Pentax S1 vs Sony S980
93 Imaging
37 Features
31 Overall
34
94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Pentax S1 vs Sony S980 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- 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
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
- Introduced February 2009
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In this write-up, we are comparing the Pentax S1 vs Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the S1 (14MP) and the S980 (12MP) is very well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe S1 was introduced 2 years after the S980 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the S1 matches up vs the S980 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio S1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are available at Pentax S1 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax S1 over the Sony S980
| S1 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | March 2011 | February 2009 | More modern by 25 months |
Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Pentax S1
| S980 | S1 |
|---|
Common features in the Pentax S1 and Sony S980
| S1 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus | More precise focus | |||
| Display type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed display | |
| Display sizing | 2.7" | 2.7" | Equivalent display dimensions | |
| Display resolution | 230k | 230k | Identical display resolution | |
| Selfie screen | Neither comes with selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly display | Absent Touch friendly display |
Pentax S1 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to carry around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax S1 comes with outer measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
See the Pentax S1 vs Sony S980 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the S1 versus the S980.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the S1 and S980 is 93 and 94 respectively.
Pentax S1 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The pic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and S980.
All in all, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Pentax S1 to give extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher S1 provides an advantage in sensor technology.
Pentax S1 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax S1 vs Sony S980 Specifications
| Pentax Optio S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Sony |
| Model type | Pentax Optio S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 |
| Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
| Introduced | 2011-03-02 | 2009-02-17 |
| Physical type | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Max resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Max native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
| Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
| RAW support | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection focus | ||
| Contract detection focus | ||
| Phase detection focus | ||
| Total focus points | 9 | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens zoom range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
| Max aperture | f/3.5-5.5 | f/3.3-5.2 |
| Macro focusing range | 1cm | 10cm |
| Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen size | 2.7 inch | 2.7 inch |
| Resolution of screen | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch function | ||
| Screen tech | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 seconds | 2 seconds |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/1500 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
| Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Change white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash distance | 3.90 m | 3.50 m |
| Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| External flash | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| 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 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| Video file format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
| Microphone support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 157g (0.35 pounds) | 167g (0.37 pounds) |
| Dimensions | 114 x 58 x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") | 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall 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 pictures | - |
| Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
| Battery ID | D-LI92 | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Launch price | $174 | $300 |