Nikon 1 AW1 vs Pentax ist DS2

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 AW1 and the Pentax ist DS2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Nikon 1 AW1 was introduced in September 2013 and Pentax ist DS2 was introduced in August 2005. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 AW1 over Pentax ist DS2.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DS2 over Nikon 1 AW1.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Nikon 1 AW1 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Pentax ist DS2 has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Pentax ist DS2

Pentax ist DS2 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Nikon 1 AW1.

Nikon 1 AW1 features a 14.2 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm². Its native ISO range is 160 - 6,400. Pentax ist DS2 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm². Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.

Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

Sensor size chart

	Sensor	Dimensions	Area	Aspect Ratio	Crop Factor
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Nikon 1 AW1 is equipped with EXPEED 3A processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3072 resolution. Pentax ist DS2 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Nikon 1 AW1 has Nikon 1 lens mount and Pentax ist DS2 has Pentax K_AF lens mount. Due to 1-inch sensor in Nikon 1 AW1 its crop factor is equal to 2.7x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.7. Due to APS-C sensor in Pentax ist DS2 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon 1 AW1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Pentax ist DS2 nothing can be done. On Pentax ist DS2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 AW1 nothing can be done.

Built-in GPS on Nikon 1 AW1

Nikon 1 AW1 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
  Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.

Battery

Nikon 1 AW1 comes with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 220 shots and Pentax ist DS2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.

External Storage Slots

Nikon 1 AW1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Pentax ist DS2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Shutter

Nikon 1 AW1 has Electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/4000 sec with mechanical shutter on Nikon 1 AW1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax ist DS2. Nikon 1 AW1 can shoot continuously up to 60.0 fps. Pentax ist DS2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.

Focusing

Nikon 1 AW1 has Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
AF-assist illuminator system with 135 focusing points and Pentax ist DS2 has 11 focusing points..

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon 1 AW1. Pentax ist DS2 also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 AW1.

Nikon 1 AW1 body has dimensions of 114 x 72 x 37 mm (4.47 x 2.81 x 1.46") and Pentax ist DS2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Nikon 1 AW1 weighs 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz) and Pentax ist DS2 weighs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz).

Nikon 1 AW1

Pentax ist DS2

114 mm

72 mm

125 mm

93 mm

72 mm

93 mm