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Pentax K-S2
66
SCORE
Pentax · DSLR · 20 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Pentax K-S2

General 66Optics 70Video Performance 70Features and Benefits 68Storage and Battery 24
From $279.99 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandPentax
ModelK-S2
Released2015
Announcement date02/03/2015
Camera typeDSLR
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Limited shooting buffer is frustrating
−Prone to losing focus in video mode
−Rolling shutter is visible when recording video
−Image-transfer issues and other problems with the companion app

General 66

Brand
Pentax
Model
K-S2
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2015
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
02/03/2015
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
91 x 123 x 73 mm
Camera weight
678 g

Optics 70

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
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
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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.
23.5 x 15.6
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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 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
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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
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
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
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Pentax K-S2 scores a 66/100 in our evaluation. Announced on February 3, 2015, this DSLR camera was released with an $800 price tag. Measuring 91 x 123 x 73mm and weighing 678g (1.49lbs), the K-S2 has decent specifications for a camera in its class. However, considering the advancements in today’s market, the K-S2 may not be the top choice for photographers looking for the latest features. Nonetheless, the camera still offers solid performance and functionality for those who appreciate a more straightforward DSLR experience.

Pentax K-S2 Overview and Optics

The Pentax K-S2 receives a score of 70/100 for its optics. The camera boasts a 20-megapixel resolution, a shooting speed of 5.4 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor. Its Prime MII processor contributes to the camera’s performance, while the DXOMARK score of 88 for the sensor reflects its quality. The K-S2 has a sensor size of APS-C and uses the Pentax KAF2 lens mount.

In the current market, the Pentax K-S2 offers competitive specifications. The image stabilization feature enhances the camera’s performance, and the 3:2 aspect ratio provides flexibility for various photography styles. However, some competing cameras may have higher megapixel counts or faster shooting speeds.

The Pentax K-S2 stands as a reliable option for photographers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. Its optics score of 70/100 and solid specifications make it a worthy contender in today’s market.

Pentax K-S2 Video Performance 70

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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
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
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.
Yes
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.
MPEG-4, MOV
Read our notes on pentax k-s2 video performance

The Pentax K-S2 receives a video score of 70 out of 100. This camera boasts a Full HD maximum video resolution, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, the K-S2 offers a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, ensuring smooth and high-quality footage. A built-in time-lapse functionality further enhances its video capabilities.

Considering the current market, the K-S2’s video features are decent but not exceptional. Many modern cameras now offer 4K video resolution, surpassing the Full HD offered by the K-S2. However, the 60fps frame rate and time-lapse functionality are still valuable features that enhance the camera’s overall performance.

The Pentax K-S2 provides satisfactory video capabilities, suitable for casual users and hobbyists. While it may not be the top choice for professional videographers, its features are sufficient for most users’ needs.

Pentax K-S2 Features and Benefits 68

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on pentax k-s2 features and benefits

The feature score for the Pentax K-S2 is 68/100, reflecting a range of useful specifications. The camera’s screen measures 3 inches and has a resolution of 921,000 dots. While it lacks a touchscreen, it does offer a flip screen, providing flexibility in framing shots.

In terms of connectivity, the K-S2 is equipped with GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, making it easy for users to geotag their photos and transfer files to other devices. These features are valuable in today’s market, as they cater to the needs of both amateur and professional photographers.

Considering the Pentax K-S2’s specifications, the camera holds its own in the competitive market. The combination of a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth ensures that it meets the demands of modern photography enthusiasts.

Pentax K-S2 Storage and Battery 24

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
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
USB charging
No
Read our notes on pentax k-s2 storage and battery

The Pentax K-S2 scores 24/100 in the storage and battery category. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility. The battery life lasts for 410 shots, using a D-LI109 battery type. However, the K-S2 does not support USB charging.

Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the K-S2 falls short in terms of battery life and charging options. Many modern cameras offer longer battery life and the convenience of USB charging. Despite its limitations, the Pentax K-S2 remains a functional option for photographers who prioritize other features and are willing to work around the storage and battery constraints.