Originally posted by chaza01 I read the dpreview article on it and it wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement. To summarise their gripes:
(1) The grip is slippery and uncomfortable
(2) The LEDs serve no real purpose (other than an over the top countdown light)
(3) It isn't weather sealed
(4) The 4 way controller thing at the back is extremely awkward to use.
(5) It is priced higher than the K50, which they view as a better camera - and higher than competition (e.g D3300) which they also view more favourably.
So Pentax have designed a camera which puts form flatly over functionality - except they have succeeded there anyway.
I'm afraid I think this will be a flop. (imo)
The camera looks sufficiently ergonomic; the half a dozen people whom I have seen hold this camera in various videos seem to be able to do so with considerable ease. This camera is ideal for people who prefer a DSLR, and who would like it to be as lightweight as possible: I would definitely be interested in purchasing this camera.
How do you know the camera is priced higher than the K50, considering that it is yet to become available for sale? Pentax's recommended price for both cameras with kit lens is identical: 699 Euros. That the current price of a body that has been in circulation for some time is lower is hardly anything unusual: why pay 699 Euros for X-E2 when the X-E1 can be purchased for 349 Euros or less?
The K-S1 is an excellent camera with plenty of firepower in a small package. It is smaller than some high end micro four thirds bodies and it is sure to outperform larger and far more expensive DSLRs. In other words, this is a camera with lots of potential.
---------- Post added 08-28-14 at 14:29 ----------
Here's a K-S1 infomercial: