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Pentax K-S1

PRO rating
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How it works?
  1. User ratingsUser ratingsratings of product added by Productz users
  2. Expert ratingsExpert ratingsexperts ratings from editorial reviews
  3. Consumer ratingsConsumer ratingsratings from the biggest online stores worldwide
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  1. Excellent
  2. Good
  3. Poor
  4. Average
4.1
based on all reviews
User ratings:
40
4.1 out of 5
40 user ratings
5 stars
35 %
4 stars
35 %
3 stars
30 %
2 stars
0 %
1 stars
0 %
Consumer ratings:
4.3 / 5
Editorial reviews:
20
  1. See more
3.9 out of 5
10 user ratings
5 stars
20 %
4 stars
70 %
3 stars
10 %
2 stars
0 %
1 stars
0 %
Read editorial reviews

Pros

  • a new 20-megapixel sensor and incorporated plenty of top-shelf features
  • reasonably easy to use and control
  • sleeker

Cons

  • missing out
  • K-01 failed to sell at the original sticker price
  • drop off noticeably in the corners

Key specs

  • CMOS
  • APS-C
  • 23.5x15.6 mm
  • 20 Mpx
  • 5472, 3648 px
  • Pentax KAF2
  • 3.5
  • Continuous Auto Focus, Face detection, Single Auto Focus
  • 3.0 in
  • no

Compare technical data of the product to its category

Pentax

Pentax K-S1 - Pros & Cons

Pentax K-S1

Pros

  • a new 20-megapixel sensor and incorporated plenty of top-shelf features
  • reasonably easy to use and control
  • sleeker
  • simpler UI design
  • Photo performance was excellent
  • dynamic range and lower total noise is nice to have
  • Canon cameras are generally just nicely thought out and user friendly
  • handy tilty-screen and a good 39-point AF system
  • perfectly
  • tested heavily
  • nice and snug

Cons

  • missing out
  • K-01 failed to sell at the original sticker price
  • drop off noticeably in the corners
  • no optical low-pass filter
  • as it shuttled back and forth trying to regain focus
  • aliasing artefacts such as moir interference on repeating patterns
  • The viewfinder is significantly bigger than those found in rival consumer SLRs
  • No sensor cleaningSmaller viewfinder
  • the other cameras are too good to be entry level
  • are almost useless in bright sunlit locations
  • it costs a lot of money to get a model with a viewfinder

Pentax K-S1 - Technical Overview

PoorAverageGoodExcellent
IconScreen size
3 in
Best:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710
Screen size: 6.7 in
IconISO maximum
51200
Best:
Pentax KP
ISO maximum: 819200
IconEffective pixels
20 Mpx
Best:
Hasselblad H6D-100c
Effective pixels: 100 Mpx
IconMax resolution
5472 x 3648 px
Best:
Leica M11
Max resolution: 9528 x 6328 px

Pentax - Video Reviews (8)

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Pentax K-S1 - Full Specifications

Icon
Sensor
Sensor typeCMOS
Image sensor formatAPS-C
Sensor size0.93 in
Sensor photo detectors20.0 Mpx
Effective pixels20.0 Mpx
Image ratio w:h3:2
Max resolution5472 x 3648 px
Other resolutions
  • 4224x2816
  • 3456x2304
  • 3072x2448
  • 1920x1080
ProcessorPRIME MII
Icon
Optics and focus
Lens mountPentax KAF2
Optical zoom11.0 x
Magnification (Crop factor)1.5 x
Maximum aperture3.5
AF assist (auto-focus assist light)Lamp
Focus adjustmentAuto
Contrast autofocusyes
Saturation adjustmentyes
Brightness adjustmentyes
Autofocus in recording modeyes
Focal length multiplier1.5x
Autofocus
  • Continuous Auto Focus
  • Face detection
  • Single Auto Focus
Manual focusyes
Auto Focus (AF) assist beamyes
Number of focus points11
Max number of AF points (incl. assistant)11
Image stabiliserBuilt-in
Filter diameter2.44 in
Phase detection autofocusyes
Number of AF points (contrast)11
Icon
Photography features
Shooting modes
  • Sensitivity priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Auto
  • Movie
  • Scene
  • Shutter priority
Camera shutter typeElectronic
Minimum shutter speed30.0 s
Maximum shutter speed1.0 s
Shutter priorityyes
Aperture priorityyes
Manual exposure modeyes
Number of exposures3
Exposure compensation plus5
Exposure compensation minus-5
Expousure compensation steps
  • 1/3
  • 1/2
Auto exposure lockyes
AE EV steps
  • 1/3
  • 1/2
Continuous shootingyes
Self-timer delay
  • 2
  • 12
Histogramyes
AE frames3
WB BracketingNo
Subject / scene modesyes
Flash sync speed1/180s
Built-in flashyes
Flash range10
Flash modes
  • Auto
  • Flash ON
  • Manual
  • Redeye Reduction
  • Slow Sync
External flash connectionHot shoe
Flash metering systemP-TTL
External flashyes
Continuous drive5.4 fps
Scene modes
  • Backlight
  • Candlelight
  • Children
  • Museum
  • Night
  • Night portrait
  • Pet
  • Portrait
  • Snow
  • Sunset
  • Surf
  • Landscape
Self-timeryes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Manual settingsyes
Self-timer options
  • 2
  • 12
Speed (JPEG)5.4 fps
Speed (RAW)5.4 fps
Exposure bracketing0.3 - 0.5±EV
Icon
Audio features
Built-in microphoneyes
Microphone typeStereo
Speaker typeMono
Voice recordingyes
Audio systemStereo
Noise reductionyes
Icon
Dimensions
Weight17.57 oz
Width4.72 in
Height3.64 in
Depth2.74 in
Icon
Power
Power source typeBattery
Battery life (CIPA)480
Battery technology
Lithium-Ion
Number of batteries supported1
Icon
Other features
GPSyes
Orientation sensoryes
Energy Star certifiedno
Languages support
  • DAN
  • DEU
  • DUT
  • ENG
  • FIN
  • FRE
  • GRE
  • HUN
  • ITA
  • POL
  • POR
  • RUS
  • SWE
  • TUR
Image editing modes
  • Crop
  • Resizing
  • Rotating
Icon
Image
ISO
  • 100
  • 51200
ISO Autoyes
ISO minimum100
ISO maximum51200
Maximum image resolution5472 x 3648 px
White balance presets9
White balance modes
  • Auto
  • Cloudy
  • Daylight
  • Flash
  • Fluorescent
  • Manual
  • Shade
  • Tungsten
Custom white balanceyes
Supported image file formats
  • PEF
  • DNG
  • JPG
  • RAW
Photo effects
  • Black&White
  • Fader
  • Pastel
Image stabilizeryes
Image stabilization typeSensor-shift
Image stabilization axis3-axis
Uncompressed formatRAW
HDRyes
AEB/HDR supportyes
Icon
Screen and viewfinder
Screen size3.0 in
Articulated LCDno
Screen technologyLCD TFT
Screen dots921000
Touch screenno
Field of view100.0 %
Live viewyes
Viewfinder
Optical
Viewfinder coverage100.0 %
Viewfinder magnification0.95 x
Dioptre correctionyes
Diopter adjustment (D-D)2.5 - 1.5
Eye relief0.88 in
Separate info displayno
Second displayno
Icon
Videography features
Maximum resolution1920 x 1080 px
Video recordingyes
Recording resolutions1920.0 px
HD typeFull HD
Supported video file formats
  • AVC
  • AVI
  • H.264
  • M-JPEG
  • MOV
  • MPEG-4
  • RAW
Analog signal format system
  • NTSC
  • PAL
Camera playback
  • Single image
  • Slide show
Max resolution (highest frame rate)1280 x 720
Max frame rate (highest resolution)30.0 fps
Max frame rate (regardless of res.)60.0 fps
Motion JPEG frame rate60.0 fps
Icon
Design
Body typeSLR
Body materialPlastic
Colour of product
  • Beige
  • Black
  • Black,Orange
  • Black,Silver
  • Blue
  • Blue,White
  • Brown
  • Gold
  • Grey
  • Lime,White
  • Pink,White
  • Purple
  • White
Anti-dust systemyes
Environmentally sealedno
Icon
Storage
Compatible memory cards
  • FLU
  • Eye-Fi
  • SD
  • SDHC
  • SDXC
Storage types
  • SD
  • SDHC
  • SDXC
Camera file system
  • DCF 2.0
  • Exif 2.3
  • RAW
Icon
Connectivity
micro-HDMIyes
USB connector typeMicro-USB B
USB version2.0
Headphone portno
Microphone portyes
WirelessEye-Fi Connected
Remote controlyes
NFCno
Wireless network (Wi-Fi)no
Firewireno

Pentax K-S1 - Q&A

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Pentax K-S1 Pentax - Editorial Reviews (20)

3.9
Based on 20 reviews
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Review | Photography Blog
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photographyblog.com
Published: 04.02.2015
Pentax K-S1 Review | Photography Blog
4.0

The Pentax K-S1 is a new entry-level DSLR camera that is available in 12 different colour variations. The 20 megapixel K-S1 offers 5.4fps continuous shooting, an 11-point AF system, 3-inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and an ISO range of 100-51200. Read our in-depth Pentax K-S1 review...

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Digital Camera Review
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Reviewed Cameras
Published: 18.03.2015
Pentax K-S1 Digital Camera Review

Pentax swings for the fences, but only hits a single.

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Review
Imaging Resource logo
Imaging Resource
Published: 27.08.2014
Pentax K-S1 Review

Ricoh surprises with the futuristic new compact Pentax K-S1 DSLR. Is it cool, or too flashy? See our Pentax K-S1 preview for details.

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Review
Trusted Reviews logo
Trusted Reviews
Published: 17.12.2014
Pentax K-S1 Review
4.5

Pentax K-S1 Review - The K-S1 is a DSLR which stands out from the crowd thanks to some eye-catching design features, but it also boasts a serious spec.

Pentax K-S1 Best lenses for the Pentax K-S1: Prime and zoom lenses put through their paces
DXOMARK logo
DXOMARK
Published: 01.10.2015
Best lenses for the Pentax K-S1: Prime and zoom lenses put through their paces

If you’ve outgrown the standard kit lens for your new entry-level DSLR, a second lens can add a new dimension to your photography. With a plethora of options available, picking out the right one can be a bit of a minefield, but our best lenses review is here to help. We round up here the big talking points on the 39 lenses that our technicians have tested on the Pentax K-S1.

Pentax K-S1 Consumer DSLR Camera Roundup (2014)
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DPReview
Published: 25.08.2014
Consumer DSLR Camera Roundup (2014)

To improve my general purpose and family photography, which camera should I choose?

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Sensor Review: A ‘flashy’ new entry-level DSLR from Pentax
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DXOMARK
Published: 05.11.2014
Pentax K-S1 Sensor Review: A ‘flashy’ new entry-level DSLR from Pentax

The K-S1 is Pentax’s latest entry-level DSLR featuring a 20.1Mp APS-C CMOS sensor and Anti Aliasing filter simulator. Targeted towards consumers taking their first plunge into DSLR photography, the K-S1 boasts a compact design, flashing LED lights, illuminated rear controls and choice of 12 colours. With the sensor scores in, lets see how the K-S1 compares to the competition.

Pentax K-S1 Hands-on with the Pentax K-S1
DPReview logo
DPReview
Published: 27.08.2014
Hands-on with the Pentax K-S1

The Pentax K-S1 is a unique-looking DSLR, with pulsing LED lights on the front and a backlit mode dial on the back. There's more to the K-S1 than just its looks, including a new sensor, image processor, and even a new font in the menus. As always, all of the features one would expect to see on a Pentax DSLR are here too. Learn more in our slideshow.

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Preview - Steve's Digicams
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steves-digicams.com
Pentax K-S1 Preview - Steve's Digicams

Ricoh Imaging has announced the PENTAX K-S1, a mid-level DSLR for customers

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Review | Photography Blog
photographyblog.com logo
photographyblog.com
Published: 04.02.2015
Pentax K-S1 Review | Photography Blog
4.0

Expert review of the Pentax K-S1 camera with sample photos, test shots, videos and more.

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Review
PCMAG logo
PCMAG
Published: 23.10.2014
Pentax K-S1 Review
3.5

The Pentax K-S1 doesn't look like any other SLR on the market, but aside from a disappointing video mode, it's a solid performer.

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Review | Camera Decision
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Camera Decision
Published: 27.08.2014
Pentax K-S1 Review | Camera Decision
3.3

Pentax K-S1 is a 20.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a APS-C sized CMOS sensor and Pentax KAF2 mount. Read our K-S1 review to find its pros and cons.

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews
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pentaxforums.com
Pentax K-S1 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Introduction: An in-depth review of the Pentax K-S1, a fashionable DSLR for beginners that still manages to pack a punch.

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1: Built-in LED light displays distract from some interesting tech (hands-on)
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Pocket-lint
Published: 18.09.2014
Pentax K-S1: Built-in LED light displays distract from some interesting tech (hands-on)

Pentax isn't one for the norm. In addition to its multi-colour DSLR cameras, the company was also showing off its latest K-S1 DSLR at Photokina - a camera

Pentax K-S1 Pentax K-S1 review
Expert Reviews logo
Expert Reviews
Published: 22.11.2014
Pentax K-S1 review
4.0

Striking and impressive, but for entirely different reasons. The Pentax K-S1 might not be as popular as it deserves to be.

Often compared with Pentax K-S1