• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax S12 advantages over Sony DSC-W230

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Sony DSC-W230 advantages over Pentax S12

  • Less expensive
    $199 vs $280 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Wider angle lens
    30 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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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Buy the Pentax S12

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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

Sony DSC-W230
Pentax A40
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony DSC-W230 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

Sony DSC-W230
Samsung SL310
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer exposure

Compare Sony DSC-W230 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

Sony DSC-W230
Samsung TL34HD
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • HDMI out

Compare Sony DSC-W230 vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Panasonic DMC-F3

Pentax S12
Panasonic DMC-F3
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax S12 vs Panasonic DMC-F3

Sony DSC-W230
Panasonic DMC-F3
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compare Sony DSC-W230 vs Panasonic DMC-F3

Compared to Canon SD1300 IS

Pentax S12
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax S12 vs Canon SD1300 IS

Sony DSC-W230
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Sony DSC-W230 vs Canon SD1300 IS

Compare Other Cameras?