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Pentax S1 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Pentax S1

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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

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. 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
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



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

    Pentax S1 Body Size 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.


    Pentax S1 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a 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
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Nikon 1 J4
    Compare
    232g 75g heavier 29mm 1mm thicker
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Panasonic GX9
    Compare
    407g 250g heavier 47mm 19mm thicker
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Nikon S6100
    Compare
    175g 18g heavier 27mm 1mm thinner
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Canon M6
    Compare
    390g 233g heavier 45mm 17mm thicker
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Fujifilm X-A2
    Compare
    350g 193g heavier 40mm 12mm thicker
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Nikon S33
    Compare
    221g 64g heavier 27mm 1mm thinner
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Compare
    147g 10g lighter 22mm 6mm thinner
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera 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.

    Pentax S1 Sensor Size Comparison
    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

    S1
    Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    S1
    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

    S1
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    S1
    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.



    Pentax S1 back view and LCD

    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
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Nikon 1 J4
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots Yes No No
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Panasonic GX9
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 260shots Yes Yes No
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Nikon S6100
    Compare
    1280 x 720 210shots No No No
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Canon M6
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 295shots Yes Yes Yes
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Fujifilm X-A2
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots Yes No No
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Nikon S33
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots No No No
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1280 190shots Yes No Yes
    Pentax Optio S1 Camera 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
    Report a correction
    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.

    Nikon 1 J4
    Nikon 1 J4
    Compare
    Panasonic GX9
    Panasonic GX9
    Compare
    Nikon S6100
    Nikon S6100
    Compare
    Canon M6
    Canon M6
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-A2
    Fujifilm X-A2
    Compare
    Nikon S33
    Nikon S33
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Compare
    Nikon P7800
    Nikon P7800
    Compare

    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


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