Pentax S1 vs Sony ZV-1

The following is a extensive review of the Pentax S1 versus Sony ZV-1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the S1 (14MP) and ZV-1 (20MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and ZV-1 (1") offer different sensor measurements.

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The S1 was revealed 10 years before the ZV-1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the S1 matches up vs the ZV-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio S1 and Sony ZV-1. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax S1 Gallery and Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax S1 features external measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Sony ZV-1 has dimensions of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Look at the Pentax S1 versus Sony ZV-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the S1 compared to the ZV-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and ZV-1 is 93 and 88 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by going through technical specs. The picture underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and ZV-1.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S1 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony ZV-1 will show extra detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged S1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.