Pentax S1 vs Sony W230
93 Imaging
37 Features
31 Overall
34
95 Imaging
34 Features
25 Overall
30
Pentax S1 vs Sony W230 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
- Revealed March 2011
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 30-120mm (F2.8-5.8) lens
- 156g - 95 x 57 x 22mm
- Released February 2009
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images Pentax S1 vs Sony W230 Overview
Here, we are reviewing the Pentax S1 versus Sony W230, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the S1 (14MP) and the W230 (12MP) is very well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe S1 was released 2 years later than the W230 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the S1 grades versus the W230 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio S1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax S1 Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax S1 over the Sony W230
| S1 | W230 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | March 2011 | February 2009 | More recent by 25 months |
Reasons to pick Sony W230 over the Pentax S1
| W230 | S1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display size | 3" | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Common features in the Pentax S1 and Sony W230
| S1 | W230 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual focus | Very accurate focusing | |||
| Display type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed display | |
| Display resolution | 230k | 230k | Exact same display resolution | |
| Selfie screen | Neither includes selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly display | Neither includes Touch friendly display |
Pentax S1 vs Sony W230 Physical Comparison
In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax S1 features outside 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) while the Sony W230 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).
Take a look at the Pentax S1 versus Sony W230 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the S1 compared to the W230.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S1 and W230 is 93 and 95 respectively.
Pentax S1 vs Sony W230 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S1 and W230.
As you can see, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Pentax S1 to give more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more modern S1 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.
Pentax S1 vs Sony W230 Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax S1 vs Sony W230 Specifications
| Pentax Optio S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Sony |
| Model type | Pentax Optio S1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 |
| Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
| Revealed | 2011-03-02 | 2009-02-17 |
| Body design | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 14MP | 12MP |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Highest native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
| Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
| RAW pictures | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| Touch focus | ||
| Autofocus continuous | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Multi area autofocus | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| 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) | 30-120mm (4.0x) |
| Highest aperture | f/3.5-5.5 | f/2.8-5.8 |
| Macro focusing range | 1cm | 4cm |
| Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen sizing | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
| Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Screen technology | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Lowest shutter speed | 4s | 1s |
| Highest shutter speed | 1/1500s | 1/1600s |
| Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual exposure | ||
| Set white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash distance | 3.90 m | 3.90 m |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
| Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 640x480 |
| Video file format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
| Mic input | ||
| Headphone input | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 157 gr (0.35 pounds) | 156 gr (0.34 pounds) |
| Physical dimensions | 114 x 58 x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") | 95 x 57 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around 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 photos | - |
| Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
| Battery ID | D-LI92 | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Storage slots | Single | Single |
| Launch price | $174 | $180 |