Pentax S1 Review

Name: Pentax Optio S1
Brand: Pentax

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Main Features

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 6400

28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

2.7" Fixed Type Screen

1 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video

157g. 114 x 58 x 28 mm

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Pentax S1 Overview

First introduced in March 2011 , Pentax Optio S1 is a 14.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 lens.

Pentax S1 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Pentax S1 has an Overall Score of 37/100 and ranked #281 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #848 out of 1225 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Pentax S1 Physical Specs

Pentax S1 weighs 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz) and has external dimensions of 114 x 58 x 28 mm (4.49 x 2.28 x 1.1″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Pentax S1 is a remarkably light camera for its class. With a thickness of 28mm, it has an average thickness for its class.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Pentax S1

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Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Pentax S1

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Average

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Here is the front and top view image of Pentax S1 with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax S1 Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax S1, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Pentax S1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax S1 with its main competitors:

Pentax S1 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs S1	Thickness	vs S1
Nikon 1 J4 Compare	232g	75g heavier	29mm	1mm thicker
Panasonic GX9 Compare	407g	250g heavier	47mm	19mm thicker
Nikon S6100 Compare	175g	18g heavier	27mm	1mm thinner
Canon M6 Compare	390g	233g heavier	45mm	17mm thicker
Fujifilm X-A2 Compare	350g	193g heavier	40mm	12mm thicker
Nikon S33 Compare	221g	64g heavier	27mm	1mm thinner
Canon ELPH 340 HS Compare	147g	10g lighter	22mm	6mm thinner
Nikon P7800 Compare	399g	242g heavier	50mm	22mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Pentax S1 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Pentax S1 Sensor and Photography Features

Pentax S1 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4288 x 3216 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. S1 has a native ISO range of 80 - 6400 but unfortunately, Pentax S1 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider or in the same price range.

Pentax S1 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax S1 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Pentax S1's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Pentax S1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Pentax S1 Lens

Pentax S1 features a 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 5× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and 140mm reach on tele gives a lot of flexibility and satisfy most of your needs.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

With a max aperture of f3.50 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end and neither at tele end with its f5.50.

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

S1 is also equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Pentax S1's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Pentax S1 LCD

Pentax S1 has a Fixed Type 2.7" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.7", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.

S1 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider (Compare) or (Compare).
If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

Pentax S1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

You can connect S1 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Battery

Pentax S1 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 260 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

Pentax S1

Min

Average

Max

Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax S1 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

Pentax S1 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Nikon 1 J4 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	Yes	No	No
Panasonic GX9 Compare	3840 x 2160	260shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon S6100 Compare	1280 x 720	210shots	No	No	No
Canon M6 Compare	1920 x 1080	295shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fujifilm X-A2 Compare	1920 x 1080	410shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon S33 Compare	1920 x 1080	220shots	No	No	No
Canon ELPH 340 HS Compare	1920 x 1280	190shots	Yes	No	Yes
Nikon P7800 Compare	1920 x 1080	350shots	No	No	No

Pentax S1 Video Features

With Pentax S1, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30,15 fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

S1 has a built-in Mono microphone and a None speaker.
Pentax S1 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

Pentax S1 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Pentax S1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/1500 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately S1 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Pentax S1 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

Pentax S1 PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax S1 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Image Stabilization

157g Light Body

Manual Focusing

Report a correction

Buy Pentax S1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

No Full HD Video

No Touch Screen

No Built-in Viewfinder

No RAW Shooting

No Face Detection Focusing

Low Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP

Only 9 Focus Points

Small LCD Screen ( 2.7")

Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )

1/1500s Low Max Shutter Speed

Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps

Low Battery Life: 260 shots

No Manual Exposure

No Environmental Sealing

Slow Lens at Wide: f3.50

Slow Lens at Tele: f5.50

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What type of Photography is Pentax S1 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Pentax S1 in 5 different photography areas.

Pentax S1 for Portrait Photography

Pentax S1 has a score of 27 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS1.

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability

No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Pentax S1 for Portrait Photography

Pentax S1 for Street Photography

Pentax S1 has a score of 60 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.

Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Image Stabilization
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage

Small Body
No Built-in Viewfinder
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Pentax S1 for Street Photography

Pentax S1 for Sports Photography

Pentax S1 has a score of 20 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS1.

Manual Focus Mode
Image Stabilization
140 mm Tele Lens
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1500s
9 Focus Points

Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Built-in Viewfinder
No External Flash Shoe
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Pentax S1 for Sports Photography

Pentax S1 for Daily Photography

Pentax S1 has a score of 57 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Compact Body
157g
5.0X Optical Zoom

Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Pentax S1 for Daily Photography

Pentax S1 for Landscape Photography

Pentax S1 has a score of 21 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS1.

Manual Focus Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
No Manual Exposure Mode

No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Pentax S1 for Landscape Photography

Pentax S1 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Pentax S1 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax S1 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Pentax S1

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax S1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Pentax S1 Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Pentax S1 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Pentax S1's price range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax S1

Does the Pentax S1 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Pentax S1 have RAW support?
Does the Pentax S1 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Pentax S1 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Pentax S1?
What is the Sensor Size of Pentax S1?
is the Pentax S1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Pentax S1 have Touch Screen?
Does the Pentax S1 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax S1?
What is the Weight of Pentax S1?
What are the Dimensions of Pentax S1?

Pentax Optio S1 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Pentax
Model	Pentax Optio S1
Announced	2011-03-02
Body Type	Compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.5
Macro Focus Range	1cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Technology	TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
Screen Size	2.7"
Screen Resolution	230k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	4s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/1500s
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	n/a
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	3.90 m
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CCD
Sensor Size	1/2.3-inch
Sensor Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Sensor Area	28.07mm²
Sensor Resolution	14 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	4288 x 3216
Max Native ISO	6,400
Min Native ISO	80
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	9
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720
Video Formats	Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	157g
Physical Dimensions	114 x 58 x 28mm
Battery Life	260 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	D-LI92
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage Slots	1

Most Popular Small Sensor Compact Cameras

Nikon P7800
12 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 28-200 mm

Canon G16
12 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 28-140 mm

Sony W800
20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 26-130 mm

Fujifilm X30
12 MP | 2/3-inch Sensor| 28-112 mm

Canon S120
12 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 24-120 mm

Fujifilm X10
12 MP | 2/3-inch Sensor| 28-112 mm

Leica D-Lux 6
10 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 24-90 mm

Canon G12
10 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 28-140 mm

Latest Compact Cameras

Sony ZV-1
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-70 mm

Fujifilm X100V
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | 35 mm

Sony RX100 VII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-200 mm

Canon G5 X MII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-120 mm

Canon G7 X MIII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-100 mm

Leica Q2
47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm

Leica Q2 Monochrom
47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm

Nikon A1000
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-840 mm