BUYING MY FIRST DSLR: K-50 or K-S1?

biker62 · 01-17-2016, 01:30 PM

Hello.

I'm looking for some help to take a good buying decision. I recently damaged an old PANASONIC FZ50 and there is no feasible repair. At the present, I'm using again my very old Sony DSC H2 but I'm not satisfied with the IQ and I'm looking for a new camera

I don't like the small sensor size of the bridge cameras, and I'm considering to move to APS-C format to get better IQ.

In the film era I had a PENTAX ME super for 15 years, and I still keep some prime lenses (F-50 mm 1.7, A-35 mm 2.8 and M-135 mm 2.8). I think that this is a good reason to buy a PENTAX.

After a lot of readings, the two options are the PENTAX K-50 or the PENTAX K-S1, both with 18-55 kit zoom (and maybe with the 50-200 also).

It's hard to decide. K-50 is weather sealed, has two control dials and better ergonomy. K-S1 is supposed to give better IQ (20 Mpx sensor, no AA filter) and has some AF improvements; it is also cheaper than the K-50.

Most of my pictures are shot outdoor. Seaside landscapes, boats and people on boats are my favourite subjects. Frequently I'm using the camera in small sailing ships; I'm not shooting sports and action pictures, but I'm working in very unstable situations.

Can someone give some advice? K-50 os K-S1?

Many thanks in advance.

Xavier
(from Barcelona)

**missile** · 01-17-2016, 02:41 PM

Sounds like the weather sealing might prove to be the difference. Loved my K-30, recently upgraded to a K3, mostly for the 20mp pic size, but my passion is hummingbirds, requiring significant cropping, so the extra size is important. Sea scapes and boats you might not see as much benefit from the extra image size as you do from the peace of mind if hit with spray while shooting. . .

bertwert · 01-17-2016, 02:52 PM

Personally I'd say the K-50.
It's an amazing camera.

Unregistered User · 01-17-2016, 03:07 PM

I'm also coming from Sony DSC land, and went through exactly the same decision. I'd come to the conclusion that Pentax offered the best value, and I've found since I bought mine, that the way the camera works is also superior. The software's better, menu system, etc., than anything else I've seen. So I was making the same comparison, though I was also considering the S-2. I came to the conclusion that the K-50 was best overall value, but that's partially because I don't need GPS or flip-out screens - like those useless extras on a new car that do nothing but jack up the price. Weather resistance was a foot-stompin' must-have for me. One piece of advice, though, buy the body only not the "kit". The lenses that come with kits are made with plastic. Buy the specific lenses you really want. I did get a 50mm lens that's not WR, but that's basically a portrait lens that I wouldn't use on the trail. Watch for sales at B&H Photo. Overall conclusion: I just absolutely LOVE the K-50. I can't get over it. When I first started doing this stuff, the same level of camera and lenses would have cost over ten thousand bucks, and all the stuff I've bought, the K-50, three lenses, bag, filters, extra batteries, etc. etc., less than a thousand total. I read about how happy people are with the K-3 and much more expensive cameras, but I can't imagine the delta being worth the money, the K-50's such a terrific package. Did I mention that I like the K-50?

Last edited by Unregistered User; 01-17-2016 at 03:32 PM. Reason: error correction

D1N0 · 01-17-2016, 03:09 PM

K-S2 It has the advantages of both camera's (but more expensive).

bertwert · 01-17-2016, 03:09 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dlh

The "L" lenses that come with kits aren't weather-sealed and are made with plastic.

The DA L lenses are WR:
SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I got the two kit lenses, and they work great for me. I don't need anything better, I want something better.

th1952 · 01-17-2016, 03:11 PM

You can't beat the K-50.

**pepperberry farm** · 01-17-2016, 03:29 PM

I've not handled a KS-1, but I've read that it has a smaller grip than a K-50... I have used a K-50 and it is an amazing camera...

Unregistered User · 01-17-2016, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

The DA L lenses are WR:
SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I got the two kit lenses, and they work great for me. I don't need anything better, I want something better.

Good point.

KDD · 01-17-2016, 03:47 PM

Not suggest K-S1. Better K-S2 or K-50!!!!

Edgar_in_Indy · 01-17-2016, 04:28 PM

The resolution difference between 16MP and 20MP is very minor...not nearly as significant as you might think. So I would probably take that off the list of significant differences. The weather sealing is probably a much more meaningful difference.

kmurphy220 · 01-17-2016, 04:38 PM

I would grab a used K-5 if I were you. It gives you everything a K-50 and a K-S1 is except its got top lcd, 1/8000 shutter max, ISO 80 and has a much better feel to it than both of them.

DougieD · 01-17-2016, 04:42 PM

I had my K-50 with me at the river today shooting geese and ducks. It was snowing and about -6 C and the camera was exposed to the elements for about 3 hours. I normally bring a spare toque to cover the camera when I'm not snapping pictures, but today I forgot it. It sure was nice not fretting because the K-50 was getting a bit of snow on it.

VoiceOfReason · 01-17-2016, 04:55 PM

Sounds like WR would be best for you, so I would recommend the K50, and if you can swing it get the 18-135 with it as a kit.

**DW58** · 01-17-2016, 06:55 PM

I just bought a K-50 with 18-135mm. Only have had this a little over two weeks so have not really put this duo through its paces. All I can say is so far I love it.

01-17-2016, 01:30 PM	#1
biker62 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Catalunya Photos: Gallery Posts: 40	BUYING MY FIRST DSLR: K-50 or K-S1? Hello. I'm looking for some help to take a good buying decision. I recently damaged an old PANASONIC FZ50 and there is no feasible repair. At the present, I'm using again my very old Sony DSC H2 but I'm not satisfied with the IQ and I'm looking for a new camera I don't like the small sensor size of the bridge cameras, and I'm considering to move to APS-C format to get better IQ. In the film era I had a PENTAX ME super for 15 years, and I still keep some prime lenses (F-50 mm 1.7, A-35 mm 2.8 and M-135 mm 2.8). I think that this is a good reason to buy a PENTAX. After a lot of readings, the two options are the PENTAX K-50 or the PENTAX K-S1, both with 18-55 kit zoom (and maybe with the 50-200 also). It's hard to decide. K-50 is weather sealed, has two control dials and better ergonomy. K-S1 is supposed to give better IQ (20 Mpx sensor, no AA filter) and has some AF improvements; it is also cheaper than the K-50. Most of my pictures are shot outdoor. Seaside landscapes, boats and people on boats are my favourite subjects. Frequently I'm using the camera in small sailing ships; I'm not shooting sports and action pictures, but I'm working in very unstable situations. Can someone give some advice? K-50 os K-S1? Many thanks in advance. Xavier (from Barcelona)

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01-17-2016, 02:41 PM	#2
missile Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 54	Sounds like the weather sealing might prove to be the difference. Loved my K-30, recently upgraded to a K3, mostly for the 20mp pic size, but my passion is hummingbirds, requiring significant cropping, so the extra size is important. Sea scapes and boats you might not see as much benefit from the extra image size as you do from the peace of mind if hit with spray while shooting. . .

01-17-2016, 02:52 PM	#3
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Personally I'd say the K-50. It's an amazing camera.

01-17-2016, 03:07 PM	#4
Unregistered User Guest	I'm also coming from Sony DSC land, and went through exactly the same decision. I'd come to the conclusion that Pentax offered the best value, and I've found since I bought mine, that the way the camera works is also superior. The software's better, menu system, etc., than anything else I've seen. So I was making the same comparison, though I was also considering the S-2. I came to the conclusion that the K-50 was best overall value, but that's partially because I don't need GPS or flip-out screens - like those useless extras on a new car that do nothing but jack up the price. Weather resistance was a foot-stompin' must-have for me. One piece of advice, though, buy the body only not the "kit". The lenses that come with kits are made with plastic. Buy the specific lenses you really want. I did get a 50mm lens that's not WR, but that's basically a portrait lens that I wouldn't use on the trail. Watch for sales at B&H Photo. Overall conclusion: I just absolutely LOVE the K-50. I can't get over it. When I first started doing this stuff, the same level of camera and lenses would have cost over ten thousand bucks, and all the stuff I've bought, the K-50, three lenses, bag, filters, extra batteries, etc. etc., less than a thousand total. I read about how happy people are with the K-3 and much more expensive cameras, but I can't imagine the delta being worth the money, the K-50's such a terrific package. Did I mention that I like the K-50? Last edited by Unregistered User; 01-17-2016 at 03:32 PM. Reason: error correction

01-17-2016, 03:09 PM	#5
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	K-S2 It has the advantages of both camera's (but more expensive).

01-17-2016, 03:09 PM - 1 Like	#6
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by dlh The "L" lenses that come with kits aren't weather-sealed and are made with plastic. The DA L lenses are WR: SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I got the two kit lenses, and they work great for me. I don't need anything better, I want something better.

01-17-2016, 03:11 PM	#7
th1952 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Berea, Ohio Posts: 446	You can't beat the K-50.

01-17-2016, 03:29 PM	#8
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,679	I've not handled a KS-1, but I've read that it has a smaller grip than a K-50... I have used a K-50 and it is an amazing camera...

01-17-2016, 03:32 PM	#9
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by bertwert The DA L lenses are WR: SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I got the two kit lenses, and they work great for me. I don't need anything better, I want something better. Good point.

01-17-2016, 03:47 PM	#10
KDD Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 403	Not suggest K-S1. Better K-S2 or K-50!!!!

01-17-2016, 04:28 PM	#11
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	The resolution difference between 16MP and 20MP is very minor...not nearly as significant as you might think. So I would probably take that off the list of significant differences. The weather sealing is probably a much more meaningful difference.

01-17-2016, 04:38 PM	#12
kmurphy220 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 235	I would grab a used K-5 if I were you. It gives you everything a K-50 and a K-S1 is except its got top lcd, 1/8000 shutter max, ISO 80 and has a much better feel to it than both of them.

01-17-2016, 04:42 PM	#13
DougieD Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Southwestern Ontario Posts: 88	I had my K-50 with me at the river today shooting geese and ducks. It was snowing and about -6 C and the camera was exposed to the elements for about 3 hours. I normally bring a spare toque to cover the camera when I'm not snapping pictures, but today I forgot it. It sure was nice not fretting because the K-50 was getting a bit of snow on it.

01-17-2016, 04:55 PM	#14
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Sounds like WR would be best for you, so I would recommend the K50, and if you can swing it get the 18-135 with it as a kit.

01-17-2016, 06:55 PM	#15
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,064	I just bought a K-50 with 18-135mm. Only have had this a little over two weeks so have not really put this duo through its paces. All I can say is so far I love it.