Pentax K-S1 Review

Specifications

The Pentax K-S1 shares the majority of its hardware with the K-50, the current weather-sealed entry-level model.  It has been improved in several areas, including the sensor, LCD screen, and optical viewfinder.  Unfortunately, the electronic level has been removed, as has the weather sealing and the second control wheel.

Pentax K-S1

Pentax K-S1

Pentax K-50

K-50

Year Launched 2014 2013
Launch Price (USA)

$799 (18-55mm kit)
$749 (body only)

$779 (18-55mm WR  kit)
$699 (body only)
Street Price (12/2014) $649 (18-55mm kit)
$599 (body only)
$499 (18-55mm WR kit)
$399 (body only)
Sensor
Resolution

20.2 megapixels
(5472 x 3648 px)

No AA filter, hardware moire suppression

16.2 megapixels
(4928 x 3264 px)

AA filter

Sensor Size 15.6 x 23.5mm (APS-C) 15.7 x 23.7mm (APS-C)
ISO Range 100-51,200
Stabilization Mechanical Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction (SR)
Dust Removal Yes (DR)
CPU PRIME M II PRIME M
Image Capture
Shooting Modes

P, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, M, B
Auto-Pict, Effect, Scene modes

Hyper P, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, M, B
Auto-Pict, Scene modes

Shutter Speeds 30s - 1/6000s

30s - 1/6000s

File formats DNG RAW, PEF RAW (12-bit)
JPEG
DNG RAW (12-bit)
JPEG
Electronic Level No Yes
Exposure Compensation +/- 5EV
Continuous Shooting Hi: 5.4 fps up to 20 JPG, 5 RAW
Lo: 3 fps up to 100 frames (JPG), 8 RAW
Hi: 6 fps up to 30 JPG, 8 RAW
Lo: 3 fps until card is full (JPG), 10 RAW
AF System SAFOX IXi+, 11 focus points
AF Modes AF.A, AF.S, AF.C
AF Operating Range -1 to 18 EV
Metering System 77-segment metering
0 to 22 EV
Lens Compatibility

All genuine Pentax K-mount lenses since 1975
Most third-party K-mount lenses

With adapter: M42 lenses

Lenses with an aperture ring but no "A" setting require stop-down metering

Flash
Built-In Flash GN 10 (ISO 100) GN 12 (ISO 100)
Flash Sync. Speed 1/180s
Hot Shoe Yes
Movie Mode
Resolution/Framerates 1920x1080p @ 30/25/24 FPS
1280x720p @ 60/50 FPS
1920x1080p @ 30/25/24 FPS
1280x720p @ 60/50/30/25/24 FPS
640x480p @ 30/25/24 FPS
File format H.264 MOV
Exposure Modes P, M, Av, TAv

Focus Peaking

Not available during recording
AF During Recording On demand via AF button
Stabilization Electronic
HDMI Yes N/A
Built-in Microphone Stereo Mono
External Microphone N/A
Interface
Control Wheels 1 2
Optical Viewfinder 100% coverage
0.95x magnification
100% coverage
0.92x magnification
LCD Screen 3.0", 921k dots
3:2 aspect ratio
3.0", 921k dots
4:3 aspect ratio
Focus Peaking Yes
IR Remote Ports 1 (rear)
Customization AF Button
Green Button
E-dial
LEDs
AF Button
Green Button
E-dials
RAW Button
General
Lens Mount Pentax KAF2 Mount
Media Slot 1x SD, SDHC, or SDXC card
Connectivity Mini HDMI, USB2, Eye-Fi, IR
O-FC1 FluCard Remote Control
USB2, Eye-Fi, IR
Body Material
Plastic
Weather Sealed No Yes
Dimensions (WxHxD) 120 x 92.5 x 69.5mm
(4.75 x 3.65 x 2.75 in.)
129 x 96.5 x 70mm
(5.1 x 3.8 x 2.8 in.)
Battery Life ~480 shots ~480 shots (D-LI 109 battery)
~1250 shots (AA lithium batteries)
Battery Model D-LI 109 (included) D-LI 109 (included)
Optional AA battery adapter
Weight (Loaded) 558 g (19.7 oz) 650 g (23 oz)
Origin Assembled in the Philippines

Read on to see what color options are available, and then what's in the box!


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