Pentax K-500 vs Pentax S1

Let's take a deeper look at the Pentax K-500 vs Pentax S1, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Pentax. The image resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is very comparable but the K-500 (APS-C) and S1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The K-500 was manufactured 2 years after the S1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the K-500 scores against the S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-500 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-500 features physical measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) and the Pentax S1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Pentax K-500 vs Pentax S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the K-500 vs the S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and S1 is 64 and 93 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by seeing specifications. The pic here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the K-500 and S1.

Plainly, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The K-500 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax K-500 will provide more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent K-500 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.