Weather-resistant, Wi-Fi enabled and still available in ten different colour combos, Matthew Higgs find out if Pentax’s new K-S2 ticks all the boxes...
When Pentax released the quirky K-S1 last year it turned plenty of heads with its gaudy LED lights and 15 possible colour combinations. Unfortunately, despite having decent image quality, it wasn’t particularly strong on features, leading to many potential buyers writing it off as a bit of a gimmick rather than a serious entry-level contender. Eight months on, Pentax brings us the K-S2, an advanced beginner camera with a less eccentric design and a set of features on par with the competition. Sitting just above the K-S1 and below the newly announced K-3 II, can the K-S2 finally be the Pentax to win over the masses?
Main features
At the core of the camera is the same 20.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor found in the K-S1, which is no great surprise considering the relatively short time between their releases. The sensor produces images with a resolution more than large enough for the needs of most users, while the lack of an anti-aliasing filter means an excellent level of detail is captured. In situations where this missing filter may have resulted in moiré, an innovative simulated filter is built in to help reduce its effect.
The K-S2’s processor has also been taken straight from the K-S1, a PRIME MII chip that offers unchanged performance speeds. The camera has an average maximum burst rate of 5.4fps, and a buffer that fills after five RAW or 20 JPEG frames. The native ISO range is 100-51,200, selectable in 1, 1/2 or 1/3-stop steps. These top ISO levels give it an edge over much of the competition (Canon’s 750D only goes to ISO 12,800), although it’s only in the most extreme lighting conditions that you’d ever shoot at these settings.
The K-S2’s SAFOX X phase detect autofocus system is rated to an excellent -3EV, trumping equivalent Canon and Nikon models. However, the 11 AF points (including nine cross-type) cover a relatively small frame area, meaning that in some situations users may have to recompose after focusing their shot. Single, continuous and auto select focusing modes are present, with an Expanded Area function offering subject tracking. The K-S2 has focus peaking and an AF assist lamp. Pentax lenses with screw mounts and internal autofocus motors can all be used with the camera’s K mount.
With sensor-based image stabilisation, the K-S2 can compensate for up to 3.5 stops of camera shake with any lens attached. This system is similar to that found on Sony and Olympus cameras, while Canon and Nikon usually off er lens-based systems.
Other features & video
Unlike rival entry-level models that usually have a pentamirror viewfinder, the K-S2 has a pentaprism, which boasts 100% coverage. While this type of viewfinder is usually touted as being brighter, in the case of the K-S2 it’s disappointingly dull. The viewfinder has a diopter which allows adjustments of -2.5m to +1.5m to be made.
For the first time on a Pentax DSLR the K-S2 has a 3in flip screen, which makes it much easier to shoot stills or video at more testing angles. At 921k-dot, the same as the K-S1, it’s not the highest resolution on the market, but it does provide enough brightness and detail to compose images on.
Also making an appearance for the first time on any Pentax K series camera, the K-S2 has Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, something increasingly found on entry-level models. When coupled with Pentax’s Image Sync App this allows the camera to be used for remote shooting and image transfer on the go. Alongside all of the standard shooting modes the camera has a hybrid TAV mode, HDR functionality, multi-exposure mode and time-lapse video. It also offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000sec.
Capable of Full HD at 30fps, with audio recorded through in-built stereo microphones, the K-S2 captures smooth video footage thanks to its image stabilisation. There’s no 60fps recording mode though, so smooth slow-mo recording isn’t possible. Also, without an external headphone socket to complement its mic input, audio can’t be fully monitored, which is an essential for serious videographers.
Compared to the Nikon D5500’s 820 shots, the battery life of the K-S2 is relatively low, at 480 images per charge. A pop-up fl ash and hotshoe are found on the top-plate.
Handling
The K-S2’s weather and dust resistance is a useful feature for outdoor photographers, and its numerous colour schemes may win a few fans, but it’s the camera’s design and handling that are its downfall. Rugged it may be, but ergonomic it is not. Before even taking a shot, users are forced to grapple with the stiff extending barrel of the lens with tiny release button, and a power switch that is far too easy to flick into video mode. Despite the substantial size of its overly-square grip, the camera feels awkward in the hand. Plenty of external controls, including two custom shooting modes and three customisable buttons, may go some way to satisfying more advanced users, but venture into the K-S2’s menu system to change settings and it’s considerably less intuitive.
Verdict
On paper the Pentax K-S2 is a solid DSLR for advanced beginners. It’s capable of decent image quality, especially at lower ISOs, has great access to lenses, and stands out from the crowd with its weather-sealing. The problem is that its competitive features aren’t enough to compensate for a frustrating menu system and poor handling. The camera may appeal to those who have an investment in Pentax’s K mount, but it probably won’t be the first choice for the majority of prospective buyers. At £649 there are better camera kits available, including the Nikon D5500 and Canon 750D. Overall, the K-S2 definitely packs a heavier punch than the K-S1, but it’s unlikely to have the other major DSLR manufacturers looking over their shoulders.
Specs
Camera: Pentax K-S2
Lens: 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR
Price: £649 (£549 body only)
Effective resolution: 20.1MP
Sensor: 23.5x15.6mm APS-C CMOS with primary colour filter
LCD: 3in 921k-dot vari-angle
Viewfinder: Pentaprism finder with 100% coverage and dioptre adjustment
Autofocus: 11-point phase detect including 9 cross-type points
ISO: 100-51,200
Shooting speed: 5.4fps for 5 RAWs or 20 best-quality JPEGs
Video: Full HD (1080p) at 30fps
Pop-up fl ash: Yes
Other features: Wi-Fi, NFC, weather- and dust-sealed, 19 scene modes, advanced HDR mode, sensor-based image stabilisation, external mic input
Battery life: 480 shots
Card type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Size (WxHxD): 123x91x73mm
Weight: 678g