Thoughts on the Pentax KS-1

K David · 11-28-2014, 07:03 PM - **1 Like**

In a week or so I'll have my video manual series forhte Pentax KS-1 edited and uploaded. In the interim, I uploaded an excerpt from the first video with my thoughts and some sample photos.

Here's the link:

You Tube

**i_trax** · 11-28-2014, 11:20 PM

thank you for your observations.
I like it very much, goes well will Limiteds.
I do not have a problem with gription , well I always liked my K-x.
the AF switch is very easy to knock - the only complain.
some of my first photos :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/itrax/sets/72157649176395332/
kind regards
jack

K David · 11-29-2014, 12:32 AM

Those turned out really well. This camera has a simply fantastic sensor on it -- much better, I think, than the other entry-level offerings out there.

I'll add that, in black, the KS-1 looks much better than in white.

**mtngal** · 11-29-2014, 07:11 AM

Originally posted by K David

In a week or so I'll have my video manual series forhte Pentax KS-1 edited and uploaded. In the interim, I uploaded an excerpt from the first video with my thoughts and some sample photos.

I don't mind where the AF switch is as far as using it, but it's so easy to accidentally change it when I take the camera out of a bag. If a lens doesn't focus at first, I don't panic, just change the switch.

What I find most annoying is the fact they put the live view button where the review button is on the K3, and included the delete function on it. I can't tell you how many times I've been reviewing pictures and pushed that button to go back to shooting, only to be presented with a question about deleting. For someone who's never used a dSLR before, or at least not the K3 it probably wouldn't make a difference.

LeRolls · 11-29-2014, 08:29 AM

Interesting observations especially concerning the IQ. Would be nice if Ricoh threw that sensor or something like it into a snazzy mirrorless body with a K mount. I'd definitely be interested in that.

**THoog** · 11-29-2014, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by mtngal

I don't mind where the AF switch is as far as using it, but it's so easy to accidentally change it when I take the camera out of a bag. If a lens doesn't focus at first, I don't panic, just change the switch.

What I find most annoying is the fact they put the live view button where the review button is on the K3, and included the delete function on it. I can't tell you how many times I've been reviewing pictures and pushed that button to go back to shooting, only to be presented with a question about deleting. For someone who's never used a dSLR before, or at least not the K3 it probably wouldn't make a difference.

The Live View / Delete button is in the same place on the K-30/50/500. I had those problems when I transitioned from a K-r to a K-30. I predicted that "metal-body" Pentax shooters would have more trouble with the K-S1's layout than "plastic-body" shooters.

The AF/MF focus switch on the K-30 was really stiff. They seem to have over-compensated with the K-S1. I will say that it is easy to check/change by touch, without taking your eye away from the viewfinder, but the old style sliding switch would have been better for the target audience, who (in most cases) would just shoot the kit lens auto/auto/auto.

Regarding the OP's missing rear IR sensor - none of the Pentax plastic bodies have a rear sensor, so far as I know. The K-30 and K-01 don't. That just doesn't seem to be a feature that they are willing to transition from the high-end to the low end.

Steve.Ledger · 11-29-2014, 02:29 PM

Although the MX-1 has a rear IR...

Na Horuk · 11-29-2014, 06:22 PM

I just handled the K-S1 today at a gear show. It is very tiny, very cute, but looks more "toyish" than the K-50 (and of course, K-3). It is a little space-age looking. I like it. But its menus and different layout took a while to understand. I didn't know why I was in video mode - the ON/OFF button also goes into "video"! So its actually an OFF, still, video button.
Bold statements about the sensor, though! I am glad to hear them

ChristianRock · 11-29-2014, 07:09 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by LeRolls

Interesting observations especially concerning the IQ. Would be nice if Ricoh threw that sensor or something like it into a snazzy mirrorless body with a K mount. I'd definitely be interested in that.

If it has a k mount it won't bw much smaller than the k-s1 so why not just get that instead? I think the k-s1 is a brilliant piece of engineering for having premium features and a great pentaprism in an almost mirrorless sized body!

LeRolls · 11-29-2014, 11:28 PM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

If it has a k mount it won't bw much smaller than the k-s1 so why not just get that instead? I think the k-s1 is a brilliant piece of engineering for having premium features and a great pentaprism in an almost mirrorless sized body!

Well the K-01 is smaller than the Canon SL1 which is the smallest DSLR currently on the market so yeah they could make a mirrorless that was noticeably smaller than the K-S1 if they wanted to which is something that I would personally be interested in. I am also not too crazy about the K-S1 as far as looks are concerned. Maybe for under $500 I would consider it.

ChristianRock · 12-01-2014, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by LeRolls

Well the K-01 is smaller than the Canon SL1 which is the smallest DSLR currently on the market so yeah they could make a mirrorless that was noticeably smaller than the K-S1 if they wanted to which is something that I would personally be interested in. I am also not too crazy about the K-S1 as far as looks are concerned. Maybe for under $500 I would consider it.

The K-S1 is in the same ballpark as the Canon... Compare camera dimensions side by side

As far as height and width difference, we're talking a couple milimiters... which is fantastic considering how much better the pentaprism in the K-S1 is compared to the pentamirror in the Canon.

Also, I'm sure that by easter next year, there will be stores selling the K-S1 for 400 dollars. It's already down to 579 on Amazon.

**mtngal** · 12-07-2014, 07:05 PM

Thought I would add something here, since there was discussion about the fact there's only a front sensor for a wireless remote. I didn't think the lack of a rear IR sensor as I figured I'd use a wired remote, which would work just as well for me. However, today when I started to use one, I couldn't find a port for one. So I guess it doesn't support a wired remote - I couldn't find anything in the manual about using one. That along with the lack of a rear remote sensor is a bit frustrating. On the other hand, there's a 3 second mirror lockup when using a remote, time enough to get out of the way.

**mtngal** · 12-08-2014, 08:23 PM

Update on the lack of a rear remote sensor - the K-S1 works with the Flu Card. For my purposes that would work even better than with a remote. Wish I had thought of that yesterday!

**clackers** · 12-08-2014, 09:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mtngal

Update on the lack of a rear remote sensor - the K-S1 works with the Flu Card. For my purposes that would work even better than with a remote. Wish I had thought of that yesterday!

You can use Chrome on your phone to fire the shutter, Mtngal, then upload it to be critiqued on Pentax Forums within a minute.

The first blows to your self-esteem can happen even before you've take down your tripod!

**mtngal** · 12-09-2014, 10:16 PM

Originally posted by clackers

You can use Chrome on your phone to fire the shutter, Mtngal, then upload it to be critiqued on Pentax Forums within a minute.

The first blows to your self-esteem can happen even before you've take down your tripod!

LOL! How true, how true. Actually I usually (but not always) sleep on photos before making a decision about posting something. Otherwise, I'd reject them all and never post anything!

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11-28-2014, 11:20 PM	#2
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	thank you for your observations. I like it very much, goes well will Limiteds. I do not have a problem with gription , well I always liked my K-x. the AF switch is very easy to knock - the only complain. some of my first photos : https://www.flickr.com/photos/itrax/sets/72157649176395332/ kind regards jack

11-29-2014, 12:32 AM	#3
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437 Original Poster	Those turned out really well. This camera has a simply fantastic sensor on it -- much better, I think, than the other entry-level offerings out there. I'll add that, in black, the KS-1 looks much better than in white.

11-29-2014, 07:11 AM	#4
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	Originally posted by K David In a week or so I'll have my video manual series forhte Pentax KS-1 edited and uploaded. In the interim, I uploaded an excerpt from the first video with my thoughts and some sample photos. I don't mind where the AF switch is as far as using it, but it's so easy to accidentally change it when I take the camera out of a bag. If a lens doesn't focus at first, I don't panic, just change the switch. What I find most annoying is the fact they put the live view button where the review button is on the K3, and included the delete function on it. I can't tell you how many times I've been reviewing pictures and pushed that button to go back to shooting, only to be presented with a question about deleting. For someone who's never used a dSLR before, or at least not the K3 it probably wouldn't make a difference.

11-29-2014, 08:29 AM	#5
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	Interesting observations especially concerning the IQ. Would be nice if Ricoh threw that sensor or something like it into a snazzy mirrorless body with a K mount. I'd definitely be interested in that.

11-29-2014, 09:21 AM	#6
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	Originally posted by mtngal I don't mind where the AF switch is as far as using it, but it's so easy to accidentally change it when I take the camera out of a bag. If a lens doesn't focus at first, I don't panic, just change the switch. What I find most annoying is the fact they put the live view button where the review button is on the K3, and included the delete function on it. I can't tell you how many times I've been reviewing pictures and pushed that button to go back to shooting, only to be presented with a question about deleting. For someone who's never used a dSLR before, or at least not the K3 it probably wouldn't make a difference. The Live View / Delete button is in the same place on the K-30/50/500. I had those problems when I transitioned from a K-r to a K-30. I predicted that "metal-body" Pentax shooters would have more trouble with the K-S1's layout than "plastic-body" shooters. The AF/MF focus switch on the K-30 was really stiff. They seem to have over-compensated with the K-S1. I will say that it is easy to check/change by touch, without taking your eye away from the viewfinder, but the old style sliding switch would have been better for the target audience, who (in most cases) would just shoot the kit lens auto/auto/auto. Regarding the OP's missing rear IR sensor - none of the Pentax plastic bodies have a rear sensor, so far as I know. The K-30 and K-01 don't. That just doesn't seem to be a feature that they are willing to transition from the high-end to the low end.

11-29-2014, 02:29 PM	#7
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Although the MX-1 has a rear IR...

11-29-2014, 06:22 PM	#8
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I just handled the K-S1 today at a gear show. It is very tiny, very cute, but looks more "toyish" than the K-50 (and of course, K-3). It is a little space-age looking. I like it. But its menus and different layout took a while to understand. I didn't know why I was in video mode - the ON/OFF button also goes into "video"! So its actually an OFF, still, video button. Bold statements about the sensor, though! I am glad to hear them

11-29-2014, 07:09 PM - 2 Likes	#9
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Originally posted by LeRolls Interesting observations especially concerning the IQ. Would be nice if Ricoh threw that sensor or something like it into a snazzy mirrorless body with a K mount. I'd definitely be interested in that. If it has a k mount it won't bw much smaller than the k-s1 so why not just get that instead? I think the k-s1 is a brilliant piece of engineering for having premium features and a great pentaprism in an almost mirrorless sized body!

11-29-2014, 11:28 PM	#10
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	Originally posted by ChristianRock If it has a k mount it won't bw much smaller than the k-s1 so why not just get that instead? I think the k-s1 is a brilliant piece of engineering for having premium features and a great pentaprism in an almost mirrorless sized body! Well the K-01 is smaller than the Canon SL1 which is the smallest DSLR currently on the market so yeah they could make a mirrorless that was noticeably smaller than the K-S1 if they wanted to which is something that I would personally be interested in. I am also not too crazy about the K-S1 as far as looks are concerned. Maybe for under $500 I would consider it.

12-01-2014, 07:58 AM	#11
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Originally posted by LeRolls Well the K-01 is smaller than the Canon SL1 which is the smallest DSLR currently on the market so yeah they could make a mirrorless that was noticeably smaller than the K-S1 if they wanted to which is something that I would personally be interested in. I am also not too crazy about the K-S1 as far as looks are concerned. Maybe for under $500 I would consider it. The K-S1 is in the same ballpark as the Canon... Compare camera dimensions side by side As far as height and width difference, we're talking a couple milimiters... which is fantastic considering how much better the pentaprism in the K-S1 is compared to the pentamirror in the Canon. Also, I'm sure that by easter next year, there will be stores selling the K-S1 for 400 dollars. It's already down to 579 on Amazon.

12-07-2014, 07:05 PM	#12
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	Thought I would add something here, since there was discussion about the fact there's only a front sensor for a wireless remote. I didn't think the lack of a rear IR sensor as I figured I'd use a wired remote, which would work just as well for me. However, today when I started to use one, I couldn't find a port for one. So I guess it doesn't support a wired remote - I couldn't find anything in the manual about using one. That along with the lack of a rear remote sensor is a bit frustrating. On the other hand, there's a 3 second mirror lockup when using a remote, time enough to get out of the way.

12-08-2014, 08:23 PM	#13
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	Update on the lack of a rear remote sensor - the K-S1 works with the Flu Card. For my purposes that would work even better than with a remote. Wish I had thought of that yesterday!

12-08-2014, 09:04 PM - 1 Like	#14
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by mtngal Update on the lack of a rear remote sensor - the K-S1 works with the Flu Card. For my purposes that would work even better than with a remote. Wish I had thought of that yesterday! You can use Chrome on your phone to fire the shutter, Mtngal, then upload it to be critiqued on Pentax Forums within a minute. The first blows to your self-esteem can happen even before you've take down your tripod!

12-09-2014, 10:16 PM	#15
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	Originally posted by clackers You can use Chrome on your phone to fire the shutter, Mtngal, then upload it to be critiqued on Pentax Forums within a minute. The first blows to your self-esteem can happen even before you've take down your tripod! LOL! How true, how true. Actually I usually (but not always) sleep on photos before making a decision about posting something. Otherwise, I'd reject them all and never post anything!