• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3.2 inch 15.5mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 30.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax S12 advantages over Samsung Galaxy S II

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/3.2 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.39 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    111 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 1/15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Samsung Galaxy S II advantages over Pentax S12

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    10 mm vs 23 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    1152k 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
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    30 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • 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 Samsung Galaxy S II

Review Excerpt

  • Amazing screen; Good image quality; Offers more control; Virtual half-press on shutter if desired; easy uploads to social media.

  • Occasional signal trouble; Banding in Macro mode; Design is so slim it's sometimes hard to hold; Muted color.

The Competition

Compared to Pentax A40

Pentax S12
Pentax A40
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Samsung Galaxy S II
Pentax A40
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Samsung NV30

Pentax S12
Samsung NV30
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Manual focus
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer exposure
Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung NV30
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

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
Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung SL310
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

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
Samsung Galaxy S II
Samsung TL34HD
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon 170

Pentax S12
Nikon 170
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
Samsung Galaxy S II
Nikon 170
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
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