Pentax K-S2 Review

Conclusion

The Pentax K-S2 has proven to be a highly-capable mid-range DSLR with plenty of advanced features that are typically reserved for flagship cameras, such as weather-sealing, dual control wheels, and a pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage.  With this camera, Pentax has taken the powerful new sensor that debuted in the Pentax K-S1 in late 2014 and put it in a traditional DSLR body that will appeal to a much wider audience.

In addition to delivering better image quality compared to the Pentax K-50 (the previous mid-range DSLR) and earlier 16-megapixel bodies, the K-S2 debuts a host of new features including an articulating LCD, built-in Wi-Fi, JPEG clarity enhancement, and faster everyday performance.  These features make daily shooting easier and more enjoyable; they allow the photographer to spend more time focusing on what matters most: capturing the image.

The K-S2 also sports its own unique style thanks to plenty of color options, decorative accents, and subtle LED rings.

Pentax K-S2 with 18-50mm retractable kit lens

Who Is it For

Unlike any Pentax body before it, the K-S2 has the potential to satisfy users of all levels— from beginners to enthusiasts.  It is a worthy replacement for the Pentax K-50 and certainly lives up to its reputation of dependability and good image quality while making improvements in virtually all key areas.

Whether you're a frequent outdoor shooter, a casual user mainly interested in family photos, or an advanced photographer, the K-S2 has something for you.   With it's articulating LCD, "selfie mode", smartphone wireless control, and enhanced editing options such as clarity enhancement, the K-S2 is an especially good choice for family and travel photography.  Its weather sealing and user interface rivals that of high-end bodies, though it falls short in terms of handling.

We do not recommend the K-S2 primarily for video use.  While it is suitable for casual videos or web uploads, it is otherwise limited in its capabilities.  Also, the K-S2 is not ideal for users of heavy lenses due to its small grip.

Value

As of August, 2015, the Pentax K-S2 body retails for $596 USD / £499 GBP / $799 CAD at authorized dealers.  This reflects a 10-15% drop compared to the launch price of $699 USD / £549 GBP / $849 CAD / $925 AUD.  The 18-50mm kit still generally costs about $100 / £80 more.

This places the K-S2 above the entry-level K-S1 ($389 USD) and outgoing mid-range K-50 ($295 USD) but below the outgoing flagship K-3 ($749 USD) and flagship K-3 II ($935 USD).  Compare it to the Canon T6i and Nikon D5500 at $799 and $749, respectively.

In other words, the K-S2 is an exceptional value— it's cheaper than other current DSLRs in its class and it pulls ahead of them in a number of areas, such as weather sealing and low-light focusing.

For users new to Pentax, we recommend starting out with either the 18-50mm kit lens, or the 18-135mm zoom.  Existing Pentax users might be more interested in the body-only offerings.

The Bottom Line

The Pentax K-S2 is a true winner because it combines a host of tried-and-tested and advanced Pentax features with innovation in areas that matter to the average user: image quality, wireless connectivity, the user interface, and the LCD screen. At its current price of $596, the K-S2 is a fantastic value and perhaps one of the most exciting mid-range bodies launched by Pentax to date.

Overall, the K-S2 passed our tests with flying colors.  The only major area in which the camera underperforms is handling.  Pentax users are accustomed to large and comfortable grips, and the K-S2's grip is so small that it is sub-optimal for medium lenses (those close to the weight of the camera itself) and outright hard to hold with large lenses.  Of course, this isn't an issue for those who plan to stick to the ultra-light 18-50mm kit lens or other compact Pentax lenses, but other cameras like the K-50 and K-3 are simply much more comfortable to hold with bigger lenses.

Remaining issues we've found with the camera are minor, such as the noisy shutter, awkward placement of the live view button, and removal of wireless flash support and wired remote port.

With Pentax-unique features such as the AA filter simulator, in-body Shake Reduction, and advanced shooting modes, plus class-leading low light autofocus, you really get a lot of bang for your buck with the K-S2.  And even though it has so many pro-grade features, the K-S2 continues to be beginner-friendly thanks to the way its menus and dials are designed.  Thanks to the intuitive menu system, most of its advanced settings don't get in the way if you don't want them to.  At the same time, everything remains within reach for advanced users.

We highly recommend the K-S2 as an upgrade over the Pentax K-50 or older bodies.  Users of the K-5 line may prefer to upgrade to the Pentax K-3 due to the ergonomic similarities within the Pentax flagship lineup.

Rating

Overall, the Pentax K-S2 is a well-rounded camera that does well in areas that matter to still photographers.  It is user-friendly yet feature-packed.

Order your Pentax K-S2 Today

• At B&H Photo (US/Worldwide)
• At Adorama (US/Worldwide)
• On Amazon (US)
• At SRS Microsystems (UK/EU)
• At WEX Photographic (UK)
• At Henry's (Canada)
• At CR Kennedy (Australia)

Click here to discuss the Pentax K-S2 on the forum, or leave a comment below!

18-50mm Retractable Kit Lens

We also have much to say about the new kit lens launched alongside the Pentax K-S2 (and pictured above), and you can read more about it in the in-depth 18-50mm lens review.