Pentax S1 vs Sony HX50V

In this article, we will be comparing the Pentax S1 and Sony HX50V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the S1 (14MP) and HX50V (20MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The S1 was introduced 3 years before the HX50V which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the S1 scores against the HX50V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax S1 Gallery and Sony HX50V Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax S1 comes with 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) and the Sony HX50V has dimensions of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Pentax S1 and Sony HX50V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the S1 compared to the HX50V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the S1 and HX50V is 93 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes merely by looking through specs. The image here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and HX50V.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Sony HX50V to render more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged S1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.