Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-S2

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-S2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the S1 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S1 was announced 5 years earlier than the K-S2 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the S1 scores against the K-S2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S1 comes with outer dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has proportions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the S1 compared to the K-S2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the S1 and K-S2 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing just by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S1 and K-S2.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S1 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will resolve extra detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older S1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.