• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • 15.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax S12 advantages over Nikon 170

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.61 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    111 mm vs 15 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    23 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 8.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon 170 advantages over Pentax S12

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Newer
    8 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
    345k 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
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    15 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • 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
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax A40

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

Compare Pentax S12 vs Pentax A40

Nikon 170
Pentax A40
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon 170 vs Pentax A40

Compared to Samsung SL310

Pentax S12
Samsung SL310
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax S12 vs Samsung SL310

Nikon 170
Samsung SL310
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon 170 vs Samsung SL310

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Pentax S12
Samsung TL34HD
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax S12 vs Samsung TL34HD

Nikon 170
Samsung TL34HD
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon 170 vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Nokia N8

Pentax S12
Nokia N8
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax S12 vs Nokia N8

Nikon 170
Nokia N8
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon 170 vs Nokia N8

Compared to Samsung Galaxy S II

Pentax S12
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Pentax S12 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

Nikon 170
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon 170 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

Compare Other Cameras?