K-S1 listed as one of the beste DSLRs in german Magazine "Der Spiegel"

geedee · 12-17-2014, 11:24 AM

German news magazine "Spiegel" just nominated the three best DSLRs for Christmas shoppers, figuring the Nikon D750 (pro), Canon 7D Mk2 (semi-pro) and the Pentax K-S1 as best entry-level DSLR.

The article specifically praises K-S1s straightforward design and usability.

**gaweidert** · 12-18-2014, 09:44 AM

This is because the Germans have impeccable tastes. This camera really is a winner in many ways. It is going to be added to my kit within the next year. If all you care about is image quality this camera nails it.

normhead · 12-18-2014, 09:59 AM

But then they just looked at what the camera is, and didn't really base their opinion on what a Pentax is "supposed" to be. It was just a matter of time.

Not a Number · 12-18-2014, 10:26 AM

It is nice that the feature photo is of the K-S1 instead of one of the other two.

geedee · 12-18-2014, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by gaweidert

This is because the Germans have impeccable tastes. This camera really is a winner in many ways. It is going to be added to my kit within the next year. If all you care about is image quality this camera nails it.

Well, ok, It wouldn't be exactly my type of camera design but perhaps I'm not german enough ;-) At least that's free publicity for Pentax which is a good thing after all!

Sandy Hancock · 12-18-2014, 01:20 PM

I'm not German at all, and I have fallen in love with the K-S1 over the few days I have had it. It is a joy to handle and it is the best digital camera to use with legacy lenses that I have tried.

As a result I am in the process of selling my K-01 and will likely do the same with my K-5 IIs.

**THoog** · 12-18-2014, 01:42 PM

Well, I was born in Germany*, and I have a K-S1, so maybe it was something in the water.

The K-S1 is definitely not for everybody. That doesn't mean that it isn't for anybody.

*Army brat. Moved back to the US when I was two. No memories of Europe whatsoever. I was cheated!

geedee · 12-18-2014, 02:13 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I'm not German at all, and I have fallen in love with the K-S1 over the few days I have had it. It is a joy to handle and it is the best digital camera to use with legacy lenses that I have tried.

Interesting, is Live View better implemented than in the K-01? What else do you prefer in comparison to "the brick"?

EarlVonTapia · 12-18-2014, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

As a result I am in the process of selling my K-01 and will likely do the same with my K-5 IIs.

Wow, that's a statement!

Sandy Hancock · 12-18-2014, 03:04 PM - **2 Likes**

It is a little smaller in most dimensions than the K-01 (except for the pentaprism hump of course), but it feels *a lot* smaller.

The ergonomics are really good. The grip works *much* better than I expected, and the button layout is a work of genius. The green button is just behind the shutter release, so stop-down metering with old lenses is literally a snap, and the AF/AE lock button needs just a small rightwards shift of the thumb. The exposure compensation button is also really well placed.

I have had more luck manually focussing through the viewfinder than with any of my other DSLR's, to the point where I rarely use live view, but when I do I would say the focus peaking is about the same as The Brick.

The IQ is stunning. There is something about the images I can't quite quantify; it's almost like the old CCD sensor of my K10D.

And it looks AWESOME in Moon Silver

robtcorl · 12-18-2014, 03:18 PM

My thoughts were along the lines of selling my K-5 and K-01 to be replaced by the S1.
Seems the best of both cameras, if one likes a smaller package, and I do.
My MX-1 has gotten a lot of work lately.

I really would like to try one in hand before buying, and I'm not sure that's even possible in my area, need to call around to see I guess.

JinDesu · 12-18-2014, 03:33 PM

That's a sexy image, Sandy. Maybe I'll sell my k-30 for one.

**clackers** · 12-18-2014, 03:35 PM

Originally posted by geedee

Interesting, is Live View better implemented than in the K-01?

If I may, the focus peaking is a lot better - a legacy lens dream.

Flashing red of the high contrast area, not steady white outlines ... much clearer. As usual, you press the OK button to get 6x magnification.

BTW, Sandy gave a great tip on the best way to hold it - curl the pinky underneath the body.

It's so good, that I now do the ring finger as well - the angles are perfect for thumb and index finger to buttons and controls.

The weight of the camera is almost entirely supported by the left hand, as you do with a mirrorless and big lens. The right hand is very, very relaxed.

geedee · 12-18-2014, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by clackers

If I may, the focus peaking is a lot better - a legacy lens dream.

Flashing red of the high contrast area, not steady white outlines ... much clearer. As usual, you press the OK button to get 6x magnification.

BTW, Sandy gave a great tip on the best way to hold it - curl the pinky underneath the body.

It's so good, that I now do the ring finger as well - the angles are perfect for thumb and index finger to buttons and controls.

The weight of the camera is almost entirely supported by the left hand, as you do with a mirrorless and big lens. The right hand is very, very relaxed.

Sounds really good, but: Whaa! Please stop talking me into buying a new body! It's so close to christmas and I've got some cash left...

JinDesu · 12-18-2014, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by geedee

Sounds really good, but: Whaa! Please stop talking me into buying a new body! It's so close to christmas and I've got some cash left...

So what you are saying is that you have some cash left to spend on a new body?

12-17-2014, 11:24 AM	#1
geedee Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 113	K-S1 listed as one of the beste DSLRs in german Magazine "Der Spiegel" German news magazine "Spiegel" just nominated the three best DSLRs for Christmas shoppers, figuring the Nikon D750 (pro), Canon 7D Mk2 (semi-pro) and the Pentax K-S1 as best entry-level DSLR. The article specifically praises K-S1s straightforward design and usability.

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12-18-2014, 09:44 AM	#2
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	This is because the Germans have impeccable tastes. This camera really is a winner in many ways. It is going to be added to my kit within the next year. If all you care about is image quality this camera nails it.

12-18-2014, 09:59 AM	#3
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	But then they just looked at what the camera is, and didn't really base their opinion on what a Pentax is "supposed" to be. It was just a matter of time.

12-18-2014, 10:26 AM	#4
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	It is nice that the feature photo is of the K-S1 instead of one of the other two.

12-18-2014, 12:36 PM	#5
geedee Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Originally posted by gaweidert This is because the Germans have impeccable tastes. This camera really is a winner in many ways. It is going to be added to my kit within the next year. If all you care about is image quality this camera nails it. Well, ok, It wouldn't be exactly my type of camera design but perhaps I'm not german enough ;-) At least that's free publicity for Pentax which is a good thing after all!

12-18-2014, 01:20 PM	#6
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I'm not German at all, and I have fallen in love with the K-S1 over the few days I have had it. It is a joy to handle and it is the best digital camera to use with legacy lenses that I have tried. As a result I am in the process of selling my K-01 and will likely do the same with my K-5 IIs.

12-18-2014, 01:42 PM	#7
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	Well, I was born in Germany, and I have a K-S1, so maybe it was something in the water. The K-S1 is definitely not for everybody. That doesn't mean that it isn't for anybody. Army brat. Moved back to the US when I was two. No memories of Europe whatsoever. I was cheated!

12-18-2014, 02:13 PM	#8
geedee Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I'm not German at all, and I have fallen in love with the K-S1 over the few days I have had it. It is a joy to handle and it is the best digital camera to use with legacy lenses that I have tried. Interesting, is Live View better implemented than in the K-01? What else do you prefer in comparison to "the brick"?

12-18-2014, 02:19 PM	#9
EarlVonTapia Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vancouver Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,207	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock As a result I am in the process of selling my K-01 and will likely do the same with my K-5 IIs. Wow, that's a statement!

12-18-2014, 03:04 PM - 2 Likes	#10
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	It is a little smaller in most dimensions than the K-01 (except for the pentaprism hump of course), but it feels a lot smaller. The ergonomics are really good. The grip works much better than I expected, and the button layout is a work of genius. The green button is just behind the shutter release, so stop-down metering with old lenses is literally a snap, and the AF/AE lock button needs just a small rightwards shift of the thumb. The exposure compensation button is also really well placed. I have had more luck manually focussing through the viewfinder than with any of my other DSLR's, to the point where I rarely use live view, but when I do I would say the focus peaking is about the same as The Brick. The IQ is stunning. There is something about the images I can't quite quantify; it's almost like the old CCD sensor of my K10D. And it looks AWESOME in Moon Silver

12-18-2014, 03:18 PM	#11
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	My thoughts were along the lines of selling my K-5 and K-01 to be replaced by the S1. Seems the best of both cameras, if one likes a smaller package, and I do. My MX-1 has gotten a lot of work lately. I really would like to try one in hand before buying, and I'm not sure that's even possible in my area, need to call around to see I guess.

12-18-2014, 03:33 PM	#12
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	That's a sexy image, Sandy. Maybe I'll sell my k-30 for one.

12-18-2014, 03:35 PM	#13
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by geedee Interesting, is Live View better implemented than in the K-01? If I may, the focus peaking is a lot better - a legacy lens dream. Flashing red of the high contrast area, not steady white outlines ... much clearer. As usual, you press the OK button to get 6x magnification. BTW, Sandy gave a great tip on the best way to hold it - curl the pinky underneath the body. It's so good, that I now do the ring finger as well - the angles are perfect for thumb and index finger to buttons and controls. The weight of the camera is almost entirely supported by the left hand, as you do with a mirrorless and big lens. The right hand is very, very relaxed.

12-18-2014, 03:48 PM	#14
geedee Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers If I may, the focus peaking is a lot better - a legacy lens dream. Flashing red of the high contrast area, not steady white outlines ... much clearer. As usual, you press the OK button to get 6x magnification. BTW, Sandy gave a great tip on the best way to hold it - curl the pinky underneath the body. It's so good, that I now do the ring finger as well - the angles are perfect for thumb and index finger to buttons and controls. The weight of the camera is almost entirely supported by the left hand, as you do with a mirrorless and big lens. The right hand is very, very relaxed. Sounds really good, but: Whaa! Please stop talking me into buying a new body! It's so close to christmas and I've got some cash left...

12-18-2014, 04:02 PM	#15
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by geedee Sounds really good, but: Whaa! Please stop talking me into buying a new body! It's so close to christmas and I've got some cash left... So what you are saying is that you have some cash left to spend on a new body?