RANKING

Rank 39 out of 48 Summarized in this category Rankings based on: • Pros-to-cons ratio • Number of reviews • Category average

Pentax

K-S1

Name: K-S1
Brand: Pentax

around $499

All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.

162 Pros

68%
12 reviews (2h 8m)

77 Cons

The Pentax K-S1 is a unique entry-level DSLR that captures attention with its innovative LED-illuminated design. Boasting a robust feature set usually found in higher-tier models, the K-S1 offers a 20MP APS-C sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, resulting in impressively sharp images with vibrant colors. The in-body Shake Reduction, weather-se...

Summary of pros and cons from human reviewers, put together by AI

63%

32 vs 19

Usability/Handling

89%

48 vs 6

Image Quality

25%

6 vs 18

Video Capabilities

93%

25 vs 2

Features

55%

6 vs 5

Autofocus System

Reviewer verdict

Across 12 YouTube reviews, the Pentax K-S1 earns an Index score of 3.7/5, ranking #39 among DSLRs. Reviewers most often praise its image quality, usability/handling, features, while the most common criticisms concern usability/handling, video capabilities.

The K-S1 is repeatedly praised for its strong image quality, with many reviewers (48 mentions) highlighting the 20MP APS-C sensor, excellent low-light performance, high ISO handling up to very high values, and in-body image stabilization that benefits any lens. Reviewers also frequently commend its usable handling (32 mentions), noting dual control dials, a comfortable grip, a bright pentaprism viewfinder and a fully articulating 3-inch LCD that make it pleasant to operate. The camera’s feature set (25 mentions) — including built-in intervalometer, pixel-shift/pixel-shift-like modes, built-in ND/filter-simulator ideas, and handy LEDs — is noted as unusually rich for its class. Build quality and weather sealing (24 mentions) are another common positive, with many calling it rugged, lightweight, and well-made despite small size and colorful finishes.

Critics most often point to usability and handling quirks (19 mentions), such as awkward focus-point selection, small or oddly placed dials, a dim or finicky screen, and grip/ergonomics issues. Video capabilities draw heavy criticism (18 mentions) for limited resolution/frame rates, lack of headphone monitoring, weak audio metering, shaky stabilization behavior in video, and generally poor video quality. Performance shortcomings (15 mentions) include slow autofocus, modest continuous shooting speeds and buffer/processing limits, and a generally slower shooting experience that frustrates action shooters. Smaller concerns mentioned by several reviewers include plasticky kit lenses or button feel and some edge softness or dynamic-range/ISO limits on certain lenses (6 mentions).

Analysis based on 12 YouTube reviews (2h 8m of video) with 162 pros and 77 cons extracted.

Pros (162)

Image Quality (48)

in body sensor based image stabilization ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 2:59
produces some wonderful images ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 6:45
holds its own in low light ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 7:09
at 25600 nose is definitely more prominent but it's not at all blotchy and there's still no color banding and there's still very little color noise ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 7:30
in the studio under good lighting the ks2 is a champ ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 6:56
integrated image stabilization, which means that regardless of the lens you use, the sensor moves to compensate for the movements of your hands ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 1:56
at 12,800 ISO things look really fantastic, good colors and good detail, nice-looking noise and there's almost no color noise at all and I see no evidence of banding ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 7:17
no anti-aliasing filter ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 1:04
even at 50 1200 I was very impressed, manages to retain good color and good detail and again the color noise is really well managed ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 7:43
20 megapixel apsc sensor that works really well when the lighting conditions are good ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 4:38
higher maximum ISO ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 13:32
old manual lenses that will benefit from the stabilizer in the body giving you clear photos with technologies from past decades ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 2:37
image stabilizer in the body ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 1:51
system works with any Pentax lens ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 2:32
pen taxes innovative anti-aliasing filter simulator ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 1:06
clear tone because that's like normal ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 8:39
nice dynamic range comparable to Nikon d5500 ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 5:08
Pentax removed this ks1 the anti-ac filter which makes you have very very sharp images ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 4:47
great low light performance ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 8:38
no anti-aliasing filter ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 8:33
organic noise pattern ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 9:04
highlight compression and Shadow boosting ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 4:36
super sharp images ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 8:35
shoots DNG as a native raw format ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 4:54
very sharp and clean images ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 9:00
20 megapixel apsc size sensor ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 8:29
great low light performance comparable to Nikon d5500 ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 9:06
the color actually is not that bad didn't have to grade it too much ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 1:32
this camera has the same 16 megapixel aps-c sensor as all Pentax Cameras back in the day all Pentax system cameras that is and the image quality is really good even at high ISO values this sensor used to be one of the best aps-c sensors back in the day ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 5:58
it's also got Shake reduction ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 3:08
the Ibis of course helps a lot in low light ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 6:37
while it works damn well for Stills ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 3:11
this lens is quite sharp especially when stopped down to about a four or a 5.6 then I have absolutely nothing to complain about the sharpness and contrast and the amount of detail that I see in the pictures ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 9:07
this camera also has Ibis and that's one feature that was if not ahead of its time but it was pretty Advanced at the time in 2012 because not that many cameras had Ibis ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 3:16
antics developed embody image stabilization minimizes camera shake ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 3:05
eliminates false color mo RA by successfully applying microscopic vibrations to the sensor during exposure ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 3:19
equivalent performance to the award-winning Pentax k-3 at ISO 51,200 the best-in-class boasting enough noise resistance to shoot in the dark ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 2:27
newly-developed 20 megapixel aps-c CMOS image sensor and high-speed image processing edging prime and to and including high sensitivity shooting is old 51,200 capture detailed rich images in tone and texture ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 2:47
unbelievable a lot of noise you guys have been making with this it's a DSLR aps-c size sensor 20 megapixels and it's a very intelligent camera ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 0:35
100 ISO to 51,200 ISO range ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 4:18
Ibis inbody image stabilization ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 1:05
Shoots raw pictures and jpegs ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 4:28
At 36 megapixels, the images carry a sublime level of detail, and at their native in-camera 300 dpi resolution, images from the K-1 print at poster size from an uncropped original with no quality loss. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 2:43
The RAW files have more exposure compensation correction latitude than Photoshop CS6 can provide. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 3:20
the images from the K-1 habitually need less work in post than comparable images from every digital camera I've used before this one. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 3:29
Sr Shake reduction with three axis in body ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 6:11
The sensor is stunningly sharp; the colors are vivid, luminous, rich, and bright. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 2:38
The K-1, at 300 dpi, can make prints that rival, sometimes even best, prints from the 645 medium-format film cameras that were the staple of professional photographers for decades. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 3:03

Usability/Handling (32)

only entry-level DSLR with two control dials ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 4:38
dual control dials ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 13:28
return of front control dial ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 4:34
feels really good in the hands ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 5:43
100% coverage pentaprism viewfinder with a point 6 2x magnification ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 1:41
true Optical viewfinder ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 3:40
here's like a grip i actually kind of like this because yeah really comfortable ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 8:45
perfect magnification ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 3:54
3-inch fully articulating 921,000 dot LCD screen ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 1:37
fantastic variable flip screen ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 4:00
larger viewfinder greater coverage and an actual pentaprism ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 13:38
very portable camera ideal for trips or for those who do not want to be loaded with heavy equipment ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 1:03
viewer that is also large and clear enough with diopter control ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 2:58
nice and bright viewfinder ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 3:56
presidi screen with those three inches that allows you to review your photos comfortably ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 2:53
k3s professional 100% full coverage viewfinder ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 3:47
great handling with viewfinder and screen ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 11:31
despite it being so small it manages somehow to never actually feel cramped even under my big hands ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 0:56
in use it actually provided a nice secure and comfortable grip surprisingly so actually teamed up with a simple wrist strap ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 1:40
it's still got my very favorite Q feature a four-way completely customizable mode selector on the front here you can assign a big range of nifty custom modes and settings to flick to instantly ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 2:09
quite high performance DSLR that covers broad range of photographic needs from novice level to advanced users ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 1:51
existing pentex users will recognize the control and menu systems as being all but identical to those used on the full-sized dsli range from pentex ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 1:10
very similar control layout which is a good thing as it was already a surprisingly pleasant inhand experience with logical and fast access to everything you need to do while shooting despite it being so small ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 0:47
approximately 100% optical viewfinder and 0.95 times magnification faithfully produces a clear and true image ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 2:15
glass pentaprism optical viewfinder prized by photographers to deliver accurate maximum image clarity ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 0:33
is really clean and uncluttered and especially on this white colored camera body it's really easy to see the black buttons and dials and everything and this camera fits at least in my hand quite nicely because of the bulky design I get a very nice grip on the camera and all the controls are very clear and it's easy to shoot on this camera and easy to figure out the settings even without reading the manual ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 2:29
this is a camera that will grow with you ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 1:30
even when there's no light you can see all of the settings ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 3:07
3-in screen on the back ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 1:30
very big screen for menu options with many features ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 1:47
convenient mode dial that turns sideways ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 5:11
The flip out screen on the K-1 has gotten a lot of attention, and it is interface and engineering genius. The photographer should stand behind the camera and the screen can be seen from behind the camera at any angle a photographer could possibly need to use. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 4:14

Features (25)

includes creative interval modes for stacking images to create star trails and other long exposure simulations ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 3:21
built-in intervalometer for time-lapse photography ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 3:17
intervalometer ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 13:32
first camera to integrate LED lights around the mode dial in the shutter button ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 1:30
lights also change color depending on the shooting mode, which gives you a quick reference without having to look at the screen ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 1:35
handy LED for selfies in live view ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 4:18
it's not just the look it really does have all of the same control and power and flexibility here that you get on pent X's Big Boy cameras ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 1:19
builtin ND filter ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 2:44
equipped with the world's first double a filter simulator selector from the Pentax k-3 ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 3:13
it's still got the beautifully engineered popup flash ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 1:50
equipped with new features such as unique operation interfaces and exterior design ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 1:33
equipped with LEDs to facilitate camera function activate face detection function ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 3:28
all in all this camera has quite good feature set ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 6:39
it even has a few features that the big boys don't yet ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 6:42
wide variety of pant escape mount lenses ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 3:11
simple things like you turn it on and it lights up with LEDs ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 2:53
if you wanted to use pixel-shift to create images for forensic analysis of documents, artwork, or possibly even injuries, the K-1’s 150-megabyte pixel-shifted RAW files contain so much data that the output will be surprising when backed with good image analysis software skills. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 5:15
you can shoot it manually but you can also go with a scene ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 1:08
these LEDs are green because we're in still camera mode if you turn it into video mode it turns red so it's real intuitive to know what mood mode you're in ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 2:58
we've been able to use some intelligent feedback from the sensor to drive these LED lights and what happens is when you're doing a selfie and you're positioning this camera it actually lights up and the my pending on how many faces you have in the picture that many LEDs light up so if you have two subjects you and your your friend when you get to you know that your frame perfectly and you can take that picture ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 3:34
live view with a dedicated button ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 4:56
full pasm modes ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 5:49
built-in flash ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 6:26
you can shoot it for a scene and it will set all the parameters so it's something where you can really learn what you're doing and if you don't know what you're doing or don't want to know what you're doing the camera can set all the parameters for you if you want to do sports with fast action if you want to shoot low light if you want to shoot an HDR photo ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 1:13
The K-1 should also work well for reproducing or creating archival digital files of artwork and important documents, especially using the camera's pixel-shift mode. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 5:04

Build Quality (24)

built like a tank ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 3:40
nicely weather sealed body ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 0:58
captured looks with its design full of LEDs ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 0:06
smallest weather sealed camera on the market ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 0:19
light here i kind of like that ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 9:38
weather sealed kit lens ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 2:47
waterproof lens ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 2:24
strong rugged weather sealed body ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 0:44
lightweight ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 2:45
incredibly compact ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 2:26
nice features, rugged and weather sealed ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 11:28
small enough to be a keychain accessory camera ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 0:04
it's everything that Pentax does so well in their dslrs crammed into a tiny mirrorless shooter ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 6:40
slender shape of the new camera body ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 0:55
you can carry along with a fistful of lenses in all the lenses if you like without even needing a bag all of this can fit in pockets ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 7:30
The design is really clean and simple and even though this looks like a toy camera and looks like a plastic camera it's actually made of aluminum and the build quality feels really really high ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 1:19
two color variations fabric collection a night sky collection ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 3:44
lightweight ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 0:51
doing it in colors ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 0:54
it's just really cool ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 0:51
Available in over 15 different colors ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 5:33
very very light ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 3:49
The build quality on the K-1 is amazing and it can take some decent bangs and bumps without issue. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 5:37
But for its build strength, it's light enough that it won't break your back when you go hiking with it or carry it around for a day for a shoot. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 5:42

Performance (8)

fast buffer clearing time ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 2:44
great for outdoor activities and action ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 11:21
developed to be the best in the class in terms of all the basic functionalities required as a tool for photography ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 1:40
resides in a class of its own inheriting the ward winning Pentax k-3 features it outperforms that of its peers at the highest level ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 2:00
high speed high precision shudder with top speed of 1 over 6000 second freeze the moment of fast-moving subject ▶ Pentax K S1 + in action! @ 2:38
it is very well suited for studio tabletop, product, food, macro, portrait, architecture, astrophotography, and landscape work. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 4:54
For almost all imagery needs, the K-1 is a magnificent creation that will far outpace the needs of almost anyone who picks it up. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 4:02
The K-1 has some amazing capabilities. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 2:34

Connectivity (7)

Wi-Fi feature is a really nice addition ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 11:27
review and download images and full remote control of the camera with full access to focus and exposure settings ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 12:01
first Pentax DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 1:12
easy Wi-Fi connection process ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 11:42
implemented quite nicely ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 11:32
updated image sync app for remote connectivity ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 7:53
it's got HDMI out USB ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 0:50

Autofocus System (6)

does a great job focusing ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 8:59
updated 11 points a Fox 10 phase detection autofocus system with 9 cross type focus points ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 1:48
11 focus points with 9 cross-type focus points all of them driven by the updated SAFF exten Oh focus system ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 8:50
more cross type focus points ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 13:36
focus area is quite good it's spread all over the frame and then you can move the focus Point almost to the edges of the frame ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 4:48
The AF is the best Pentax has ever released ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 8:14

Video Capabilities (6)

external mic Jack with the manual levels control ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 9:48
quality of the video in all lighting conditions is very good ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 9:42
it's got a new trick for video continuous autofocus ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 3:05
surprisingly smooth accurate and pretty well behaved continuous autofocus for video ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 6:03
also does video 1080 video at Full HD 1080 video ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 2:01
takes video ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 5:59

Value for Money (5)

nicely SPECT entry-level DSLR with features that no other DSLR in its class have ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 3:31
packs a huge amount of value in control into a very affordable package ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 13:46
one of the cheapest entry level dslrs with a host of features ▶ Top 8 Best Pentax Cameras On Amazon @ 2:04
the pentax case zone for many is the ideal entry level camera ▶ Top 8 Best Pentax Cameras On Amazon @ 2:02
Affordable price of $200 for the camera, 18-55mm lens, and 55-300mm lens. ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 2:20

Battery Life (1)

The battery life is surprisingly good uh recording 1080 24. usually only needed one a day ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 1:26

Cons (77)

Usability/Handling (19)

focus point selection with the ok button serving double duty and directional pad buttons remaining in focus point selection mode, disabling traditional functions ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 5:54
this screen sally doesn't come out as well ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 4:39
rear dial with a unique design Although somewhat small and perhaps not as intuitive as in other cameras ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 3:09
controls of the camera while in video mode are disabled when you have the LCD screen flipped out around in selfie mode ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 9:58
grip issue makes it more difficult to grip ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 1:14
feels less ergonomic compared to different cameras that house it at the top ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 3:13
the lack of friction in the smooth plastic areas ▶ Top 8 Best Pentax Cameras On Amazon @ 3:03
serious lack of grip on the camera making it a slippery customer ▶ Top 8 Best Pentax Cameras On Amazon @ 3:07
this is sadly not a touch screen ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 4:29
this lens sadly this doesn't have like um the lens controls here so you have to use your other hand ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 9:56
awkward focusing point selection button placement ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 7:42
the screen can be a bit hard to see under the more challenging direct sunlight conditions ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 5:07
kit lens is a pain to unlock ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 2:37
the card slot is behind this rubber flap on the right side of the camera and at first when the flap is closed you'll think that there is no card slot at all on this camera because when the flap is closed it doesn't look like it's a cover for a card slot or something so you really have to know where the card slot is in order to find it ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 3:45
It does give you the option for a punch in focus which does zoom in on the image but doesn't actually give you more detail when you do it so you never have any idea if your shots are actually in focus ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 0:49
there's only one command dial ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 2:56
when you focus you will have to trust the camera because the screen is quite dim and low rest so it's really really difficult to verify the focus by eyeballing the screen ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 5:31
it is sometimes just a little bit hard to take advantage of it or fully exploit all the features because of the super slow autofocus and the viewfinder blackout after each picture ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 6:42
the screen doesn't flip forward ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 4:29

Video Capabilities (18)

video mode is lacking ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 13:06
only records 1080 at 30 fps ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 2:23
at 720p it can only shoot at 60 and 50 frames per second ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 9:38
objectively the k01 video is terrible ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 2:09
no headphone jack ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 5:47
video quality way behind the competition ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 5:34
4K interval video isn't special ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 6:16
you can set your audio gain but there's no actual on-screen audio levels or headphone support so you don't know if the audio is way too hot or way too quiet ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 1:06
the major audio problem with this camera there's no on-screen levels and no headphone jack to monitor it and the audio was absolutely terrible ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 2:48
only 720p at 60fps ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 5:29
focus peaking turns off while recording ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 6:04
for video Shake Reduction it's best left turned off as it kind of spazzes out a bit giving you very odd looking jittery video ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 3:11
disappointing video quality ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 5:16
not the best video Codec ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 5:38
not a video beast at all ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 6:34
continuous autofocus for video doesn't work with all of the lenses of course it doesn't work with the manual focus lenses but it also doesn't work with the number six telephoto lens ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 6:07
the rolling shutter is some of the worst i've ever seen and if you turn on the ibis you get a lot of weird jelloy artifacts on it that are horrendous ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 0:58
The video output is HD, not the 4k that it should be for a professional-grade camera, and the HD on this, honestly, is a bit lackluster in the highlight detail, and highlights blow out fairly quickly on this camera's video. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 7:57

Performance (15)

frame rate of 5.5 frames per second when shooting in burst mode is a bit disappointing, half frame slower than the 6 frames per second of the K 50 ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 1:59
slight dip in the burst mode framerate ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 12:58
buffer is pretty noumic ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 2:13
doesn't go above and beyond other SLRs ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 10:54
the shooting experience is quite interesting when I compare this to any modern camera because this camera is genuinely slow ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 4:25
handling, autofocus, and video are below average for SLRs ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 11:01
not blown away overall ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 10:48
sometimes maybe the slow nature of this camera can teach you the thing a little bit before you hit the shutter because you essentially you cannot spray and pray or take quick bursts with this camera at all ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 10:00
after each picture there is about a second and a half blackout in the viewfinder always also makes it quite slow to shoot and you basically if there is a decisive moment you only have one chance to catch that ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 5:02
The Continuous shooting speed is 6 frames per second so not exactly super fast by modern standards either ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 5:22
as a shooting machine it was behind the competition even when it came out back in 2012. the only Advanced feature it has is the Ibis ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 9:34
The K-1 is not a perfect camera and I have some frustrations, the camera's frame rates are way too slow for sports and action work. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 7:51
chief among my frustrations…is the 36-megapixel sensor. I love the photos from the sensor, but my computer is seven years old and editing photos from the K-1 really taxes it. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 8:25
The cameras drive modes, relative ease with which the K-1 underruns its buffer, especially when shooting in RAW, and the time needed to clear the buffer when it fills all reflect this relatively underpowered processing capacity. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 10:42
the K-1's onboard computer is underpowered. ▶ Pentax K-1 Review and Photos @ 10:30

Build Quality (7)

buttons are sometimes a little difficult to press ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 3:21
texturing on top prone to trapping dirt ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 10:01
kit lens feels cheap and plasticky ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 2:34
it's quite bulky and also quite heavy for a mirrorless design ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 1:34
Pentax really did not put much effort into their first mirrorless design and they didn't even try to make like a proper mirrorless camera in my opinion they just used a shortcut and took out the mirror and viewfinder and that was their mirrorless design ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 1:56
heavy and large feeling for an SLR ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 1:51
plastic body ▶ Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photogr @ 3:54

Image Quality (6)

softness at the edges of photos when shot with the Pentax 18 to 55 millimeter SM CDA kit lens ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review @ 8:07
noise appears a little earlier of the account at high isos ▶ PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW @ 4:42
the image on this thing is somehow incredibly soft but also totally over sharp and there's no dynamic range ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 0:40
whites are just totally white your shadows are completely blocked up ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 0:44
very small dynamic range ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 3:51
I don't quite get the same crispness out of this camera as I get say from my rigor gr3 and I guess it's because of the low pass filter on the sensor in this camera ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 6:17

Autofocus System (5)

only 11 autofocus points ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 7:03
first of all the autofocus is quite slow and quite noisy too ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 4:36
autofocus hunts occasionally ▶ Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test @ 6:56
whenever you focus it goes back and forth a few times before it settles down and acquires the proper Focus ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 4:42
there is no autofocus motor in the lens this uses the old-fashioned screwdriver type coupling and the autofocus motor actually is in the camera body and it just connects with a screwdriver type slot and blade or whatever you call it to to then Focus the lens ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 7:44

Battery Life (2)

one thing i don't like about this is this camera falls asleep a lot like every pretty quick every second it falls asleep ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 9:12
battery life is about average for a mirrorless not terrible not brilliant ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 5:21

Value for Money (2)

another lens but it literally costs like 3000 for like a telephoto lens ▶ Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 @ 1:51
749 with a kit lens right entry level ends ▶ RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Acti @ 2:14

Features (2)

if you mount a manual lens to this so you get some really cool creative potentials it'll only ever shoot those manual lenses wide open so you can't even set your aperture which makes that useless as well ▶ How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better @ 1:15
that is a little bit too narrow to my taste for General photography and if I had a choice I would never choose a lens like this for my street photography or any general photography I would choose something wider like 40 millimeter equivalent or 35 equivalent or even 28 equivalent ▶ The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 @ 8:22

Connectivity (1)

no built-in WI in the tiny body ▶ TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review @ 5:31

Review sources

Pentax K-S2 Hands On Review by Spyros Heniadis — 36 pros, 8 cons
Pentax K-S2 Hands-On Field Test by TheCameraStoreTV — 26 pros, 18 cons
The Slowest Mirrorless Camera? –Photo Walk With Pentax K-01 by Matti Sulanto — 8 pros, 16 cons
TINY Camera, HUGE result - Pentax QS1 Review by Blunty — 16 pros, 5 cons
Pentax K-1 Review and Photos by David Hancock — 14 pros, 6 cons
PENTAK K-S1. Nacida Réflex, alma de mirrorless. REVIEW by CAMS & MORE — 12 pros, 6 cons
Pentax K S1 + in action! by WoW Price — 16 pros, 0 cons
Pentax K-S1 Camera Review DA Lens 55-300mm + 18-55mm Photography Class 414 by Carmine Taverna — 14 pros, 1 cons
RICOH Imaging at CES 2015! Pentax KS1! Theta 360! WG-M1 Action Cam! by BeTerrific — 13 pros, 1 cons
How the Pentax K-01’s crappy video quality made me a better videographer by DPReview TV — 2 pros, 9 cons
Review/How To Use The Pentax KS1 by Unthinkable — 3 pros, 5 cons
Top 8 Best Pentax Cameras On Amazon by Camera Insider — 2 pros, 2 cons

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pentax K-S1 worth buying?

Based on 12 independent YouTube reviews, the Pentax K-S1 scores 3.7/5 with 162 positive and 77 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #39 in the DSLRs category.

What do reviewers like most about the Pentax K-S1?

The most praised aspects are image quality, usability/handling, features — Image Quality (48 mentions), Usability/Handling (32 mentions), Features (25 mentions).

What are the most common complaints about the Pentax K-S1?

Reviewers most frequently criticize usability/handling, video capabilities — Usability/Handling (19 mentions), Video Capabilities (18 mentions).

Spotted an error? Help me improve by reporting it!

Find this helpful? Please consider a donation!

☕Buy me a coffee