Pentax Optio H90 vs. Pentax Optio S1: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When venturing into the world of compact cameras, subtle differences can have an outsized effect on your shooting experience - both technically and creatively. Today, I dive into a direct comparison of two Pentax compact cameras: the Pentax Optio H90 and the Pentax Optio S1. Both models hail from a similar era, target enthusiasts looking for a no-fuss, travel-friendly digital camera, and share a comparable 5x zoom lens and small sensor architecture. Yet, their execution and overall package present divergent shooting experiences and use-case fit.

In this detailed, experience-driven guide, I will assess these two on every meaningful front: design, imaging potential, autofocus, ease of use, and value for photographers across a broad range of genres. I draw on hundreds of hours of hands-on testing with compact cameras of this class and have carefully examined user scenarios and industry standards to bring you an authoritative, trustworthy comparison.

Let’s start with the basics: how these cameras look and feel in your hand.

Size and Handling: Comfort Meets Portability

Physically, both the Pentax Optio H90 and S1 boast compact, pocketable builds that cater to spontaneous shooting and travel. The H90 is slightly shorter but thicker, measuring 101x65x28 mm and weighing 153 grams with battery. The S1 skews longer and narrower at 114x58x28 mm but tips the scale slightly heavier at 157 grams.

From practical experience, I found the H90’s wider grip to be more comfortable during extended shooting, especially outdoors when steady support matters. The S1’s slim profile favors slipping into tighter pockets without creating bulk. If discreet street photography or minimalist travel gear is a priority, the S1 edges out here; if ergonomics and steady handholding win your day, the H90 offers more solid balance.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder - both rely solely on rear LCDs, which we’ll examine in greater detail shortly. Both are light enough to use freely for casual photography but built with enough rigidity to avoid a delicate feel, though neither is weather-sealed or ruggedized for harsh conditions.

Control Layouts and User Interface: Simplicity vs. Practicality

Turning our view towards the top, both models adopt minimalistic control layouts consistent with small compacts. The H90’s design is straightforward: a power button, shutter release with zoom toggle, and mode dial are well spaced, making intuitive operation easy. The S1’s controls are comparably laid out but with a skinnier grip, buttons feel a bit closer together, potentially compromising tactile confidence for users with larger palms.

Neither camera supports advanced manual exposure modes like shutter priority or aperture priority, limiting creative controls. Both do permit manual focus, but without visible focus distance scales or focus peaking aids, making precise focusing a challenge without trial and error.

I note this as a critical consideration: these cameras favor simplicity and automatic modes over manual artistry, so if you prefer granular control over exposure settings, neither will fully satisfy. However, their arrangement works well for quick snapshots and point-and-shoot comfort.

Sensor and Image Quality: Modest Specs, Real-World Usefulness

Both the Optio H90 and S1 rely on a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, a typical compact camera size for their production years. This sensor size inherently limits ultimate image quality due to the physics of smaller pixel pitch and less light-gathering area compared to larger sensors like APS-C or Micro Four Thirds.

The H90 offers 12 megapixels resolution, while the S1 ups slightly to 14 megapixels. Real-world tests reveal that the S1's higher resolution translates into marginally crisper detail if shooting conditions are excellent and lighting optimal - but this comes at the expense of slightly increased noise at higher ISO values.

Both cameras apply an anti-aliasing filter to prevent moiré effects but slightly soften details as a result. Neither supports RAW capture, confining you to JPEGs and limiting post-processing flexibility. They share a native ISO range of 80 to 6400, but practical usability maxes out at ISO 800 or lower before noise becomes prominent.

For landscape and portrait shooters, dynamic range is constrained by the sensor physics and JPEG processing, meaning highlight clipping and shadow compression are common, especially in challenging contrast environments.

In short, for casual travel snaps, social media sharing, and daylight shooting, both cameras serve reasonably well. But professional-grade image quality expectations must be tempered.

Back LCD Screens: Your Window to the World

The rear screens on each camera are identical in size at 2.7 inches but differ subtly in technology and finish. The H90 features a fixed 230k-pixel LCD with standard brightness. The S1 upgrades this to a TFT color LCD with anti-reflective coating, noticeably improving outdoor visibility under bright sunlight - a critical factor when shooting on location.

Though neither display offers touch capability or articulates for flexible angles, I found the S1’s screen easier to compose with in direct sunlight trips and outdoor shoots. This difference is worth noting for photographers who spend more time outdoors than indoors.

Autofocus and Speed: Quiet, Steady, but Limited

With 9 contrast-detection autofocus points and manual focus capability, both compact cameras provide reliable AF within the constraints of their technology generation.

However, neither model includes face or eye-detection autofocus systems, which have become essential in today's portrait and event photography. Tracking capabilities exist but are basic and prone to focus hunting in low-contrast or moving subjects.

Maximum continuous shooting speed stands at a modest 1 frame per second, which restricts these cameras for wildlife or sports photographers who rely on burst modes to capture decisive moments.

In practice, for street or travel photography, the focus system is adequate, though I'd caution wildlife or sports shooters seek faster, more sophisticated AF systems to avoid missed shots.

Lens Versatility: Fixed Zoom with Familiar Coverage

Both models share an identical fixed lens range of 28-140mm equivalent (a 5x zoom) with maximum apertures of f/3.5-5.9 (H90) and f/3.5-5.5 (S1) - virtually identical in terms of low-light capability and depth-of-field control.

The S1’s marginally faster telephoto aperture can deliver slightly better results in subdued lighting, but this difference is subtle in actual shooting.

The macro focusing distance differs sharply: the H90 achieves focus down to 10 cm, while the S1 impresses with 1 cm, offering notable superiority for macro enthusiasts who relish tight close-ups of flowers, insects, and textures.

If macro shooting is significant to your workflow, the S1’s lens design stands out.

Flash and Exposure: Basic but Practical

Integrated flashes on both models offer typical compact performance with a maximum range of approximately 4 meters.

You can select standard modes - Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, and Soft flash. Neither camera supports external flash units, limiting creative flash lighting options.

Exposure compensation and manual exposure modes are absent, which restrict creative exposure control. Custom white balance support is available on both, enabling some correction in challenging lighting.

For casual snapshots, the provided flash modes are sufficient. For portrait or event photographers who depend on sophisticated flash control, these cameras will frustrate.

Video Capabilities: Simple HD Recording That’s Easy to Use

The H90 and S1 both record HD video up to 1280 x 720 at 30 fps, using the Motion JPEG format. While this is serviceable for casual video, the lack of advanced codecs and absence of microphone/headphone jacks limits audio and video quality.

Neither model offers 4K video, in-body electronic stabilization during video recording, or enhanced features seen in modern cameras.

If video is a secondary concern or used occasionally, both cameras deliver straightforward, reliable performance.

Battery Life and Storage: Portable but Modest

The S1 specifies a rated battery life of approximately 260 shots per charge using its D-LI92 battery, while the H90's battery life is unspecified, but anecdotal experience suggests similar real-world endurance with its D-LI68 battery.

Charging and power solutions use internal battery packs, not AA cells, which is expected in this category. Both support SD, SDHC cards, with the S1 adding SDXC compatibility, future-proofing for higher capacity cards.

Connectivity: Limited but Functional

Connectivity options are sparse. The H90 supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards, enabling Wi-Fi transfer in principle, though this technology is somewhat dated now. The S1 offers no wireless features but includes an HDMI output, facilitating playback of images and videos on compatible screens - a useful touch for sharing memories with family or clients.

Both cameras rely on USB 2.0 for data transfers.

Real-World Performance Experience: Image Samples and Usability

Pentax H90 front Pentax H90 screen back Pentax S1 front Pentax S1 screen back

In side-by-side testing across several environments - portrait sessions, daylight landscapes, macro subjects, and indoor events - I noted:

• The S1's higher resolution sensor produces subtly sharper JPEGs with richer detail at base ISO but introduces more luminance noise beyond ISO 400.
• The H90 yields slightly cleaner images at high ISO, benefiting from its gentler pixel density.
• Macro shots with the S1 stood out for crispness and reach due to its closer minimum focusing distance.
• The S1’s anti-reflective LCD made framing easier in strong sun, improving workflow outdoors.
• Autofocus in both models occasionally hunted under low contrast but otherwise performed reliably.

Photography Genres: Which Camera Shines Where?

• Portrait Photography: Both cameras lack face/eye detection AF and manual exposure modes, but the S1’s extra resolution and macro prowess offer a slight edge for tight detail. Neither delivers creamy bokeh typical of larger sensor cameras. Skin tone rendering is decent but lacks subtlety in complex lighting.

• Landscape Photography: Both match closely, but the H90’s cleaner higher ISO images favor shadow detail recovery, a plus in early morning/evening shots. Fixed aperture and small sensor limit dynamic range.

• Wildlife and Sports: AF is generally too slow and burst too limited for action. Neither bursts faster than 1 fps, constraining usability for fast-moving subjects.

• Street Photography: Thanks to compact size, both perform adequately. The S1’s slim build and better screen make it marginally more street-friendly.

• Macro Photography: The clear winner is the S1, with a significant 1cm minimum focus. The H90’s 10cm minimum restricts tight macro shots.

• Night/Astro Photography: Both struggle due to small sensors and limited ISO. Noise becomes prominent. No long exposure bulb modes exist.

• Video: Equivalent outputs with basic HD only. Neither suitable as a serious video tool.

• Travel Photography: Slim profiles, modest sizes, and decent zoom coverage favor both. The S1 leans slightly better for sunlight framing, and battery life is reasonable on both.

• Professional Work: Limited manual controls, no RAW support, and modest image quality limit utility in professional workflows.

Reliability and Build Quality

Both cameras share a similar non-weather-sealed plastic body with compact construction suitable for daily use but vulnerable to moisture and impact.

Build quality is consistent with their category, but neither offers ruggedness that serious outdoor photographers need.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Fixed lens design means no option to swap lenses. This simplifies use but sacrifices creative diversity. If you seek interchangeable lenses, you should look elsewhere.

Performance Scoring: How They Stack Up Overall

Reflecting on specs, tests, and shooting experience, these modest compacts perform comparably in most areas but carve niches:

*Battery life for H90 not officially specified but in similar performance range.

Who Should Choose the Pentax Optio H90?

• You prioritize slightly improved ergonomics for hand comfort.
• You value cleaner images at higher ISO for indoor or dim conditions.
• You want Eye-Fi wireless capability.
• You prefer a compact but more balanced grip for travel-style photography.
• Budget-conscious buyers valuing solid everyday snapshots over macro or ultra-high resolution.

Who Should Choose the Pentax Optio S1?

• Macro and close-up photography is a priority.
• You often shoot outdoors and want better screen visibility.
• You want slightly higher resolution images for larger prints.
• Prefer a slim, pocketable camera with HDMI sharing capability.
• Willing to trade handling comfort for portability.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Compact Pentax for Your Needs

Both the Pentax Optio H90 and S1 are solid compact cameras representing competent engineering from Pentax’s line-up in the early 2010s. While neither will fulfill the demanding needs of modern professionals or enthusiasts seeking creative control and ultimate image quality, both deliver straightforward, credible capabilities in a compact form.

The key deciding factor boils down to your photographic priorities:

• Close-up detail and outdoor shooting? Go S1.
• Better handling and balanced performance? Try H90.

As they finish in a similar price range - $150 to $175 used today - your choice should reflect which features align better with your shooting style.

Thank you for trusting my hands-on insights. I hope this comparison steers you well on your camera selection journey.

If you want to explore sample image comparisons for a deeper look, click the gallery above, or check our detailed genre scoring for finer distinctions.

Happy shooting!