Pentax K-S2 Brief Review


REVIEW SUMMARY

Specifications

  • 20 megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • Anti-aliasing filter removed
  • Sensor-shift image stabilization
  • ISO 100-51200
  • Maximum shutter speed 1/6000
  • 11-point autofocus
  • Continuous shooting up to 5.5 fps (Buffer: 30 JPEGS, 9 RAW)
  • RAW and JPEG
  • Manual modes
  • 3” tilting LCD screen
  • Dual control wheels
  • 4K interval movie capture or 1080p HD video at 24 fps
  • Weather-sealed body
  • Li-ion battery rated at 480 shots
  • Weighs 23.9 oz (678g)
  • Release Date: 2015-02-09
  • Final Grade: 90 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended


Pentax adds wi-fi to DSLR line with K-S2
Pentax has a solid collection of DSLRs--the new K-S2 is the first to offer wi-fi.
By Hillary Grigonis, Last updated on: 8/17/2016

With a weather-sealed, compact body, wi-fi and a solid set of imaging capabilities, the Pentax K-S2 certainly looks to be a competitor among the available DSLRs for beginners. Updating on the quirky K-S1 less than a year after it's release, the K-S2 is the manufacturer's first DSLR to offer wi-fi.

The K-S2 eliminates the odd and pointless lights on the grip of the K-S1, but keeps the 20 megapixel sensor. The anti-alliasing filter has been removed for enhanced detail on both models; a simulator mimics the effect of the filter and helps prevent moire, but can be switched on and off. In fact, the specs that will affect the final outcome of the images appear to be similar across both models, with a 5.5 fps burst mode and a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000. Both also use a sensor-shift image stabilization and an 11-point autofocus mode.

The differences lie mainly in convenience and usability. The K-S2 features both wi-fi and NFC. Pentax takes that one step further by adding a few features that make selfies a bit simpler, with a tilting LCD screen that includes a secondary shutter release.

The K-S2 is slightly heavier than the K-S1, though isn't quite as tall or deep and still appears to be one of the most compact options on the market. Pentax also offers a kit lens that's retractable, making it just 44 millimeters when stored.

Our previous experience with Pentax DSLRs has shown them to be slightly quirky, but certainly capable of producing images that rival the likes of Canon and Nikon. They tend to have noisier autofocus systems, but many consumers like the fact that they are weather-sealed to withstand rain and dust. The Pentax K-S2 looks to be a solid option for beginners, or even families looking for a camera that's more capable than a point-and-shoot.

The Pentax K-S2 will be available sometime in March, 2015 in black, white or gray with an orange stripe. Additional color options will be released in April. The kit is listed at $799.95 with an 18-55mm lens or $899.95 with an 18-200mm lens.


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Pentax/Ricoh Reviews

Pentax, who just recently merged with Ricoh, has long been a sort of underdog—but not necessarily in performance or quality. Pentax/Ricoh offers some quirky cameras, but for the most part, we've found that to be a good thing.

The Pentax/Ricoh DSLR’s are mostly weather-sealed, giving them a unique advantage over competing manufacturers that don't offer anything similar. When we tried out models like the K-50, we were quite impressed with the image quality. The autofocus was a bit noisier than a Nikon, but the weather-sealing and often better price is hard to resist when the image quality is so good. Pentax continued to add in innovations by adding an anti-aliasing filter that can be turned on and off to the 2013 K-3.

Pentax hasn't jumped into the mirrorless battle too much, but they do offer the tiny and colorful Q7. With a smaller sensor and a smaller price point, the Q7 and similar models are more of a consumer mirrorless than one for the enthusiasts, but it's an extremely small camera with a whole lot of color options.

Pentax has a few solid compact models out too. The Pentax MX-1 earned our Best Budget Advanced Compact for 2013 for its advanced features yet small price tag. They offer a waterproof line that includes macro ring lights built in, something unique to the WG cameras.

Pentax/Ricoh may be a bit quirky, but many of their cameras are well worth a look and offer excellent image quality for the price.

We here at Digital Camera HQ offer unbiased, informative reviews and recommendations to guide you to the right camera. We're not an actual store; we're just here to help you find the perfect camera at the best price possible by using our camera grades. Let us know if you have any problems or questions, we're happy to help.