Pentax K-S2
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 678g - 123 x 91 x 73mm
- Revealed February 2015
- Previous Model is Pentax K-S1
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
64 Imaging
64 Features
82 Overall
71
Pentax K-S2 overview
Pentax K-S2 is Pentax's Entry-Level DSLR digital camera initially announced on February of 2015. The camera houses a 20MP, CMOS APS-C size sensor with a maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648.
Pentax introduced this model as a way to improve the earlier Pentax K-S1 (Read Full Comparison)
The K-S2 is placed #10 out of 80 in Entry-Level DSLR cameras & all-around #154 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to look at our Advanced camera filter to see camera ratings based on your personalized factors.
Below is a graph of different criteria used in the scoring system.
Pentax K-S2 history
The Pentax K-S2 is part of a family of products. You can read the full list underneath.
Pentax K-S2 Gallery
You can look at the K-S2 from various angles in the gallery below.
Pentax K-S2 Pros and Cons
Here is a selection of positives and negatives of the Pentax K-S2 based on factors which are oftentimes viewed as useful in a digital camera.
Pentax K-S2 Sensor information
The Pentax K-S2 houses the PRIME MII processor. The sensor size on the Pentax K-S2 is 23.5mm x 15.6mm (APS-C). The 367 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 5472 x 3648 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2. The camera has Image Stabilization (Sensor based). In body stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter might lead to cropping.
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoThe CMOS sensor has 20MP and delivers a standard ISO range of 100 to 51200. RAW photos are saved so the user has more room to maneuver in post.
Pentax decided to omit the low pass filter on the Pentax K-S2. This may result in more sharp photographs but might create moire in some conditions.
The picture underneath illustrates the K-S2's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The K-S2 sensor has a crop factor of 1.5 and is pointed out in green.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthTo get an idea of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
Pentax K-S2 dimensions
Pentax K-S2 weighs in at 1.49 pounds (678g / 23.92 ounces) & the dimensions of the camera is 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9"). The weight of normal Entry-Level DSLR camera is 540g and the Pentax K-S2 is more heavy as compared to other competitors.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneUnderneath is a shot of the Pentax K-S2 alongside a soda so you're able to get a sense of its size.
The top view underneath will show the button arrangement on the K-S2.
Pentax K-S2 Lens information
The K-S2 fits the Pentax KAF2 mount and has 17 lenses that you can buy. Here is a few of the lenses we have in our collection that will fit the K-S2.
Pentax K-S2 Connectivity
The K-S2 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- NFC Yes
- HDMI Yes
- GPS Yes
Cameras that feature NFC and / or Bluetooth connectivity can be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You can easily transfer files and usually alter settings without connecting physically with the camera.
Several apps also allow a Liveview and click the shutter when you aren't near the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI port, it can be attached to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras enable you to recharge the battery through the USB port.
Pentax K-S2 Video information
The maximum video quality on the Pentax K-S2 is 1920 x 1080 and you can record in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality offers a decent balance between video quality versus file size but FULL HD is not going to leave you with any room to crop. Although the body has a mic socket, it is lacking a headphone socket so you won't have the option to monitor your audio levels.
Pentax K-S2 Weather Sealing
Pentax K-S2 provides environment sealing which makes it a good pick for use during tricky locations. This can be especially helpful any time you are not sure about the conditions you might face during outdoor photography.
Pentax K-S2 Screen and Viewfinder
The Pentax K-S2 is equipped with a 3 inch fully articulated display screen having a resolution of 921 thousand dots.
It has got a selfie friendly screen for self portraits and even group shots if necessary. Please be aware that the display has no touch support.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe ViewFinder specifications for Pentax K-S2 are the following:
- ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
- Coverage 100%
- Magnification 0.64x
For sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and challenging to see, viewfinders can be quite helpful.
Pentax K-S2 Shutter information
Pentax K-S2 continuous shooting rate is 5.4 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/6000s.
Pentax K-S2 Flash and Hot shoe information
Pentax K-S2 has both inbuilt flash together with external flash ability.
Pentax K-S2 Autofocus information
Pentax K-S2 has both Phase Detect Auto Focus plus Contrast Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is more snappier & exact as compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera supports Face detection making it useful for portraits.
The Sensor supports 11 focus points to select from. It also comes with Tracking Auto Focus for moving objects. Pentax K-S2 comes with manual focus if needed during low light occasions or you want more precise focus control.
Pentax K-S2 Battery life
The battery (D-LI109) on the Pentax K-S2 is built to last for 410 photos as per the CIPA measurements which is lower in comparison with it's competition. The general Entry-Level DSLR camera battery life is 589. Pentax K-x has got the highest possible (1900) battery life within this category of cameras.
Listed below is a list of Entry-Level DSLR cameras which have the strongest battery life:
Pentax K-S2 for different kinds of photography
The following chart gives a analysis of the Pentax K-S2 for different kinds of photography. To understand more, have a look at the specific section underneath.
Portrait photography with Pentax K-S2
The Pentax K-S2 has a score of 78 which is awesome, and means the camera is a awesome fit for portrait photos. Taking portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support in addition to the potential to work with off-camera flash.
Street photography with Pentax K-S2
Coming in at a above average points tally of 72, the Pentax K-S2 is a respectable pick for street photography. A very good street photography camera has a fine balance of picture quality plus portability.
Pentax K-S2 as a Sports photography camera
A nice sports photography points total of 70 means the Pentax K-S2 is a good choice for photographing sports. A camera really should have very good tracking plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Pentax K-S2 as a Travel photography camera
Portability is extremely important when choosing a travel camera. Overall, the Pentax K-S2 gets a above average 65 as a travelling camera which is a very decent fit to take with you on your trips.
Pentax K-S2 Landscape photography information
When you're looking to pick a camera for landscape photos, the most significant aspect is going to be image quality. The Pentax K-S2 and it's tremendous rating of 77 for a landscape camera is a outstanding option compared to its competition.
Pentax K-S2 Vlogging factors
A camera for vlogging should really posses a moving display, mic input and if possible IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Pentax K-S2 is a very decent choice for vlogging as it delivers a very good rating of 71.
Pentax K-S2 Alternatives
If you are searching for alternatives to the K-S2, below is a selection of the top rated cameras which fall within the category of Entry-Level DSLR.
The line chart down below offers you an overview of the K-S2 versus it's highest ranked rivals listed earlier.
Following are additional cameras you might look into as alternate options. To read through a comprehensive comparison, simply click the "compare" link.