Table of Contents
amazon Pentax K-S2 reviews
Design signature
The flash of a design is the first compliment to the K-S2 Pentax. Not successful with the K-S1 model last year, Ricoh had taken a cue from the Pentax K-S2 on things learned. By far the most major change would probably just be the removal of the leds onto the strings compared to the predecessor model. Instead, the Pentax K-S2 has a circular lanyard over the shutter button, a Wi-Fi button, and a rear control keypad. These circles will light up, change color to indicate whether they’re on or off and for what mode they’re for. It still comes in many colors but now seems more palatable. The black version that this article covers is dark black, made of hard plastics, a bit grayish in the front, and using special materials that provide high grip. The area around the buttons and the top control wheel is machined out of scratch-proof metal to add a general look to home. In general, the new look seems so much better and much more attractive …. definitely far better than the previous Pentax K-S1.
The structure of the machine is also better and great. The most commendable point is the enlarged inner grip. Therefore, the button in front also goes a little further. This button is on the curved edge of the slit and slightly tilted forward about 10 degrees from the horizontal plane. The position is perfect, with convenience of pressing, the feeling being not at all crumbled compared to the usual square.
Pentax also becomes the first make of camera that has a rotating flip screen. It is able to make the camera one you can use anywhere at any angle, even onself shots. The K-S2 just doesn’t have anything design-wise worthy of the name.
Experience
It boasts a 20MP APS-C CMOS Sensor inside, and it also features activation of the anti-vibration function (in-body Mount). This combines with a PRIME M II image processor and 11-point focus systems that consist of nine cross-type points. There has nothing to improve on it as K-S2 Pentax because it is still a carryover from the former Pentax K-S1. The ISO range of the machine starts from 100 to 51,200. Mechanical and electronic shutter, 1/6.000s maximum shooting speed, continuous shooting capability: 5.5 fps.
With these data, it can be said that the configuration of Pentax K-S2 is not strong. However, this certainly shouldnt lead one to draw any conclusions about its performance and image quality.
Lets add some similarity between them: Most manufacturer photography DSLRs, however, do allow their users to edit digital photos by making changes to them both before and after shooting. Even some editing items that used to require dedicated post-production software are available on Pentax K-S2 nowadays.
where can you get a Pentax K-S2 online
Pentax K-S2 20MP DSLR Kit w/ 18-50mm WR (Black): Buy it now
Pentax K-S2 20MP Wi-Fi Enabled Weatherized SLR Body Only (Black): Buy it now
Pentax K-S2 20MP Wi-Fi Enabled Weatherized SLR with 50-200mm Lens Kit (Black/Orange): Buy it now
Pentax K-S2 20MP DSLR Two Lens Kit w/ 18-50mm WR & 50-200mm WR (Black)Pentax K-S2 20MP DSLR Two Lens Kit w/ 18-50mm WR & 50-200mm WR (Black): Buy it now
Pentax K-S2 20MP Wi-Fi Enabled Weatherized SLR with 50-200mm Lens Kit (White): Buy it now
Pentax K-S2 20MP Wi-Fi Enabled Weatherized SLR (White): Buy it now
K-S2 boasts 11 customized images before shooting. Among these exist, the Reversal Film, Cross Process which introduces image processing mimicking old time filmmaking methods. It also has 9 filters digital filter(Digital Filter), if you combine them to that of image customizing, the uniqueness of end results will be very interesting. This feature pack may spark a desire in an owner of another brand camera. The clarity enhancement also works perfectly as it gives the image more clarity resulting in a fuzzier picture, especially beneficial during landscape shootings.
Those finding it hard to devote a bunch of hours on selecting features, filter effects, and image options can just switch to SCN shooting mode. The K-S2 has a phenomenally varied 19 contexts, far greater than SCNs of other companies. This can be said to be complete, even from the most basic backgrounds such as portrait, landscape, macro or fast-paced action to great additions such as shooting snow, children, animals, food.
Feature: A flexible swivel screen high-angle, low-angle, or self-sharp shooting easy photo sharing and remote camera control via Wi-Fi, NFC bright incorporated spotlight effective night vision harmless weathe-seal, outdoor wind-dust isn’t an issue at the site.
The other disadvantages of the K-S2 are that it has a slow-focus system which makes much noise while using telephoto zoom lenses and also poor video recording, full HD recording only maxes out its fps at 30.
Composite Comments
It becomes very hard to test the K-S2 with all rich features in very little time. Overall, the K-S2 is a DSLR designed with an extensive array of shooting modes, customized settings, rich digital tools to support creativity. Moreover, it has great advantages, such as being compact in structure, very small in size, with water and dirt …
With such features, the Pentax k-S2 becomes ideal for people or adventure lovers who want to explore nature. It can also serve as a second camera for a landscape photographer to shoot wild and discovering destructive phenomena, which will not allow him to miss valuable shots in any weather condition, often like a rainstorm, flood, ash…
Performance
Autofocus System
The K-S2 is outfitted with an 11-point SAFOX X autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors. While not on par with some higher-end DSLR systems, it is, nonetheless, quite dependable in most scenarios. The autofocus is quick and accurate in good light but can struggle under low light levels. Focus peaking in live view mode is included and is a nice addition for manual focusing, especially under macro and low-light scenarios.
Burst Shooting
The K-S2 has a continuous shooting speed of 5.4 frames per second, thus it’s able to record quite fast-moving subjects without much hassle. That makes it good for sports and wildlife photography, although for longer bursts, the buffer depth may become quite limiting. It shoots only 30 JPEGs or 8 RAW files in one burst before the buffer is full.
Image Stabilization
Pentax has incorporated in the K-S2 its proprietary Shake Reduction (SR) system, which employs sensor-shift technology to provide stabilization of up to 3.5 stops. This is good for handheld photography, especially in low light conditions or with the use of a long telephoto lens. The SR system works efficiently, essentially removing camera-shake caused blur and making the resultant image quite sharp.
Features
Articulating LCD Screen
A 3-inch, 921k-dot articulating LCD screen comes installed on the K-S2. This feature combined with an entire rotating design will enable the user to have various shooting angles without any limitation in high and low compositions. Its brightness and brightness contribute to almost good visibility in the direct sun’s overhead rays, but unfortunately, it is not touchscreen.
Viewfinder
An optical viewfinder provides 100% coverage of the field of view. This is a significant advantage compared to most entry-level and mid-range DSLRs, which only cover about 95%. The viewfinder offers a bright and clear vision for composing images.
Wi-Fi and NFC Connectivity
Wi-Fi and NFC built in offer the greatest ease in transferring images into a smartphone or tablet for sharing. The companion app, Image Sync, enables remote camera control to adjust settings and view images live while firing the shutter from afar. This feature comes in especially handy for group shots or very long exposure photography.
In-Camera HDR and Interval Shooting
Other creative features it offers are in-camera HDR, high dynamic range, and interval shooting. For example, the HDR mode merges multiple exposures to give one image a larger dynamic range, which is particularly useful for high-contrast scenes. The interval shooting would record events in the time-lapse effect, and the camera can even produce a time-lapse movie right into it.
Customization and User Interface
Pentax is famous for its high customization levels. The user interface of K-S2 is straightforward, with a well-organized menu system. Customizable function buttons and control dials allow one to adjust the operation of the camera according to personal preferences and improve the actual shooting experience.
Battery Life
K-S2 employs a rechargeable lithium-ion battery of D-LI109 configuration, which grants fairly good battery life, approximately 410 shots on a full charge (CIPA standard). While not fantastic, it is good enough to last a day under moderate shooting. Recommended to have a spare battery for prolonged shooting time.
A Comparison: Competitors
Nikon D5500
Nikon D5500 stands as a competition to the Pentax K-S2. It offers almost similar feature set and falls in same price bracket. The D5500 houses a slightly higher resolution 24.2-megapixel sensor and articulating touchscreen. Weather-sealing and sensor-shift image stabilization do not come with the D5500, which the K-S2 has. Furthermore, the D5500 has a more advanced autofocus system: it is equipped with 39 focus points, as opposed to the K-S2’s 11. Overall, the selection between the two should be made based on individual priorities, such as weather resistance and in-body stabilization versus autofocus performance and touchscreen functionality.
Canon EOS Rebel T6i (750D)
This is another mid-range DSLR which is now competing with K-S2. It features a 24.2-megapixel sensor and a 19-point autofocus system. Of course, there’s also a fully articulating touchscreen, and built-in Wi-Fi. The T6i has good image performance on a simple user interface but does not have weather sealing and in-body stabilization as found in K-S2. K-S2’s increased build quality and solid feature set make it more worthwhile for a photographer who wants an all-weather, versatile camera.
Sony Alpha A6000
For all intents and purposes, the Sony Alpha A6000 throws great challenges to the K-S2 in terms of image quality and performance. It boasts up to 24.3 megapixels, has an APS-C format, and a fast hybrid auto focus system having 179 phase-detection points. It can shoot continuously at 11 frames per second. The A6000 is also built significantly smaller and lighter than the K-S2. Much unfortunately to the potential user, though, weather sealing and optical viewfinder were completely eliminated from this camera. In the end, the choice on the preferred camera would lie on personal tastes-factors inclusive of form factor, viewfinder type, and importance of weather resistance.
Practical Use Cases of the Photography
Landscape Photography
With weather-sealing, an excellent dynamic range, and a high-resolution sensor, the K-S2 is cut out for landscape-related shooting. Being weatherproof helps photographers shoot in difficult locations, while the detailed image output ensures that the natural beauty of the scene is captured in a faithful way.
Portrait Photography
Surely, because of its precision color reproduction, sharp image quality, and dependable autofocus reliability, it is great for portrait photography. Customizable settings and controls allow photographers to fine-tune the camera and achieve desired look and feel for the portrait photography.
Wildlife and Sports Photography
This camera can speed very fast, shooting continuous frames per second at 5.4, and it has an autofocus system that creates a cam for it to be a possible option for fast-moving object photography. It, however, is not the fastest one among its group which contains high-end cameras, but it tries to make some good action photography possible. Well, weather-sealing adds protection in shooting outdoors when such conditions have to be unpredictable.
Travel and Street Photography
The rugged compact camera design of the K-S2 makes it an attractive choice for travel and street photography. The vari-angle LCD and built-in Wi-Fi add to its versatility for creative compositions and quick image-sharing options. The discreet design and quiet shutter operation are other advantages for proper candid street photography.
Astrophotography
With low-light performance, high ISO capabilities, and long exposures, the K-S2 can tackle astrophotography tasks. The camera features an in-camera intervalometer that is particularly useful for time-lapse work on the night sky. Higher ISO noise suppression allows for clearer detailing of stars and celestial objects.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Weather Sealing: The K-S2 is well weather-sealed and can withstand outdoor shooting under varied conditions. That is comforting while shooting in extreme places.
Image Quality: 20.1-MP APS-C CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter provides stunning image quality with sharp details and vibrant colors.
Dynamic Range: Very wide dynamic range, which makes it possible to recover detail in shadows and highlights, is helpful in high-contrast scenes.
Image Stabilization: The effective stabilization from the body–SR stabilization through sensor motion–is great for those low-light handheld shots.
Build Quality: Great build with a comfortable and ergonomic design for long-term use.
Articulating LCD Screen: The fully articulating 3-inch LCD screen adds flexibility for composing images, especially in high-angle and low-angle situations.
Viewfinder Coverage: With 100% field view coverage, the optical viewfinder allows for proper composition.
Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC to allow for easy image transfer and remote control via smartphone or tablet.
Customizable Interface: Customization features are plentiful on the buttons and dials so that photographers can set the camera operational style according to their liking.
Creative Features: HDR in-camera and interval shooting serve photographers’ need for more creative options.
Cons
Low-light Autofocus Performance: The 11-point SAFOX X autofocus system may cause a struggle under low-light conditions, thereby affecting versatility with the camera.
Buffer Depth: A limited buffer depth in continuous shooting features, particularly when saving RAW files, is a great limitation for such features in action photography.
Not a Touchscreen: It is considered a downside, especially when pitted against some competitors with the intuitive use of touch controls.
Video Features: K-S2 offers Full HD video recording but lacks some higher-level advanced video features found in competing mirrorless and mid-range DSLRs, 4K recording being one of them.
Battery Life: Comes with an average battery life (410 shots per single charge), which necessitates carrying spare batteries for an extended shooting session.
Conclusion
Pentax’s K-S2 remains a versatile and quite sturdy DSLR at a very reasonable price. Weather-sealed build, good image quality, and tons of features to play with make this camera attractive for the photographer looking for a reliable mid-range camera. It certainly does have some shortcomings, such as autofocus performance in low light and lack of touchscreen, but strong construction, good stabilization, and customizable interface more than make up for it.
K-S2 definitely serves outdoor enthusiasts, landscape photographers, and those essentially looking for a sturdy camera to withstand various shooting conditions. K-S2 is a blend of performance and features of interest to both enthusiastic amateurs and serious hobbyists, giving it a good shot at being a prime contender in the mid-range DSLR market.