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Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1

Portability
93
Imaging
37
Features
31
Overall
34
Pentax Optio S1 front
 
Pentax Optio WG-1 front
Portability
93
Imaging
37
Features
31
Overall
34

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 Key Specs

Pentax S1
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
  • 157g - 114 x 58 x 28mm
  • Introduced March 2011
Pentax WG-1
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
  • 157g - 114 x 58 x 28mm
  • Revealed February 2011
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Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 Overview

Here is a in-depth overview of the Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof and both are sold by Pentax. The sensor resolution of the S1 (14MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is pretty close and both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The S1 was launched within a month of the WG-1 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the S1 grades versus the WG-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Pentax S1 over the Pentax WG-1

 S1 WG-1 

Reasons to pick Pentax WG-1 over the Pentax S1

 WG-1 S1 

Common features in the Pentax S1 and Pentax WG-1

 S1 WG-1 
RevealedMarch 2011February 2011Same generation
Focus manually Dial exact focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimensions2.7"2.7"Equal screen measurement
Screen resolution230k230kThe same screen resolution
Selfie screen Lack of selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Lack of Touch friendly screen

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 Physical Comparison

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax S1 comes with exterior dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the S1 versus the WG-1.

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and WG-1 is 93 and 93 respectively.

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 top view buttons comparison

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 Sensor Comparison

Normally, it's tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing just by researching a spec sheet. The graphic here may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S1 and WG-1.

Clearly, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution so you should expect comparable quality of images though you would want to factor the release date of the cameras into account.

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 sensor size comparison

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax S1 Portrait photography details
Pentax WG-1 Portrait photography details
35
has manual focus
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
no manual mode
can't use external flash
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
35
focusing manually
good resolution (14MP)
manual exposure not possible
no external flash support
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
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Street Comparison

Pentax S1 Street photography highlights
Pentax WG-1 Street photography highlights
56
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
screen does not articulate
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
54
environment proofing
screen is fixed
does not have image stabilization
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Pentax S1 as a Sports photography camera
Pentax WG-1 as a Sports photography camera
39
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (14MP)
comes with tracking autofocus
slow continuous shooting (1.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect auto focus
37
good resolution (14MP)
has tracking focus
environment proofing
max frames per second low (1.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Pentax S1
Travel photography with Pentax WG-1
64
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
built-in flash
decently wide (28mm)
missing Timelapse function
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
71
environment proofing
good resolution (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
fairly wide (28mm)
display is not selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f3.5)
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Landscape Comparison

Pentax S1 Landscape photography advice
Pentax WG-1 Landscape photography advice
42
has manual focus
decently wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (14MP)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
no manual mode
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
missing Timelapse function
42
focusing manually
fairly wide (28mm)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
environment proofing
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.5)
screen is small (2.7")
manual exposure not possible
does not have image stabilization
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax S1 Vlogging advice
Pentax WG-1 Vlogging advice
28
decently wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pxls)
missing external microphone socket
25
fairly wide (28mm)
slow max aperture (f3.5)
display is not selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have mic port
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Pentax S1 vs Pentax WG-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax S1 and Pentax WG-1
 Pentax Optio S1Pentax Optio WG-1
General Information
Manufacturer Pentax Pentax
Model type Pentax Optio S1 Pentax Optio WG-1
Class Small Sensor Compact Waterproof
Introduced 2011-03-02 2011-02-07
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14MP 14MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 4288 x 3216 4288 x 3216
Max native ISO 6400 6400
Minimum native ISO 80 80
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points 9 9
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 28-140mm (5.0x) 28-140mm (5.0x)
Highest aperture f/3.5-5.5 f/3.5-5.5
Macro focusing distance 1cm 1cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.7" 2.7"
Display resolution 230 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display technology TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 4 secs 4 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/1500 secs 1/1500 secs
Continuous shooting speed 1.0 frames per sec 1.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 3.90 m 3.90 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video data format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 157 gr (0.35 lb) 157 gr (0.35 lb)
Physical dimensions 114 x 58 x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") 114 x 58 x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 260 photos 260 photos
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID D-LI92 D-LI92
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots Single Single
Retail cost $174 $350