Pentax K-S2 Review | 108 Data compared

The Pentax K-S2, reviewed by ePHOTOzine, is a weather-sealed DSLR featuring a 20.12MP APS-C sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, providing high image quality, 3.5-stop in-body image stabilization, and a 100% field-of-view viewfinder. It is noted for its compact, articulated screen design, built-in Wi-Fi/NFC, and impressive noise handling at higher ISOs, making it a capable enthusiast tool. Cons identified include the retractable 18-50mm kit lens exhibiting corner softness and a slow f/4 maximum aperture, alongside a rear screen that lacks touch functionality. While the 11-point AF system performs well in low light, its continuous tracking is not ideal for fast-paced action, and the video capabilities are limited compared to rivals.

The Pentax K-S2 review by Ben Pitt on Expert Reviews highlights a highly capable consumer SLR priced at £649 including VAT. The camera is praised for its outstanding ergonomics, dual command dials, and fully weather-sealed body and kit lens, allowing for seamless shooting in wet or dusty conditions. A major standout feature is its exceptionally large optical pentaprism viewfinder offering 100% coverage, which significantly outperforms competitors in its price bracket. Furthermore, Pentax introduces modern upgrades to this generation, notably a 3-inch fully articulating screen with an automated Selfie mode and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity. Photo performance is fast, capturing a shot every 0.3 seconds. The 20-megapixel sensor operates without an anti-alias filter to maximize sharpness, though it includes a unique on-sensor shake simulator to mimic one if needed. However, minor image and video quality flaws prevent the camera from achieving a perfect score. The biggest drawback is its weak video mode, which suffers from soft details, a pronounced rolling shutter effect, fixed autofocus during clips, and noticeable noise at the limited ISO 3200 cap. For still photography, its 11-point autofocus grid...

The Pentax K-S2 is a highly capable enthusiast DSLR featuring a 20-megapixel sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, delivering superb image quality with exceptional detail. Key advantages include a rugged weather-sealed body, twin control dials, built-in Wi-Fi, and a 100% coverage viewfinder. Additionally, the camera boasts excellent high-ISO noise control up to ISO 1600 and robust raw file shadow recovery. Conversely, the camera is limited by lackluster straight-out-of-camera JPEG processing that struggles with dense textures. Performance suffers above ISO 3200 with significant noise and a sharp decline in dynamic range, while the body features an uncomfortable, chunky grip and lacks a touchscreen. Furthermore, auto white balance often produces a cool, blue cast in changing lighting conditions.

The Pentax K-S2 is a highly capable mid-range DSLR offering exceptional value, featuring a 20.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter for high detail, a 100% field-of-view optical viewfinder, in-body image stabilization, and a weather-sealed body. It excels in handling noise up to ISO 1600 and provides an intuitive, user-friendly control layout for enthusiasts. However, drawbacks include aggressive in-camera JPEG processing, a bulky handgrip, the absence of a touchscreen, and an 11-point autofocus system that lags behind competitors. While the JPEG output can be overly processed, capturing in raw format yields excellent results.

The Pentax K-S2 is a highly capable entry-level DSLR that offers a compelling package for family photographers and those stepping up from point-and-shoot cameras, provided video recording is not a priority. On the positive side, the camera delivers excellent JPEG photo quality with bright, saturated, and accurate default colours, remaining impressively sharp through ISO 1600. Its robust design stands out in its price class by incorporating full weather sealing for dust and water resistance, paired with a deep, comfortable grip and a sturdily built chassis. Additionally, it features built-in Wi-Fi with an extensive remote shooting application, creative exposure options like Sensitivity Priority (Sv) and Shutter-and-Aperture Priority (TAv) modes, and an exceptionally bright optical viewfinder that provides full 100% field-of-view coverage. Conversely, the camera’s primary downfall is its poor video capture capability. Leaving Shake Reduction turned on causes severe vertical and horizontal movie wobbles, while turning it off results in shaky footage; video recordings also suffer from distracting moiré patterns since the anti-aliasing filter simulator cannot be activated during movie mode. Furthermore, the K-S2 lacks continuous autofocus for video, forcing users...

The Pentax K-S2 is a highly capable, weather-sealed midrange DSLR offering premium features like dual control dials, a 100% coverage optical viewfinder, and a vari-angle LCD screen. It delivers excellent image quality with its 20-megapixel, low-pass filter-free sensor, producing manageable noise up to ISO 3200 while featuring in-body image stabilization. However, the camera suffers from significant limitations, including a lack of continuous autofocus in video mode, a noticeable rolling shutter effect, and a restricted burst shooting buffer. Furthermore, the companion Wi-Fi app is noted for being unintuitive, with slow image transfer speeds.

The Shutterbug review highlights the Pentax K-S2 as a functional, weather-sealed DSLR featuring a traditional, efficient design with dual exposure dials and a revised, user-friendly control layout. While praised for its physical handling, lab tests indicate the camera delivers average resolution performance and produces softer, less sharp images compared to 20-megapixel competitors, with notable issues regarding high red saturation.

The Photo Review assessment of the Pentax K-S2 characterizes it as a feature-rich, entry-level DSLR boasting enthusiast-grade specifications in a compact, weather-sealed body. Key advantages include a 100% frame coverage pentaprism viewfinder, a vari-angle LCD monitor, 20-megapixel resolution with solid high-ISO performance up to 6400, and integrated Wi-Fi/NFC functionality. However, the review notes the camera is relatively heavy and possesses a deep handgrip that, while secure, may feel bulky to some users. While low-light performance is generally strong, visible image noise becomes apparent at ISO 25,600, and the control layout may present a steeper learning curve for beginners.