Why A K-S1 Instead Of The K-50 / K-30?

I'm A Pentaxian · 10-05-2014, 12:45 AM

Hi guys.

I was just wondering, for the price of a K-S1, you can get a K-50 / K-30 with a better lens combo or even a K-5 combo. Is there any good reasons to go for the K-S1 other than the 20mp sensor and the weirdo looks? Lets discuss why is it a better choice shall we?

Cheers.........

Sandy Hancock · 10-05-2014, 12:53 AM

Better focus system (plus other K-3 features).
Smaller.

I'm A Pentaxian · 10-05-2014, 12:59 AM

Oh, really. I thought it still uses the K-30 / K-50's SAFOX IXi+ auto focusing system. Maybe by faster you mean the "Screw Drive" is supercharged like the K-3. Still, I think the K-30 / 50 is way better value then this.

Sandy Hancock · 10-05-2014, 01:38 AM

Bigger viewfinder image (0.95 vs 0.92).
No AA filter, but selectable AA simulator using SR.
Nearly 20% lighter.

I'm A Pentaxian · 10-05-2014, 04:05 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Bigger viewfinder image (0.95 vs 0.92).
No AA filter, but selectable AA simulator using SR.
Nearly 20% lighter.

Oh ya. Forgot about the AA Filter less sensor. So as a K-5IIs. Still not so convincing.

Sandy Hancock · 10-05-2014, 04:13 AM - **3 Likes**

So it's not for you. Ricoh will get over it.

Adam · 10-05-2014, 04:30 AM

Originally posted by I'm A Pentaxian

Hi guys.

I was just wondering, for the price of a K-S1, you can get a K-50 / K-30 with a better lens combo or even a K-5 combo. Is there any good reasons to go for the K-S1 other than the 20mp sensor and the weirdo looks? Lets discuss why is it a better choice shall we?

Cheers.........

It's a better choice because of the shiny fancies and flashy looks. Let's not get bogged down on technical specs :P

But in all seriousness, I don't think I would ever recommend a K-S1 over a K-50 when it's twice as expensive. It has a worse grip, isn't weather sealed, and the improvements aren't what I consider significant to the average user. Despite this I do hope that the K-S1 does sell to the intended audience without needing a big rebate.

Adam
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RonHendriks1966 · 10-05-2014, 05:37 AM

I think the best reason to buy the K-S1 is that it comes in a color you really like. I like the Night Skye colorset:

On the techpart:
- It has some futures that are an advantage over the K-50. If you use them. The AA-filter removed may give some crispier images. The bigger viewfinder is an advantage, but I do like the O-ME53 viewfinder enlarger to get it better. I had it in my hands at Photokina and it did feel good in my hands, compared it with my K-01. I think that holding a camera is also something that grows in your hands. In many other ways it has a lot of the K-50 inside wich is similar to the K-30. So at least it is a good camera in that point.
- The new sensor should be equal to the 16mp sensor used in K-01/K-30/K-50 so that should be good.

The wheel on the back of the camera looked good to me. I can get used to such a thing. Different then the wheel on top of the camera like we are used to, but also much better then what Sony does with Nex when you only have a wheel on your screen and no fysical wheel.

On the price it is almost equal to the K-5 II at the moment overhere and I do think that is to expensive (for me). On the otherhand that is a total different camera.

JPT · 10-05-2014, 08:06 AM

Pentax has lacked a really light weight body for a few years and I think that is the real attraction of the K-S1. You could make a really compact kit with this and some small primes. The other big improvement over the K-50 is the CDAF speed. It seems to be just as fast as the PDAF, at least on static subjects.

Having said that, the K-50 is great value right now, as is the K-5 II. When the previous generation cameras being so good, it's hard to justify being an early adopter and hard to resist a bargain.

Clothears · 10-05-2014, 10:19 AM

Originally posted by Adam

But in all seriousness, I don't think I would ever recommend a K-S1 over a K-50 when it's twice as expensive.

On Amazon, black K50 is £379. Black K-S1 is £514 and some pence. That's 36% more.

Quote:

It has a worse grip, isn't weather sealed, ...

Hard to know whether the grip is important as I haven't tried it. OTOH, the K-S1 is somewhat lighter. And for me, weather sealing is just bling.

**monochrome** · 10-05-2014, 10:28 AM

Either choice is a good choice, depending on what you need (or want). The key is you.

If it were me and I didn't already have a K-3 (and wasn't holding my coins for something new next spring) I'd buy a K5IIs. But I like my cameras to have some mass. I don't understand the feather fetish.

Steve.Ledger · 10-05-2014, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

I like my cameras to have some mass. I don't understand the feather fetish.

Same here. The lighter they are, the cheaper they feel. Don't like it.
Besides, weight adds to stability - always has and always will.

Adam · 10-05-2014, 01:15 PM

Originally posted by Clothears

On Amazon, black K50 is £379. Black K-S1 is £514 and some pence. That's 36% more.

Depends on the market I guess. In the US, the K-50 can be had for $399 either with a free promotional gift card ($50 value), or free flash, bag, and memory card ($150 value). Those bundles aren't yet available for the K-S1.

RonHendriks1966 · 10-05-2014, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Depends on the market I guess. In the US, the K-50 can be had for $399 either with a free promotional gift card ($50 value), or free flash, bag, and memory card ($150 value). Those bundles aren't yet available for the K-S1.

Overhere the K-50+18-55WR is 499 and the K-S1+18-55 is 699, so 40 % more expensive. The K-500+18-55 is only 399 euro. The K-5II+18-55WR is 719 euro.

6BQ5 · 10-05-2014, 02:49 PM

I think the K-S1 is intended to appeal to people buying their first DSLR and they want something new and flashy. Without WR seals and only one selection wheel I see this camera as being a beginners unit. Sure, the 20 MP is nice but 16 MP is plenty too. The lack of AA filter will give sharper images but the AA filter used by Pentax to begin with is pretty weak. The AF system is probably faster but I've only missed a handful of shot in the entire time I have been using my K-30. Most of the time it was my fault for not being ready. I'm sure the JPG engine is better too but I shoot in RAW.

So, in my mind I would skip the K-S1 unless you are my mother-in-law.

10-05-2014, 12:45 AM	#1
I'm A Pentaxian New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 15	Why A K-S1 Instead Of The K-50 / K-30? Hi guys. I was just wondering, for the price of a K-S1, you can get a K-50 / K-30 with a better lens combo or even a K-5 combo. Is there any good reasons to go for the K-S1 other than the 20mp sensor and the weirdo looks? Lets discuss why is it a better choice shall we? Cheers.........

10-05-2014, 12:59 AM	#3
I'm A Pentaxian New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 15 Original Poster	Oh, really. I thought it still uses the K-30 / K-50's SAFOX IXi+ auto focusing system. Maybe by faster you mean the "Screw Drive" is supercharged like the K-3. Still, I think the K-30 / 50 is way better value then this. Last edited by I'm A Pentaxian; 10-05-2014 at 01:10 AM.

10-05-2014, 01:15 PM	#13
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by Clothears On Amazon, black K50 is £379. Black K-S1 is £514 and some pence. That's 36% more. Depends on the market I guess. In the US, the K-50 can be had for $399 either with a free promotional gift card ($50 value), or free flash, bag, and memory card ($150 value). Those bundles aren't yet available for the K-S1. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-05-2014, 12:53 AM	#2
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Better focus system (plus other K-3 features). Smaller.

10-05-2014, 01:38 AM	#4
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Bigger viewfinder image (0.95 vs 0.92). No AA filter, but selectable AA simulator using SR. Nearly 20% lighter.

10-05-2014, 04:05 AM	#5
I'm A Pentaxian New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 15 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Bigger viewfinder image (0.95 vs 0.92). No AA filter, but selectable AA simulator using SR. Nearly 20% lighter. Oh ya. Forgot about the AA Filter less sensor. So as a K-5IIs. Still not so convincing.

10-05-2014, 04:13 AM - 3 Likes	#6
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	So it's not for you. Ricoh will get over it.

10-05-2014, 04:30 AM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by I'm A Pentaxian Hi guys. I was just wondering, for the price of a K-S1, you can get a K-50 / K-30 with a better lens combo or even a K-5 combo. Is there any good reasons to go for the K-S1 other than the 20mp sensor and the weirdo looks? Lets discuss why is it a better choice shall we? Cheers......... It's a better choice because of the shiny fancies and flashy looks. Let's not get bogged down on technical specs :P But in all seriousness, I don't think I would ever recommend a K-S1 over a K-50 when it's twice as expensive. It has a worse grip, isn't weather sealed, and the improvements aren't what I consider significant to the average user. Despite this I do hope that the K-S1 does sell to the intended audience without needing a big rebate. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-05-2014, 05:37 AM	#8
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	I think the best reason to buy the K-S1 is that it comes in a color you really like. I like the Night Skye colorset: On the techpart: - It has some futures that are an advantage over the K-50. If you use them. The AA-filter removed may give some crispier images. The bigger viewfinder is an advantage, but I do like the O-ME53 viewfinder enlarger to get it better. I had it in my hands at Photokina and it did feel good in my hands, compared it with my K-01. I think that holding a camera is also something that grows in your hands. In many other ways it has a lot of the K-50 inside wich is similar to the K-30. So at least it is a good camera in that point. - The new sensor should be equal to the 16mp sensor used in K-01/K-30/K-50 so that should be good. The wheel on the back of the camera looked good to me. I can get used to such a thing. Different then the wheel on top of the camera like we are used to, but also much better then what Sony does with Nex when you only have a wheel on your screen and no fysical wheel. On the price it is almost equal to the K-5 II at the moment overhere and I do think that is to expensive (for me). On the otherhand that is a total different camera.

10-05-2014, 08:06 AM	#9
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	Pentax has lacked a really light weight body for a few years and I think that is the real attraction of the K-S1. You could make a really compact kit with this and some small primes. The other big improvement over the K-50 is the CDAF speed. It seems to be just as fast as the PDAF, at least on static subjects. Having said that, the K-50 is great value right now, as is the K-5 II. When the previous generation cameras being so good, it's hard to justify being an early adopter and hard to resist a bargain.

10-05-2014, 10:19 AM	#10
Clothears Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Canterbury Posts: 170	Originally posted by Adam But in all seriousness, I don't think I would ever recommend a K-S1 over a K-50 when it's twice as expensive. On Amazon, black K50 is £379. Black K-S1 is £514 and some pence. That's 36% more. Quote: It has a worse grip, isn't weather sealed, ... Hard to know whether the grip is important as I haven't tried it. OTOH, the K-S1 is somewhat lighter. And for me, weather sealing is just bling.

10-05-2014, 10:28 AM	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Either choice is a good choice, depending on what you need (or want). The key is you. If it were me and I didn't already have a K-3 (and wasn't holding my coins for something new next spring) I'd buy a K5IIs. But I like my cameras to have some mass. I don't understand the feather fetish.

10-05-2014, 12:57 PM	#12
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Originally posted by monochrome I like my cameras to have some mass. I don't understand the feather fetish. Same here. The lighter they are, the cheaper they feel. Don't like it. Besides, weight adds to stability - always has and always will.

10-05-2014, 01:34 PM	#14
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by Adam Depends on the market I guess. In the US, the K-50 can be had for $399 either with a free promotional gift card ($50 value), or free flash, bag, and memory card ($150 value). Those bundles aren't yet available for the K-S1. Overhere the K-50+18-55WR is 499 and the K-S1+18-55 is 699, so 40 % more expensive. The K-500+18-55 is only 399 euro. The K-5II+18-55WR is 719 euro.

10-05-2014, 02:49 PM	#15
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I think the K-S1 is intended to appeal to people buying their first DSLR and they want something new and flashy. Without WR seals and only one selection wheel I see this camera as being a beginners unit. Sure, the 20 MP is nice but 16 MP is plenty too. The lack of AA filter will give sharper images but the AA filter used by Pentax to begin with is pretty weak. The AF system is probably faster but I've only missed a handful of shot in the entire time I have been using my K-30. Most of the time it was my fault for not being ready. I'm sure the JPG engine is better too but I shoot in RAW. So, in my mind I would skip the K-S1 unless you are my mother-in-law.