Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax W80

In this article, we will be contrasting the Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax W80, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the K-S1 (20MP) and W80 (12MP) and the K-S1 (APS-C) and W80 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The K-S1 was launched 5 years after the W80 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the K-S1 scores versus the W80 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-S1 and Pentax Optio W80. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax K-S1 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax K-S1 offers physical dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs) and the Pentax W80 has sizing of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Examine the Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax W80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the K-S1 compared to the W80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-S1 and W80 is 69 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by researching specs. The image below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the K-S1 and W80.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The K-S1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Pentax K-S1 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern K-S1 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.