Pentax K-1 vs Pentax S1

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Pentax K-1 vs Pentax S1, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and S1 (14MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and S1 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The K-1 was revealed 5 years later than the S1 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the K-1 scores vs the S1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-1 & Pentax Optio S1. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-1 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-1 comes with outside dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) while the Pentax S1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax K-1 vs Pentax S1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the K-1 compared to the S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the K-1 and S1 is 55 and 93 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading through a spec sheet. The visual underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the K-1 and S1.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The K-1 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Pentax K-1 will give more detail because of its extra 22MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The fresher K-1 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.