• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 50.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000

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Differences

Pentax S1 advantages over Sony A1

  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    125g vs 737g
    Lighter weight

Sony A1 advantages over Pentax S1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm 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
    ~ 4.16 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    No vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    4 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • 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
  • More dots on screen
    1440k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    50.1 vs 14.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm Z90

Pentax S1
Fujifilm Z90
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Manual focus
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Sony A1
Fujifilm Z90
  • $6498
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compared to 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
Sony A1
Nikon S100
  • $6498
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic TS20

Pentax S1
Panasonic TS20
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More pixels
Sony A1
Panasonic TS20
  • $6498
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A7R IV

Pentax S1
Sony A7R IV
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner
  • $3331
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sony A1
Sony A7R IV
  • $6498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer video battery life
  • $3331
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite

Compared to Canon R5

Pentax S1
Canon R5
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner
  • $3349
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sony A1
Canon R5
  • $6498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC
  • $3349
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
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