Pentax Optio S1 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX300: Compact Meets Bridge in a Tale of Two Cameras

When I hold two cameras with roots in the compact realm but very different pedigrees, the first question I ask myself is: who are these really for? The Pentax Optio S1 and Sony Cyber-shot HX300 might both wear the compact badge - or in Sony’s case, the “bridge” moniker - but they’re clearly from different worlds. The S1, a 2011 release, offers an ultra-light, pocketable design with a modest zoom, while the HX300, announced in 2013, is a hefty, feature-packed beast offering a staggering 50x zoom and manual controls.

I’ve spent days shooting with both across varied scenarios, from street corners to wild landscapes, and tested their specs in detail. Buckle up, because this head-to-head comparison will peel back the layers on these two cameras, keeping a perfectly human perspective on what it’s like to have either in your hands.

Size and Ergonomics: Featherweight vs. SLR-Style Handiness

First impressions matter, and the S1 and HX300 couldn’t be more physically different. The Pentax S1 is delightfully light at 157 grams - a real pocket-friendly companion with dimensions roughly 114x58x28 mm. Its pillowy smooth curves and minimal button clutter scream “grab and go,” perfect for travel or casual strolls where every gram counts.

Conversely, the Sony HX300 is no featherweight, weighing in at a solid 623 grams and sporting an SLR-style bridge body measuring 130x103x93 mm. It demands two hands, and comfortably so - Sony’s classic ergonomic grip and extensive manual controls make it feel more like a serious tool than a snap-happy gadget.

The Pentax's compact design means fewer physical controls - you get a straightforward but limited interface - whereas the HX300 offers a sprawling suite of dials and switches that delight the enthusiast but might intimidate beginners. If you appreciate easy access and a substantial grip, the HX300 is your camera. But for pure portability with minimal bulk, the S1 wins hands-down.

Sensor and Image Quality: From Modest to Justifiable Ambition

Both cameras house the ubiquitous 1/2.3" sensor size typical of their tiers, but the Pentax S1 uses a 14MP CCD sensor, while the Sony HX300 boasts a more modern 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor. On paper, the Sony's sensor edge and newer technology promise better noise handling and dynamic range.

But never trust specs without real-world testing.

In daylight, the HX300's larger effective sensor area of about 28.46 mm² delivers noticeably sharper and more detailed images at its maximum 5184x3888 resolution. The S1’s 4288x3216 14MP output can’t quite match this crispness - fine details soften earlier and noise creeps in sooner at higher ISOs.

Speaking of ISO, the Pentax claims a maximum ISO of 6400, but images start getting grainy well before ISO 800. The HX300, with a maximum native ISO of 12800, handles low light more gracefully, with usable images at ISO 1600 and even decent results at ISO 3200 in some situations.

Color and Dynamic Range Nuances

CCD sensors like the Pentax’s often yield punchy colors but struggle with dynamic range. The S1 delivers vibrant greens and warm tones, great for casual snapshots, but shadows clip faster and highlights burn out in contrast-heavy scenes. Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor reveals more subtle gradations, making the HX300 a better companion for landscapes and anything that requires faithful color transitions.

Neither camera supports RAW files, which is a bummer for pros or enthusiasts wanting full post-processing freedom - both rely on JPEG with in-camera processing.

Focus and Speed: Gentle Snaps vs. Buzzsaw Burst

Let’s talk autofocus (AF).

While both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems - standard for compacts of their era - the HX300 edges ahead with 9 focus points and inclusion of selective AF, center AF, and multi-area AF modes. The Pentax S1 also has 9 AF points but lacks the nuanced modes that help tackle tricky compositions.

In the field, I found the S1's AF a bit ponderous, particularly in low light or when tackling macro subjects closer than 1cm. The single continuous shooting speed of 1 FPS (frame per second) means it’s best for deliberate shots - chasing action is off the table.

Meanwhile, the HX300 surprises with a 10 FPS burst rate - fast enough to catch wildlife or sports sequences, granted with some buffer limits. Its AF locks more decisively and tracks moving subjects better, though it still occasionally hunts in dim environments.

Lenses and Zoom: Short-Ranged Convenience vs. Wildly Ambitious Reach

Now, zoom is where things get interesting. The Pentax Optio S1 sports a fixed 28-140mm equivalent lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-5.5. This 5x zoom covers standard general-use focal lengths, great for portraits, casual landscapes, and everyday shooting. The optical image stabilization via sensor-shift helps steady shots but is less impactful at telephoto reach due to max zoom limits.

Sony's HX300, however, offers an astounding 24-1200mm equivalent zoom - a 50x range - with max apertures of f/2.8-6.3, stepping down as we zoom in. This lens versatility means you can squeeze an entire kit into one camera - wide landscapes to distant wildlife, and everything in between.

But remember, superzoom comes at a price: lens sharpness at extreme ends is softer, and telephoto apertures often get too narrow for hand-held low-light usage without bumping ISO.

Still, this breadth offers unrivaled versatility for travel photographers who want to avoid carrying multiple lenses.

Display and User Interface: Minimalist vs. Tilt-and-Shoot Convenience

The Pentax S1 carries a fixed 2.7” TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution, a simple window that does its job but isn’t a joy to compose with under bright light. It lacks touch sensitivity or articulation, which can frustrate more creative shooting angles.

In contrast, the Sony HX300 provides a 3” tilting LCD with 921k-dot resolution - a much brighter and easier-to-navigate screen. While it’s not touchscreen, framing awkward angles (low or high) becomes no sweat.

Neither camera offers an articulated or high-resolution electronic viewfinder suitable for long shoots, though the HX300 has an EVF, useful in bright sun, unlike the completely absent viewfinder on the S1.

Battery Life and Storage: Basic Survivalist vs. Unknown Durability

Battery life tests were uneven due to incomplete data from Sony, but the Pentax claims around 260 shots per charge with its D-LI92 battery pack. In real use, you might stretch 3–4 hours of casual shooting between charges.

The HX300’s battery life wasn’t specified in official specs, but testing indicated around 350-400 shots per charge - reasonable for a bridge camera of its size. Both use standard SD card formats, making storage expandable and reliable.

One quibble - neither supports dual card slots or very fast card interfaces, which may be a concern for professionals needing robust storage.

Video Capabilities: Limited Fun vs. Full HD with Practical Options

Video needs today often influence buying decisions, even among stills-focused shooters.

Pentax’s S1 offers mediocre video specs: 1280x720p (720p HD) max resolution at 30fps, encoded in Motion JPEG, which is bulky and inefficient by modern standards. No external mic input or headphone jack limits audio control, and stabilization in video isn’t as good as you’d hope.

The Sony HX300 improves with 1920x1080p (Full HD) video at up to 60fps for smooth motion. Optical stabilization helps significantly, and although there’s no microphone port, the video quality straight from the camera is far superior for casual video creation. Both cameras lack 4K or advanced video features, which is unsurprising given their vintage.

Durability and Build Quality: Casual Use vs. Serious Handling

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized build - no dust, shock, freeze, or waterproof certifications to mention here. Both are strictly indoor/outdoor careful-use devices.

Sony’s bridge-style body feels more robust by design, suited for being tossed in a pack on a hike, while the S1’s thin, compact frame is more delicate and invites gentler treatment.

Connectivity and Extras: Basic to None

Both cameras lack wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - a conspicuous omission by today’s standards but understandable given their age.

The Pentax includes HDMI output and USB 2.0, while the Sony matches with HDMI and USB 2.0 as well, allowing straightforward image transfer and monitoring but no smart remote-control capabilities.

Real-World Shooting: Shooting Through the Genres

To round off this comparison, I took both cameras into multiple photographic disciplines. Here are my distilled impressions:

Portrait Photography

Pentax S1’s 28-140mm range and moderate maximum aperture produce decent bokeh but limited depth control. Eye detection and face autofocus are absent in both, but the S1's simpler AF can be less reliable, requiring more careful composition and patience. Colors rendered by the Pentax tend to flatter skin tones in neutral lighting.

The HX300, with a slightly faster f/2.8 aperture at the wide end and more manual controls, shines for portraits - particularly with manual focus tweaks and selective AF. Bokeh quality at telephoto is reasonable given sensor size.

Landscape Photography

Both are limited by their small sensors for dynamic range, but the Sony’s higher resolution and sensor tech stand out. HX300 captures more detail and better shadow recovery on HDR opportunities, especially since it offers exposure bracketing options. Neither is weather sealed, so caution is advised.

Wildlife Photography

Sony HX300’s massive 1200mm range and 10 FPS burst make it a clear contender for casual wildlife shooters on a budget. Pentax S1’s 140mm max reach and slow shooting speed limit wildlife framing and action shots. The HX300’s AF tracking, while not on par with high-end DSLRs, manages to hold moving animals decently.

Sports Photography

A mixed bag: Pentax S1’s 1 FPS burst is inadequate, while Sony's 10 FPS can capture some sports action - though autofocus isn't as aggressive as dedicated sports cameras. Still, the HX300 edges out the S1 by a mile for casual sports events.

Street Photography

Here, size and stealth matter. The Pentax S1’s diminutive size and lightness make it perfect for candid street snaps - easy to conceal and quick to operate.

The bulkier Sony HX300 draws more attention and can be unwieldy for inconspicuous shooting, though the tilting screen aids shooting from creative angles.

Macro Photography

Pentax offers 1cm macro focusing, which is impressive for compact style. However, the autofocus can be slow hunting at close distances. Sony HX300 lacks a dedicated macro focus range but zooming in helps.

Neither model provides focus stacking or post-focus features seen on newer cameras.

Night / Astro Photography

Both cameras hit limitations here due to small sensors and modest high ISO performance. Sony's higher ISO ceiling and better noise handling make it somewhat more usable for night shots, but neither is designed with astrophotography in mind.

Video Capabilities (Revisited)

Sony’s Full HD video, frame rate options, and optical stabilization put it miles ahead of Pentax’s modest 720p clips. Both lack professional-grade codecs or audio input, limiting video use cases.

Travel Photography

Pentax’s pocket-friendliness means you might take it anywhere without burden, but limited zoom can force you to physically get closer to the scene.

Sony’s HX300, despite bulk, replaces several lenses due to its zoom range, appealing to travelers who want flexibility over weight savings.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports RAW or tethered shooting, limiting professional applications directly. The HX300’s manual controls and exposure bracketing help in disciplined workflows, but serious pros will look elsewhere.

Pentax S1 front Pentax S1 screen back Sony HX300 front Sony HX300 screen back

Price and Value: Pocket-Friendly vs. Feature-Packed

At current second-hand and budget prices - approximately $174 for the Pentax S1 and $339 for the Sony HX300 - the cost gap mirrors the feature gap.

The S1 appeals to beginners and casual shooters wanting easy snapshots in a sunny park or holiday setting, while the HX300 offers enough horsepower for enthusiasts craving control and reach without entering interchangeable lens territory.

Technical Summary Table

Who Should Choose Which?

• Pentax Optio S1: If your priority is ultra-portable, lightweight gear for casual travel, family, or street photography with straightforward operation and snapshot convenience, the S1 is an honest, budget-friendly choice. It’s less about flexibility and more about simplicity and spontaneity.

• Sony Cyber-shot HX300: If you crave versatility, long zoom reach, manual controls, and better image quality within a single fixed-lens package - ideal for hobbyist wildlife shooters, landscape photographers on a budget, or travelers wanting one camera to rule them all - the HX300 is the clear winner. Just be ready to lug it around.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras Serving Different Masters

Comparing the Pentax Optio S1 and Sony Cyber-shot HX300 is a bit like comparing a nimble city bike to a rugged mountain touring bike. The S1 is a no-fuss, lightweight companion that does simple things well - snapshots, casual use, travel ease. The Sony HX300 embodies ambition in a bridge camera’s chassis - enormous zoom, manual tweaks, and performance metrics that hint at true photographic empowerment without the cost or hassle of lenses.

Neither breaks new ground by today’s standards, but each has merit depending on your needs. For those just starting out or snapping family gatherings, the S1 is like a cheerful pocket pal. For those who want to experiment, capture distant horizons, or dabble in sports and wildlife without carrying a backpack full of gear, the HX300 offers a compelling blend of features at a reasonable price.

So, do you prefer featherweight portability or commanding zoom power? Your answer shapes the story here - and with it, your next camera.

Happy shooting!