is 95 and 93 respectively.

Normally, its tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FS15 and S1.

As you can see, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Pentax S1 to resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older FS15 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.