• APS-H 518.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Canon 1D Mark IV advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-H vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.70 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,320 vs 1,061 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1500 vs 480 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    39 vs 9
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    45 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.9 fps vs 5.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    46 vs 20 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Canon 1D Mark IV

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.58x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-S1

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D3X
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
Pentax K-S1
Nikon D3X
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D3S

Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D3S
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Pentax K-S1
Nikon D3S
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 7D

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 7D
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
Pentax K-S1
Canon 7D
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony A58

Canon 1D Mark IV
Sony A58
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Pentax K-S1
Sony A58
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Pentax K-S2

Canon 1D Mark IV
Pentax K-S2
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-S2
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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