Camera Review: The Sharp-Shooting Pentax K-S2

At about $700 (body only) or $750 (with the kit lens), the Pentax K-S2’s features blow away the competition with an articulating screen, weatherproofing, Wi-Fi, no anti-aliasing (AA) filter, sensor stabilization and customizable controls. In the real world, these capabilities work together to create great images that similarly priced Canon and Nikon DSLRs can’t match.

Image Quality

Without an AA filter over its sensor, the K-S2 has sharper images than competing models that do have AA filters, such as the Canon Rebel T6i. The 20-megapixel APS-C sensor on the K-S2 doesn’t match the 24 megapixels you’ll get from the Rebel, but you might actually get sharper pictures from the Pentax. In our tests, the lens we used made more of a difference than the sensor.

We found noise and dynamic range to be similar to the T6i, but at higher ISOs, Nikon’s similarly priced D5500 looks a bit better. However, because Pentax stabilizes the sensor, rather than individual lenses, you can eliminate camera shake and thus use slower shutter speeds with sharper prime lenses. Prime lenses like the inexpensive Pentax DA 50mm f/1.8 ($125) that we tested gather more light, allowing you to use a lower ISO in dim environments to reduce noise.

For example, we got sharp results handholding the K-S2 and the 50mm f/1.8 lens at 1/10th of a second and ISO 100. The Canon and Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lenses aren’t stabilized, so you would need to shoot at about 1/80 and ISO 800 to prevent camera shake. For low-light, low-ISO shooting, the K-S2 and 50mm f/1.8 simply can’t be beat at this price point.

Video quality is on par with the T6i and D5500, though the D5500 is capable of filming HD video at a smooth 60 frames per second. The K-S2 lacks a touch screen, requiring you to push buttons and shake the camera to refocus while recording. 

Design

The Pentax design is distinctly rugged and chunky, especially the orange-trimmed model we chose. We liked the masculine design, though several people commented that they found the camera ugly. 

More practically, the K-S2 has a dedicated exposure compensation dial, whereas the T6i and D5500 each require you to press a separate button to adjust the exposure. The K-S2 also allows almost unlimited customization of the buttons, a feature that experienced photographers can use to cater the camera’s controls to their shooting style.

What We Liked

The K-S2 has nice touches that we don’t always see from other manufacturers. The RAW files are saved using the universal DNG format, so you won’t have to upgrade to the latest version of Lightroom to read them. The buttons and dials are huge and thick, making them easy to use even when wearing gloves.

What We Didn’t Like

Most modern DSLRs have a Wi-Fi feature that makes it easy to share your pictures, but while the K-S2 has Wi-Fi, Pentax’s mobile software was particularly limited and unfriendly. Younger photographers who grew up with smartphones may miss having a touch-screen display on this camera. 

Though the K-S2 can capture 5.5 frames per second, when shooting continuous RAW photos we found that the K-S2 buffers after three to nine frames, depending on the ISO. Buffering slows down your shooting, so you’ll need to use JPG when shooting wildlife or sports. 

How It Compares

Some photographers will prefer using the T6i or D5500 because of their touch screens. For those who travel or plan to carry their camera everywhere, a compact mirrorless model such as the Sony a5100 or Olympus E-M10 may be less cumbersome.

These concerns are all minor, though. The K-S2 is the best choice for most serious beginning photographers. No other manufacturer can match the features, usability and ruggedness at this price. Upgrade from the kit lens to the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8, and the K-S2 will produce unbeatably sharp handheld photos, even in low light. 

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