Pentax K-S2 Review

Features and Highlights

The Pentax K-S2 can be considered a mid-range DSLR that also competes with the upper entry-level segment.  It packs quite a few features that are otherwise unusual for cameras in its class.  This page provides a quick overview of the K-S2's highlights.

20.2 Megapixel Sensor with AA Filter Simulator

The 20.2 megapixel sensor in the Pentax K-S2 delivers a higher resolution that the previous generation of DSLRs and is capable of producing sharper images thanks to the removal of the anti-aliasing (AA) filter.  If you plan to photograph textiles or other repetitive, man-made objects, the Pentax-unique hardware AA Filter Simulator can be used to greatly reduced the impact of moire artifacts.

Weather Sealing

Pentax pulls ahead of the competition in this area by offering a feature that is generally reserved for top-shelf cameras. Under the hood, the Pentax K-S2 has a large array of internal seals to protect it from moisture, dust, and cold temperatures. The standard 18-50mm kit lens is also weather-sealed, which means that you can shoot in light rain and snow with no worries.

Browse our lens database for a full listing of weather-sealed Pentax lenses.

Dual Control Wheels

Change the shutter speed, aperture, and other settings with ease thanks to dual control wheels: one for your thumb and one for your index finger.  The functionality of the control wheels can be customized within each shooting mode. The presence of a second control wheel also simplifies image browsing in playback mode and speeds up menu pagination.

Furthermore, dual control wheels enable access to the Pentax Hyper Program mode, which allows you to manually override the shutter speed or aperture without having to leave P mode.

Built-in Shake Reduction

All lenses— even manual and third-party lenses— are automatically stabilized thanks to the in-camera Shake Reduction system, which shifts the sensor around to compensate for up to 3.5 stops of camera shake.  In practice, this means that you can hand-hold your camera even for low-light photography, and you don't need to spend extra money on stabilized lenses.

Vari-angle Articulating Screen

The K-S2 is the first Pentax DSLR to feature an articulating LCD screen (and it is also weather-sealed).  The screen can be positioned in one of four ways, and when it's reversed, as shown below, it activates a special "selfie" mode that allows you to release the shutter via the Wi-Fi button so that you can hold the camera more comfortably.

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC

Control your camera remotely with your smartphone and download photos over Wi-Fi using the dedicated Image Capture app.  The K-S2 is the first Pentax camera to feature native wireless connectivity, and it has proved to be much more reliable than the FluCard solution used in earlier bodies. A complete guide to the K-S2's Wi-Fi can be found later on in the review.

NFC (Near Field Communications) makes it easier to connect to the camera with NFC-enabled devices.

Wireless control using Ricoh Image Sync

Stereo Sound and External Microphone

The Pentax K-S2 records stereo sound with its build-in microphone and also allows you to plug in an external mic. Combined with advanced video capabilities including on-demand autofocus and manual exposure control, the K-S2 doubles as a powerful full HD video camera.

Superb Lens Compatibility

All Pentax K-mount lenses ever made can be used on the K-S2 without an adapter.  Older M42 screwmount lenses can also be used with a small adapter ring.  This allows for hundreds of genuine lenses, plus thousands of third-party lenses, and many of these lenses can be a very good value.

Legacy lenses with auto-aperture (A series) or auto-focus (F and FA series) can be used without any limitations in shooting modes.  Manual lenses can be used in manual mode with stop-down metering; see the manual lens usage guide for more details.

Next, we will take a look at the K-S2's technical specifications.