Pentax S1 vs Pentax ist DS2

Lets take a deeper look at the Pentax S1 versus Pentax ist DS2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR and both are sold by Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the S1 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The S1 was announced 5 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the S1 grades versus the ist DS2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio S1 & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are available at Pentax S1 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax S1 features outside measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax S1 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the S1 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the S1 and ist DS2 is 93 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through specs. The picture here will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the S1 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S1 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax S1 will show more detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos more aggressively. The more recent S1 should have a benefit in sensor tech.