Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 55
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 66
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model | D3300 | K-S2 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2014 | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
07/01/2014 | 02/03/2015 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 98 x 76 mm | 91 x 123 x 73 mm |
| Camera weight | 430 g | 678 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 20 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 5472 x 3648 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.4 x 23.2 | 23.5 x 15.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 5.4 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Pentax KAF2 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 4 | Prime MII |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
128003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 600080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✓ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MPEG-4, MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✓ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14a | D-LI109 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
700 shots1505000 | 410 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Nikon D3300 with a score of 66/100 compared to 55/100. Both DSLR cameras share similarities, such as their release years (2014 and 2015) and launch prices ($650 and $800). The Pentax K-S2 surpasses the Nikon D3300 in terms of overall score, indicating a better camera.
The Nikon D3300, however, has its advantages, such as being lighter (430g vs. 678g) and having slightly larger dimensions (124 x 98 x 76mm vs. 91 x 123 x 73mm). This makes the Nikon D3300 more portable and easier to handle during photography sessions.
Taking these factors into account, the Pentax K-S2 proves to be the better camera, but the Nikon D3300 offers benefits in portability and ease of use.
The Pentax K-S2 triumphs over the Nikon D3300 in terms of optics, scoring 70/100 in comparison to the Nikon D3300’s score of 64/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including a CMOS sensor type, an APS-C sensor size, and a shooting speed of approximately 5 frames per second. However, the Pentax K-S2 has several advantages over the Nikon D3300 that contribute to its higher optics score.
The Pentax K-S2 has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 88, compared to the Nikon D3300’s score of 82. This indicates that the Pentax K-S2’s sensor performs better in terms of image quality. Additionally, the Pentax K-S2 offers image stabilization, which helps reduce the impact of camera shake and results in sharper images. The Nikon D3300 lacks this feature. Furthermore, the Pentax K-S2 has a slightly faster shooting speed of 5.4 frames per second, compared to the Nikon D3300’s 5 frames per second, providing a slight edge in capturing fast-moving subjects.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3300 has a higher megapixel count of 24.2, compared to the Pentax K-S2’s 20 megapixels. This allows for greater image detail and larger print sizes. However, this advantage may not be significant enough to outweigh the benefits of the Pentax K-S2’s superior sensor performance and image stabilization.
Based on these comparisons, the Pentax K-S2 is the better camera in terms of optics, with its higher sensor score, image stabilization, and slightly faster shooting speed. The Nikon D3300’s higher megapixel count does provide some advantage, but it is not enough to surpass the overall optical performance of the Pentax K-S2.
The Pentax K-S2 emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison, scoring 70/100, while the Nikon D3300 lags behind with a score of 56/100. Both cameras share common features, such as Full HD video resolution, 1920×1080 video dimensions, and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps.
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Nikon D3300 in terms of video functionality mainly due to its built-in time-lapse feature. This allows users to capture and create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional accessories or software. This added feature enhances the video capabilities of the Pentax K-S2, making it a more versatile option for videographers.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3300 does not have any significant advantages over the Pentax K-S2 in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share similar video specifications, but the lack of a built-in time-lapse feature puts the Nikon D3300 at a disadvantage compared to the Pentax K-S2.
Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Pentax K-S2 is the better option due to its built-in time-lapse feature. This added functionality allows users to create more dynamic and engaging videos without the need for additional equipment. The Nikon D3300, while offering similar video specifications, falls short in this comparison due to its lack of time-lapse functionality.
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Nikon D3300 in features with a score of 68/100 compared to the D3300’s 41/100. Both cameras share some common specifications. They each have a 3-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 921,000 dots. Additionally, neither camera has a touchscreen.
The Pentax K-S2 excels in a few areas. It offers a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. The flip screen allows for greater flexibility in shooting angles and is an advantage for photographers who need to capture images from unconventional perspectives. GPS functionality enables geotagging of photos, making it easy to track and organize images based on location. WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless transfer of images and remote control of the camera, enhancing overall convenience and ease of use.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3300 lacks the additional features found in the Pentax K-S2. It does not have a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth. However, this simplicity may be desirable for those who prefer a more straightforward camera without the added complexity of these features.
Considering each point, the Pentax K-S2 emerges as the superior camera in terms of features due to its flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. The Nikon D3300, while lacking these additional features, may still be suitable for those who value simplicity and ease of use without the need for advanced functionality.
The Nikon D3300 outperforms the Pentax K-S2 in storage and battery, scoring 32/100 compared to the K-S2’s 24/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the Pentax K-S2 is UHS-I compatible, allowing for faster data transfer.
The Nikon D3300 has a longer battery life, providing 700 shots per charge, while the Pentax K-S2 only offers 410 shots. The D3300 uses an EN-EL14a battery, and the K-S2 uses a D-LI109 battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.
Despite the K-S2’s faster data transfer capabilities, the Nikon D3300 is the better choice for storage and battery due to its significantly longer battery life. The Pentax K-S2 could be considered for those prioritizing data transfer speed, but the Nikon D3300 ultimately proves to be the stronger option in this category.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3300 or the Pentax K-S2:
