• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax A40 advantages over Nikon S6500

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 240 vs 150 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Nikon S6500 advantages over Pentax A40

  • Less expensive
    $220 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 111 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    12 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 232k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax S12

Pentax A40
Pentax S12
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compare Pentax A40 vs Pentax S12

Nikon S6500
Pentax S12
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S6500 vs Pentax S12

Compared to Samsung SL310

Pentax A40
Samsung SL310
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung SL310

Nikon S6500
Samsung SL310
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S6500 vs Samsung SL310

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Pentax A40
Samsung TL34HD
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung TL34HD

Nikon S6500
Samsung TL34HD
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S6500 vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Pentax A40
Samsung WB50F
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung WB50F

Nikon S6500
Samsung WB50F
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon S6500 vs Samsung WB50F

Compared to Samsung WB35F

Pentax A40
Samsung WB35F
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung WB35F

Nikon S6500
Samsung WB35F
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon S6500 vs Samsung WB35F

Compare Other Cameras?