Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
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| General | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Pentax |
| Model | K-S1 | 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. |
27/08/2014 | 02/03/2015 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 121 x 93 x 70 mm | 91 x 123 x 73 mm |
| Camera weight | 558 g | 678 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20.12 MP050 | 20 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5472 x 3648 | 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. |
15.6 x 23.5 | 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. |
5.4 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. |
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 MII | 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. |
512003003280000 | 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. |
512003003280000 | 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. |
600080032000 | 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 (pentaprism) | 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. |
30 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, AVI | 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 | D-LI109 | D-LI109 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
410 shots1505000 | 410 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Pentax K-S1 with a score of 66/100 compared to the K-S1’s 57/100. Both cameras share the DSLR camera type and were released within a year of each other, with the K-S1 in 2014 and the K-S2 in 2015. The K-S2 is superior due to its higher score, which reflects its better features and performance. However, the K-S1 has its advantages, such as being lighter at 558g compared to the K-S2’s 678g, and more affordable with a launch price of $749 versus the K-S2’s $800. Despite these benefits, the K-S2 remains the more desirable option due to its overall higher score and performance.
The Pentax K-S2 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 70/100, slightly ahead of the Pentax K-S1 which scored 68/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 20-megapixel resolution, 5.4 shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, Prime MII processor, APS-C sensor size, and image stabilization. They also both use a Pentax KAF lens mount, with the K-S2 having an upgraded KAF2 mount.
The K-S2 outperforms the K-S1 in terms of its DXOMARK sensor score, boasting an impressive 88 points compared to the K-S1’s 78 points. This higher score indicates that the K-S2’s sensor provides better image quality and improved performance in low light conditions. The K-S2’s KAF2 lens mount also offers compatibility with a wider range of lenses, allowing for greater flexibility in shooting scenarios.
On the other hand, the K-S1 has a slightly higher megapixel count at 20.12 compared to the K-S2’s 20 megapixels. This marginal difference may result in marginally sharper images, but it is not significant enough to outweigh the advantages offered by the K-S2’s superior sensor and lens mount.
In comparing the optics of the Pentax K-S1 and K-S2, the K-S2 proves to be the better choice due to its higher DXOMARK sensor score and upgraded lens mount. The K-S1’s marginally higher megapixel count does not provide a significant advantage over the K-S2. Therefore, photographers seeking better image quality and greater lens compatibility should opt for the Pentax K-S2.
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Pentax K-S1 in video capabilities, scoring 70/100 compared to the K-S1’s 43/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. However, there are significant differences between the two models that contribute to the K-S2’s higher score.
The K-S2 has a higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, while the K-S1 is limited to 30fps. This means the K-S2 can capture smoother and more detailed video, especially in fast-paced situations. Additionally, the K-S2 has built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. These features make the K-S2 a more versatile and powerful tool for videographers.
On the other hand, the K-S1 does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the K-S2. It has a lower video score and lacks features found in the K-S2, such as the higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality. Therefore, it falls short in comparison to its counterpart.
Considering the differences in video capabilities, it is clear that the Pentax K-S2 is the superior choice for those seeking a camera with strong video performance. Its higher frame rate and time-lapse functionality make it a more capable and versatile tool for capturing high-quality video. The Pentax K-S1, while still offering Full HD resolution, does not provide the same level of performance and features as the K-S2, making it a less desirable option for videographers.
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Pentax K-S1 in terms of features, scoring 68/100 compared to the K-S1’s 41/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 921,000 dots. Neither camera has a touchscreen.
The K-S2’s higher score comes from its additional features, which make it a more versatile and user-friendly camera. It has a flip screen, allowing for easier composition and shooting from various angles. The K-S2 also includes GPS, which is useful for geotagging photos and tracking locations during shoots. Furthermore, the K-S2 offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless file transfers and remote camera control through a compatible smartphone or tablet.
On the other hand, the K-S1 lacks these advanced features, making it a simpler and more basic camera in comparison. However, this simplicity may appeal to some users who prefer a more straightforward, no-frills shooting experience.
Comparing the two cameras’ features, the Pentax K-S2 is the clear winner, offering greater flexibility and convenience for photographers with its flip screen, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities. The K-S1, while lacking these features, may still be suitable for those who prefer a more basic camera without the added complexities of additional features. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on the individual user’s needs and preferences.
The Pentax K-S1 and Pentax K-S2 both have a storage and battery score of 24/100, showing that they are equal in this aspect. Each camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The K-S2, however, is UHS-I compatible, providing faster read and write speeds for better performance.
Both cameras use the D-LI109 battery type and offer a battery life of 410 shots. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities. Since the storage and battery specs are nearly identical, neither camera has a clear advantage over the other in this area.
The only difference between the two cameras is the K-S2’s UHS-I compatibility, which may be beneficial for some users seeking faster memory card performance. Nonetheless, the overall storage and battery capabilities of the Pentax K-S1 and Pentax K-S2 are evenly matched.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Pentax K-S1 or the Pentax K-S2:
