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Pentax K-S2

 
Pentax K-S2 front
 
  • 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
Portability
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.

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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.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Pentax-KF front thumbnailPentax KF
K-S2 vs KF
24MPAPS-C6.0 fps2022
Pentax-K-70 front thumbnailPentax K-70
K-S2 vs K-70
24MPAPS-C6.0 fps2016
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide
Pentax-K-S2 front thumbnailPentax K-S220MPAPS-C5.4 fps2015
Pentax-K-S1 front thumbnailPentax K-S1
K-S2 vs K-S1
20MPAPS-C5.4 fps2014
Pentax-K-500 front thumbnailPentax K-500
K-S2 vs K-500
16MPAPS-C6.0 fps2013
Pentax-K-50 front thumbnailPentax K-50
K-S2 vs K-50
16MPAPS-C6.0 fps2013
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
Pentax-K-r front thumbnailPentax K-r
K-S2 vs K-r
12MPAPS-C6.0 fps2011

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.

comes with phase detect auto focus
does have HDMI port
does have mic port
does not have low pass filter
environment proof
flash built-in
good sensor size (APS-C)
good video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
high shutter speed (1/6,000 seconds)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
NFC connectivity
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
provides face detect focus
provides tracking focus
saves RAW files
screen can move to multiple angles
selfie friendly screen
sensor resolution is decent (20MP)
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
very good high ISO (51,200)
very good min ISO (100)
very good screen resolution (921 thousand dot)
you can focus manually
bad battery (410 per charge)
heavier than average (678g)
missing headphone port
slow fps (5.4 frames/s)
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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.

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The 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.

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To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

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.

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Underneath is a shot of the Pentax K-S2 alongside a soda so you're able to get a sense of its size.

Pentax K-S2 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will show the button arrangement on the K-S2.

Pentax K-S2 topview buttons dials

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.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Venus-Laowa-25mm-F2.8-2.5-5X-Ultra-Macro-Pentax-KAF2 lensVenus Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro25mmf/2.8400g
Irix-45mm-F1.4-Pentax-KAF-Mount lensIrix 45mm F1.445mmf/1.4925g
Photography Glossary
Samsung-D-Xenon-12-24mm-F4-ED-Pentax-KAF lensSamsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED12-24mmf/4.0 430g
Pentax-smc-DA-300mm-F4.0-ED-IF-SDM lensPentax smc DA 300mm F4.0 ED IF SDM300mmf/4.0 1070g
Samsung-D-Xenon-35mm-F2-AL lensSamsung D-Xenon 35mm F2 AL35mmf/2.0 195g
Samsung-D-Xenon-100mm-F2.8-macro lensSamsung D-Xenon 100mm F2.8 macro100mmf/2.8 345g
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Samsung-D-Xenon-16-45mm-F4 lensSamsung D-Xenon 16-45mm F416-45mmf/4.0 365g
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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.

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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.

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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.

Pentax K-S2 screen and viewfinder Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The 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.

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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.

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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.

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manual focus
resolution is good (20 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
offers face detection focus
supports RAW files

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.

Photography Glossary
screen articulates
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
environment proof
good high ISO (51,200)
heavier than average (678g)

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.

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high shutter speed (1/6,000s)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
offers tracking focus
weather sealing
comes with phase detect AF
max fps low (5.4 frames per second)
terrible battery life (410 shots)

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.

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weather proof
MP count good (20 megapixels)
built-in flash
selfie friendly screen
bad battery pack (410 shots)
more heavy than competitors (678 grams)

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.

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manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
good sized screen (3")
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
resolution is good (20MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
doesnt have low pass filter
good high ISO (51,200)
supports RAW files
environment sealing
low battery pack (410 CIPA)

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.

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display is selfie friendly
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
offers face detect focus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
comes with mic support
heavier than competitors (678 grams)

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.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Pentax
Model
Pentax K-S2
Type
Entry-Level DSLR
Revealed
2015-02-10
Body design
Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor
PRIME MII
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor area
366.6mm²
Sensor resolution
20 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Highest resolution
5472 x 3648
RAW pictures
Highest native ISO
51200
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points
11
Lens
Lens mount
Pentax KAF2
Available lenses
151
Focal length multiplier
1.5
Screen
Screen type
Fully Articulated
Screen diagonal
3 inch
Resolution of screen
921 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage
100%
Viewfinder magnification
0.64x
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
30s
Maximum shutter speed
1/6000s
Continuous shooting speed
5.4 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash modes
Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on, flash on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual flash
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
Highest video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
Optional
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
678g (1.49 lb)
Physical dimensions
123 x 91 x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9")
Other
Battery life
410 shots
Battery form
Battery Pack
Battery model
D-LI109
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 secs)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
1
Pricing at launch
$581