• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S640 advantages over Pentax VS20

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.53 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 270 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    20 mm vs 38 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    110g vs 235g
    Lighter weight

Pentax VS20 advantages over Nikon S640

  • More telephoto lens reach
    560 mm vs 140 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

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

  • 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
  • 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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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S570

Nikon S640
Nikon S570
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Pentax VS20
Nikon S570
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon S5100

Nikon S640
Nikon S5100
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Pentax VS20
Nikon S5100
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony DSC-W530

Nikon S640
Sony DSC-W530
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Pentax VS20
Sony DSC-W530
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Olympus SZ-12

Nikon S640
Olympus SZ-12
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Pentax VS20
Olympus SZ-12
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out

Compared to Olympus SZ-16

Nikon S640
Olympus SZ-16
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
Pentax VS20
Olympus SZ-16
  • $106
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out
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