Pentax K-S2 Review

Recommended Settings

For those new to Pentax cameras and menus, we'd like to offer some recommendations as to how to get the most out of a new K-S2. These settings will (hopefully) help you save time and improve the quality of your photos.

Record Menu Settings

• If you prefer to shoot in JPEG mode, customize your Custom Image profile and save a few presets in the U1 or U2 modes based on the types of subjects you photograph most frequently.  The bright and natural presets are good starting points.
• When shooting with primes, turn the sharpness setting in your Custom Image profile all the way to the left to avoid over-sharpened images
• To speed up image processing and display times, disable Distortion Correction on page 2 of the Record menu. You can always enable it if needed via the control panel in case your lens has severe distortion.
• Most novice users should stick to using the default Auto 11 autofocus option, at least at first. More advanced users can explore Focus Point-Select AF, though some will prefer to use the center point and recompose. These options can be found under AF Settings on the 1st page of the Record menu, within the AF active area setting.
• Select AF.S in the previously-mentioned AF menu unless you're shooting moving subjects, in which case you should opt for AF.C.
• Enable Electronic Level Display on the 3rd page of the Record menu. This will give you a visual indication in live view and/or the viewfinder display and ensure that your horizons aren't crooked. We find this far more useful than the Automatic Horizon Correction, which can only correct plus or minus 1 degree of tilt on its own.
• To improve your focus accuracy, enable Focus Peaking under Live view on 3rd page of the Record menu.  Remember that you can zoom in using the OK button while outside of multi-point SEL AF.
• You can also choose a different Contrast AF method within the Live View submenu, if you so desire. The default is Face Detect, which is great for people shots but somewhat limiting otherwise. For everyday shooting we prefer Auto mode (3rd down the list), which lets you select the size and location of the AF area.  Also, the SEL mode is useful when you're on a tripod and want to precisely pinpoint your subject.
• We are split on Instant Review (page 4 of the Record menu)—some prefer to leave it at 1 second, while others feel that's not enough time to check for fine sharpness and prefer 3 seconds. Try both and see what you prefer.
• If you shoot in Av mode a lot, consider disabling instant review as the rear e-dial will zoom in on the captured image rather than change the working aperture as long as the image is displayed.

Movie Menu Settings

• Select the resolution and framerate you prefer.  HD/60p is ideal for fast-moving subjects while Full HD delivers more detail.
• Disable Movie SR to eliminate the jello effect during video recording.

Playback Menu Settings

• If you like to check the sharpness of your shots immediately after taking them, we suggest that you set Quick Zoom to 8x. This gives you a quick 100% view of the shot being reviewed when you turn the rear e-dial just one click.
• Enable highlight alert to view overexposed/underexposed parts of images.

Setup Menu Settings

• Once you get accustomed to the camera, you can disable the Guide Display by going to the 1st page of the Setup menu, entering the LCD Display submenu, and unchecking Guide Display. (Otherwise, the guide display pops up every time you switch shooting modes.)
• If you're in the USA, Canada, or another country where the electrical frequency is 60Hz, you should set Flicker Reduction to 60Hz on page 2 of the Setup menu. Otherwise, leave it on 50Hz.
• Similarly, set the correct Video Out option for your country under Interface Options (NTSC or PAL) on page 2 of the Setup menu.
• If you want to mark your photos for all to see, you can enter your Copyright Information on page 2 of the Setup menu.
• In order to save battery power, we recommend leaving Auto Power Off at the default setting of 1 minute.
• To keep your sensor clean, enable startup or shutdown Dust Removal (or both) on the 3rd page of the Setup menu. Finally, whenever you switch lenses, be sure to turn your camera off first, as this will help prevent dust from sticking to the sensor.

Custom Menu Settings

• We like to have as fine control over our settings as is possible. Therefore, we recommend setting EV Steps (C1) to "1/3 EV Steps," and setting Sensitivity Steps (C2) to "As EV Steps."
• To make menu navigation more convenient, set Save Menu Location (C20) to "Save Menu Location." With this setting enabled, whenever you hit the Menu button, the camera will return to your previous place.
• If you plan to shoot a lot of action shots with manual focus lenses, you may want to enable Catch-in Focus (C21). With this feature enabled and in AF.S mode, you can hold down the shutter release and the camera will fire the shutter the moment the subject comes into focus. Catch in focus guide.
• One of the headline features of any Pentax dSLR is its compatibility with decades' worth of manual-focus K-mount lenses. If you plan on shooting with manual lenses, go into the custom function menu and set Using Aperture Ring (C23) to "Enable."  Manual lens usage guide.

Other Settings

• Since the K-S2's high-ISO performance is so good, we suggest you leave Auto-ISO engaged for most day-to-day shooting. Set a maximum ISO setting you're comfortable with and just fire away. For more controlled shooting, you can easily switch to a specific ISO setting. Adjust these options in the ISO submenu (reached by pressing up on the d-pad).

If you've found a particular setting configuration to work exceptionally well, feel free to share it with our community in the K-S1/K-S2 forum!