Pentax K-5 II vs K-S2 Comparison
Pentax K-5 II
Pentax K-S2
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Brand | Pentax | Pentax | |
Model | K-5 II | K-S2 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 11, 2012 | March 02, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Pentax K-5 II with a score of 66/100 compared to 57/100. Both cameras share the DSLR category and were released in 2012 and 2015, respectively. The K-S2 has a significant advantage with its lower launch price of $800, compared to the K-5 II’s $999. Additionally, the K-S2 is lighter, weighing 678g (1.49lbs) against the 760g (1.68lbs) of the K-5 II, making it more convenient for travel and extended use.
However, the K-5 II does have a slightly larger camera size, measuring 131 x 97 x 73mm compared to the K-S2’s 91 x 123 x 73mm. This may provide a more comfortable grip for some users. Despite this, the Pentax K-S2 remains the superior option due to its higher score, lower price, and lighter weight.
Pentax K-5 II vs K-S2 Overview and Optics
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Pentax K-5 II in optics, scoring 70 out of 100 points, compared to the K-5 II’s score of 60 points. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, Pentax KAF lens mount, and image stabilization.
The K-S2 has a higher megapixel count of 20, compared to the K-5 II’s 16.3 megapixels. This results in better image quality and higher resolution photos. Additionally, the K-S2 features a more advanced processor, the Prime MII, which contributes to faster image processing and improved overall performance. The K-S2 also boasts a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor, with a score of 88, compared to the K-5 II’s score of 82, indicating superior image quality and low-light performance.
On the other hand, the K-5 II has a faster shooting speed of 7 frames per second, compared to the K-S2’s 5.4 frames per second. This makes the K-5 II more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and action photography.
Taking these factors into account, the Pentax K-S2 offers better image quality, resolution, and processing performance than the Pentax K-5 II, making it the superior choice for those prioritizing these factors. However, the K-5 II’s faster shooting speed may appeal to those who frequently capture fast-paced action. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the photographer’s specific needs and preferences.
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Optics
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Pentax K-5 II
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Pentax K-S2
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.3 MP | 20 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4928 x 3264 px | 5472 x 3648 px | |
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. | 15.7 x 23.7 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps | 5.4 fps | |
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. | Pentax KAF | Pentax KAF2 | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime II | 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 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 12,800 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 80 | 100 | |
Maximum 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. | 51200 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 6000 s | |
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. | 11 | 11 | |
In-body Stabilization 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 (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Pentax K-5 II vs K-S2 Video Performance
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Pentax K-5 II in video capabilities, earning a score of 70/100 compared to the K-5 II’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD (1920 x 1080) maximum video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the K-S2 has distinct advantages that make it the superior choice for video recording.
The K-S2’s most significant advantage is its maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which is more than double the K-5 II’s 25fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother video playback and enables users to capture fast-moving subjects with greater clarity. Additionally, the increased frame rate provides more flexibility in post-production, such as the option to create slow-motion footage without sacrificing video quality.
While the K-5 II does not offer any notable advantages over the K-S2 in terms of video capabilities, it still manages to provide satisfactory performance for casual video recording. With Full HD resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality, the K-5 II can be a suitable option for users who do not prioritize video performance in their camera selection.
Taking into account the significant difference in video scores and the K-S2’s superior frame rate, it is evident that the Pentax K-S2 is the better choice for those seeking a camera with enhanced video capabilities. The K-5 II, while not as strong in this aspect, remains a viable option for users who do not require advanced video features.
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Video
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Pentax K-5 II
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Pentax K-S2
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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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 Dimensions 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 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
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. | 25 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse 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. | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, MOV |
Pentax K-5 II vs K-S2 Features and Benefits
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Pentax K-5 II in features, with a score of 68/100 compared to the K-5 II’s 54/100. Both cameras share the same screen size and resolution, at 3 inches and 921,000 dots, respectively. Neither camera has a touchscreen.
The main strengths of the K-S2 lie in its additional features. It has a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, all of which are absent in the K-5 II. These features make the K-S2 a more versatile and connected camera, allowing for easier framing of shots, location-based data, and seamless sharing of images.
The K-5 II, while lower in its feature score, may have some advantages in other areas. However, based on the given information, it is not possible to determine any specific strengths it may have over the K-S2, as their shared specifications are the same.
Considering the feature scores and specifications, the Pentax K-S2 emerges as the superior camera in terms of features. Its flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities make it a more attractive option for photographers who value versatility, connectivity, and convenience. The Pentax K-5 II, on the other hand, does not offer any clear advantages over the K-S2 in this regard. Based on the information provided, the K-S2 is the better choice for users seeking a feature-rich camera.
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Features
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Pentax K-5 II
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Pentax K-S2
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Pentax K-5 II vs K-S2 Storage and Battery
The Pentax K-5 II outperforms the Pentax K-S2 in storage and battery with a score of 43/100, compared to the K-S2’s 24/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the K-S2 also supports UHS-I compatible cards.
The K-5 II has a significant advantage in battery life, offering 980 shots per charge with its D-LI90P battery. The K-S2, using a D-LI109 battery, provides only 410 shots per charge. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
While the K-S2’s UHS-I compatibility may offer faster data transfer rates, it does not make up for its limited battery life. The K-5 II’s longer battery life makes it a more reliable option for extended shooting sessions. Despite the K-S2’s lower score, it remains a viable option for casual photography or situations where battery life is not a primary concern.
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Storage and Battery
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Pentax K-5 II
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Pentax K-S2
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | D-LI90P | D-LI109 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 980 shots | 410 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Pentax K-5 II
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Pentax K-S2
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.8 bits | N/A | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.1 EVs | N/A | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1235 | N/A |
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Scores
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Pentax K-5 II
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Pentax K-S2
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Pentax K-5 II vs K-S2 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Pentax K-5 II or the Pentax K-S2:
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User Scores
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Pentax K-5 II
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Pentax K-S2
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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