• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5000 advantages over Pentax S1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Pentax S1 advantages over Nikon D5000

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 588g
    Lighter weight

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A350

Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon D5000 vs Sony DSLR-A350

Pentax S1
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Pentax S1 vs Sony DSLR-A350

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon D5000 vs Sony DSLR-A300

Pentax S1
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Pentax S1 vs Sony DSLR-A300

Compared to Sony DSLR-A390

Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5000 vs Sony DSLR-A390

Pentax S1
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Pentax S1 vs Sony DSLR-A390

Compared to Fujifilm Z90

Nikon D5000
Fujifilm Z90
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon D5000 vs Fujifilm Z90

Pentax S1
Fujifilm Z90
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Manual focus
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Pentax S1 vs Fujifilm Z90

Compared to Nikon S100

Nikon D5000
Nikon S100
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5000 vs Nikon S100

Pentax S1
Nikon S100
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax S1 vs Nikon S100

Compare Other Cameras?