Pentax S1 vs Samsung NX30

Below is a detailed overview of the Pentax S1 versus Samsung NX30, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Samsung. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the S1 (14MP) and NX30 (20MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and NX30 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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

The S1 was brought out 3 years earlier than the NX30 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the S1 matches up against the NX30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio S1 & Samsung NX30. The entire galleries are available at Pentax S1 Gallery & Samsung NX30 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax S1 has got 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) and the Samsung NX30 has dimensions of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") and a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax S1 versus Samsung NX30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the S1 against the NX30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S1 and NX30 is 93 and 75 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements simply by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the S1 and NX30.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The S1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Samsung NX30 will render greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older S1 will be behind in sensor innovation.