Pentax K-S1

Pentax released the K-S1 in 2014 as an APS-C DSLR, and the optical pentaprism viewfinder frames scenes directly through the lens.

The body weighs 558g and measures 121 x 93 x 70mm, and the KAF mount gives access to the K-mount lens range. In-body stabilisation is built in, so it works with whatever lens you fit.

It fits stills photographers better than video makers or connected shooters. Video recording stops at Full HD, and there is no wireless option for transferring files.

A 20.12 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor works alongside the Prime MII processor, and the resolution leaves room for prints and tight crops. The Optics score of 68 lands as good, and the camera sits around the middle of cameras in our database for Optics.

Stabilisation earns full marks in our scoring. Because it shifts the sensor rather than relying on the lens, every K-mount lens you fit gains protection against camera shake, which keeps handheld shutter speeds usable for longer. Moving subjects still need their own faster shutter speed.

Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 51200, giving headroom when the light drops. The top setting buys the chance to keep shooting rather than a promise of clean results, so treat it as an emergency range.

Speed is where the specification is more modest, with eleven autofocus points, a maximum burst of 5.4 fps and a shutter ceiling of 1/6000 second. The autofocus count alone does not establish focusing speed or accuracy.

Video is a secondary concern, reflected in the modest Video score of 43. The maximum recording resolution is Full HD, and the fastest frame rate on offer is 30 fps, which covers everyday clips and web sharing but rules out 4K recording and slow motion.

The score is built from the resolution, frame rate and time-lapse entries, not from tests of footage quality, so it says nothing about overheating or clip duration.

Clips record as MOV or AVI files, and live view offers screen-based framing alongside the optical pentaprism finder that serves stills.

There is no built-in timelapse feature, so anyone wanting interval sequences will need to plan them by other means.

The Features score of 41 is modest. The 3-inch LCD offers 921,000 dots, enough detail to check focus critically, though it neither flips nor responds to touch.

Lighting options are well covered. A built-in flash handles scenes that need fill, and the camera also takes an external flash unit.

Connectivity is minimal. With no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS, photos leave the camera on a memory card, and location tagging has to be handled outside the camera if you want it, since the body cannot log locations itself.

There is no weather sealing, so this is a camera for dry conditions rather than rain or heavy dust.

This is the weakest area, with a Storage & Battery score of 24. A single SD, SDHC or SDXC slot means no second card duplicating your files as you shoot, so careful card choice and regular offloading are part of the routine.

The D-LI109 battery is rated at 410 shots per charge, though the rating carries no stated test conditions and real endurance varies with how you shoot.

There is no USB charging, so you cannot top the battery up from a power bank in the field. Charging happens between sessions, which makes a second charged battery the practical answer for long shoots.