Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-S1

The following is a extended overview of the Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-S1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the S1 (12MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S1 was released 4 years before the K-S1 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the S1 grades against the K-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic S1 comes with outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has sizing of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the S1 against the K-S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S1 and K-S1 is 96 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The picture below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the S1 and K-S1.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S1 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-S1 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged S1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.