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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.

camera

Is the Kodak S-1 a good camera? The S-1 has a Camera Elo of 1660. 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 12 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2012.

Headline Specifications
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.

Kodak S-1 vs credit card front
S-1 versus credit card top view
S-1 and credit card rear side

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.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Kodak S-1 116 mm 68 mm 36 mm 290 g 410 n Jan 2012 299ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL6 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n May 2013 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF6 111 mm 65 mm 38 mm 323 g 340 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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.

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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.

Kodak S-1 sensor measures

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.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   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 34801080/30p22.211.859865
2.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
3.
 
Olympus E-PL6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.512.071768
4.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
5.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
8.
 
Panasonic GF6 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i20.710.662254
9.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
10.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
11.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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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.

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Core Features
#   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-1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 4.0/s n Y
2.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Olympus E-PL6optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
4.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic GF6none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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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.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the S-1

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.

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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.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Kodak S-1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Olympus E-PL6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-PM2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic GF6-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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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.

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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]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Kodak S-1........4/54/5 Jan 2012 299ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL6............ May 2013 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF6..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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.

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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 LB-070, 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.

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    Specifications Summary
    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 Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-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 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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