Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Pentax K-S1

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1
      60
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      69
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and the Pentax K-S1, 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.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 was introduced in June 2010 and Pentax K-S1 was introduced in August 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax K-S1 Highlights

      • 20.12 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.4 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
      4. Advantage of Pentax K-S1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax K-S1.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.4 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 78
      •   Weight - 558 g (1.23 lb / 19.68 oz)

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 over Pentax K-S1.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Pentax K-S1
      Lighter 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) vs 558 g (1.23 lb / 19.68 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Sony DSLR-A300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K-S1

      Pentax K-S1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-S1 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Pentax K-S1
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 20.12 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 51,200
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 5472 x 3648
      More Focus Points 9 vs 11
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 921k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 100%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.55x vs 0.63x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/6000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 5.4 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 615 vs 1061
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.6 vs 23.5
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.5 vs 13.0
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 78
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Longer Battery Life 290 shots vs 410 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-S1.

      Pentax K-S2
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      APS-C

      20.12 MP

      Sony SLT-A37
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony ZV-E10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R III
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Sony NEX-6
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 70D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Nikon Z8
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Sony a6500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 5DS R
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      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.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Pentax K-S1
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Micro
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Pentax K-S1
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points911
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life290 shots410 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution and Pentax K-S1 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderPentax K-S1 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has 95% coverage with 0.83x (0.55x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Pentax K-S1 has 100% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Pentax K-S1 features a 20.12 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200.


      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
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3408 x 2272, 3408 x 1920, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax K-S1 is equipped with PRIME MII processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4224 x 2816, 3456 x 2304, 3072 x 2448, 1920 x 1080 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has Sony A lens mount and Pentax K-S1 has Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) 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 Low-Pass Filter on Pentax K-S1

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Pentax K-S1. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      In-Body Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has an HDMI and Pentax K-S1 has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 290 shots and Pentax K-S1 comes with D-LI109 battery pack with battery life of 410 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Pentax K-S1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290, and up to 1/6000 sec on Pentax K-S1. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Pentax K-S1 can shoot continuously up to 5.4 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m at ISO 100.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39") and Pentax K-S1 body has dimensions of 121 x 93 x 70 mm (4.76 x 3.66 x 2.76"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) and Pentax K-S1 weighs 558 g (1.23 lb / 19.68 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      128 mm

      97 mm

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      121 mm

      93 mm

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      97 mm

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      93 mm

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      86 mm

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      70 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax K-S1

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax K-S1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      71
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      73
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.4 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.4 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      GOOD
      80
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      GOOD
      80
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 558 g (1.23 lb / 19.68 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 558 g (1.23 lb / 19.68 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax K-S1 and give them scores of 60 and 69 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      69

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      GOOD
      71
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 78

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      76
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.4 fps

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      83
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax K-S1

      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      POOR
      40
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 558 g (1.23 lb / 19.68 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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