Pentax K-S1 vs Sony HX1

Let's take a deeper look at the Pentax K-S1 vs Sony HX1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the K-S1 (20MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the K-S1 (APS-C) and HX1 (1/2.4") posses different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The K-S1 was brought out 5 years after the HX1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the K-S1 scores vs the HX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K-S1 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-S1 offers exterior measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K-S1 vs Sony HX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the K-S1 against the HX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-S1 and HX1 is 69 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The image below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-S1 and HX1.

As you can see, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The K-S1 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Pentax K-S1 will offer more detail having its extra 11MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger K-S1 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.