Kodak S-1 Comparison Review
The Kodak PixPro S-1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was officially introduced in January 2012 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.1 megapixel.
Is the Kodak S-1 a good camera? The S-1 has a Camera Elo of 1593. This rating puts the S-1 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the S-1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Kodak S-1 is more than 13 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2012.
| Kodak S-1 |
|---|
| Mirrorless system camera |
| Micro Four Thirds lenses |
| 16.1 MP, Four Thirds Sensor |
| 1080/30p Video |
| ISO 200 - 12 800 |
| no viewfinder, LCD framing |
| 3.0 LCD, 920k dots |
| Tilting screen (no touchscreen) |
| 4 shutter flaps per second |
| In-body stabilization |
| 410 shots per battery charge |
| 116 x 68 x 36 mm, 290 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
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Body comparison with a credit card
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Kodak S-1 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Kodak S-1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kodak S-1 | 116 mm | 68 mm | 36 mm | 290 g | 410 |  | Jan 2012 | US$ 299 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Olympus E-P5 | 122 mm | 69 mm | 37 mm | 420 g | 330 | | May 2013 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Olympus E-PL3 | 110 mm | 64 mm | 37 mm | 313 g | 300 | | Jun 2011 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Olympus E-PL5 | 111 mm | 64 mm | 38 mm | 325 g | 360 | | Sep 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Olympus E-PL6 | 111 mm | 64 mm | 38 mm | 325 g | 360 | | May 2013 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Olympus E-PM1 | 110 mm | 64 mm | 34 mm | 265 g | 330 | | Jun 2011 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Olympus E-PM2 | 110 mm | 64 mm | 34 mm | 269 g | 360 | | Sep 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Panasonic G3 | 115 mm | 84 mm | 47 mm | 336 g | 270 | | May 2011 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Panasonic GF6 | 111 mm | 65 mm | 38 mm | 323 g | 340 | | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Panasonic GX1 | 116 mm | 68 mm | 39 mm | 318 g | 320 | | Nov 2011 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Panasonic GX7 | 123 mm | 71 mm | 55 mm | 402 g | 350 | | Aug 2013 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Kodak S-1 was launched in the US market at a price of $299. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check S-1 offers at
ebay.com
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Kodak S-1 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Kodak S-1 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kodak S-1 | Four Thirds | 16.1 | 4640 | 3480 | 1080/30p | 22.2 | 11.8 | 598 | 65 | |
| 2. | Olympus E-P5 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.4 | 895 | 72 | |
| 3. | Olympus E-PL3 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 1080/60i | 20.9 | 10.3 | 499 | 52 | |
| 4. | Olympus E-PL5 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.3 | 889 | 72 | |
| 5. | Olympus E-PL6 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.5 | 12.0 | 717 | 68 | |
| 6. | Olympus E-PM1 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 1080/60i | 21.0 | 10.3 | 499 | 52 | |
| 7. | Olympus E-PM2 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.7 | 12.2 | 932 | 72 | |
| 8. | Panasonic G3 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 21.0 | 10.6 | 667 | 56 | |
| 9. | Panasonic GF6 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 20.7 | 10.6 | 622 | 54 | |
| 10. | Panasonic GX1 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 20.8 | 10.6 | 703 | 55 | |
| 11. | Panasonic GX7 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 22.6 | 12.2 | 718 | 70 | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The S-1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the S-1 can use is 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Kodak S-1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kodak S-1 | | | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | |  |
|
| 2. | Olympus E-P5 | optional | | 3.0 / 1037 | tilting | | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | | |
|
| 3. | Olympus E-PL3 | optional | | 3.0 / 460 | tilting | | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | | |
|
| 4. | Olympus E-PL5 | optional | | 3.0 / 460 | tilting | | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | | |
|
| 5. | Olympus E-PL6 | optional | | 3.0 / 460 | tilting | | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | | |
|
| 6. | Olympus E-PM1 | optional | | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | | |
|
| 7. | Olympus E-PM2 | optional | | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | | |
|
| 8. | Panasonic G3 | 1440 | | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | | |
|
| 9. | Panasonic GF6 | | | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | | 1/4000s | 4.2/s | | |
|
| 10. | Panasonic GX1 | optional | | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 4.2/s | | |
|
| 11. | Panasonic GX7 | 2760 | | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The LCD screen on the Kodak PixPro S-1 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD can be tilted vertically to facilitate odd-angle shots in landscape orientation. This tilting design is often preferred, for example, by street photographers to a fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment, as it is more unobtrusive during shooting than a screen that flips out to the side.
One feature that differentiates the S-1 from many older cameras is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The S-1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while cameras without IBIS have to rely on optical image stabilization in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Kodak PixPro S-1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kodak S-1 | | stereo / mono | | | micro | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 2. | Olympus E-P5 | | stereo / mono | | | micro | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 3. | Olympus E-PL3 | | stereo / | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 4. | Olympus E-PL5 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 5. | Olympus E-PL6 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 6. | Olympus E-PM1 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 7. | Olympus E-PM2 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 8. | Panasonic G3 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 9. | Panasonic GF6 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 10. | Panasonic GX1 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 11. | Panasonic GX7 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
| Camera Model |
It is notable that the S-1 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
Further information on the features and operation of the S-1 can be found in the free online Kodak S-1 Manual or on the Kodak support site.
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the S-1 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kodak S-1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2012 | US$ 299 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Olympus E-P5 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 78/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2013 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Olympus E-PL3 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2011 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Olympus E-PL5 | 3/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Olympus E-PL6 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | May 2013 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Olympus E-PM1 | .. | 86/100 | .. | 71/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2011 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Olympus E-PM2 | 3/5 | .. | .. | 77/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Panasonic G3 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2011 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Panasonic GF6 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Panasonic GX1 | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Nov 2011 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Panasonic GX7 | 4/5 | + | .. | 79/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2013 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Check S-1 offers at
ebay.com
Kodak S-1 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the S-1.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the Kodak S-1?
The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Kodak S-1?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800.
Does the Kodak S-1 have a selfie-friendly screen?
Yes, the LCD-screen of the S-1 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Kodak PixPro S-1?
Kodak does not publish a shutter rating for the S-1. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
Does the Kodak S-1 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Does the Kodak S-1 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the Kodak S-1 use?
The camera gets its power from the Kodak LB-070 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
| Camera Model | Kodak S-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | |
| Camera Lens | Micro Four Thirds lenses | |
| Launch Date | January 2012 | |
| Launch Price | USD 299 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 17.3 x 13.0 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 225 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 2.0x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 16.1 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 4 640 x 3 480 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 3.74 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 7.18 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
| Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | |
| ISO Setting | 200 - 12 800 ISO | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | No viewfinder | |
| Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
| LCD Resolution | 920k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | |
| V-logging Friendliness | Front-flip possible | |
| Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 4 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | |
| Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
| Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | UHS-I | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
| Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | Kodak LB-070 power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 shots per charge | |
| In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
| Body Dimensions |
116 x 68 x 36 mm (4.6 x 2.7 x 1.4 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 290 g (10.2 oz) | |
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