Great warts-and-all review. Even we Pentaxians admit that the video mode on Pentax DSLRs is not its strong suit, so thanks for giving it fair criticism where criticism is due without unduly sticking the knife in. Pentax has got too little love in recent years, but hopefully with the advent of the K-1 that will start to change.
Hi Spyros! It's always a pleasure to watch your reviews for the way you carefully explain pros and cons and your passion in general towards photography. I'd like to say something about the focus point selection. I found a way to make things a little bit quicker and I thought it might be beneficial to everybody and you might mention it in your next Pentax reviews. In the cameras with the Raw/Fx button on the side (like my K-30 and this K-S2 but not the K-S1) instead of going through the process of pressing the OK button for about 2 secs in order to enter or exit the focus point selection mode, I assigned the Raw/Fx button on the side to this function. So with my left thumb I quickly press the RAw/Fx button to enter and exit the mode while with my right thumb I move around the focus point using the 4 way controller. All without moving my eye from the viewfinder of course. It's a 2 hand job, but I find that it's quicker saving the time one would spend keeping the OK button pressed twice. I hope I am of some help! Let me know what do you think! Lorenzo
Hello. Excellent review, great camera! :). I would like to add something from myself. This may be helpful. After turning the screen to SELFIE MODE in the LifeView, the shutter release functions are activated by pressing the WiFi button. This is a standard feature in SELFIE MODE for pictures and videos on this camera. In the photo mode, by pressing the WiFi button, we take a picture, in the movie mode we start recording. The WiFi button is also properly highlighted (green for photo mode, red in movie mode). Tested on my camera :), software ver.1.10.
Nice review. Love my K-50, but I'm considering the K-S2 for that articulating screen. I just wish the frame rate bumped up to 7 fps instead of going in the opposite direction. btw, great portraits. (Oops, at 1:15 you meant the full-frame K-1, not K-01.)
one of the really good features is being caught out in a shower or even deliberatedly shooting in the rain and the K-S2 remaining weathersealed. I wonder if you will be reviewing the K70. I enjoyed your commentary, thanks and regards, Joe
Hi Spyros, I got mine from Amazon, body only £559. It has so many amazing features that a good YT video in depth would be most welcome; especially via one of your commentaries. They will probably, imo, be more available after Christmas. Thanks for your videos, and regards, Joe.
A great review of a great camera... Do you think Pentax will survive in the light of what's going on in world markets today? I a Sony shooter but I have a special love and respect for pentax and I honestly wish the legacy brand will continue... When I'll have some money put aside I'll definitely consider buying one
I own the previous KS1 and whilst it's a very quirky design which will divide opinion the actual output is excellent. I use a lot of older manual K mount prime lenses which are excellent and availible very cheaply. With Pentax's " green button " you can get exposure metering using these old manual focus lenses. I rarely shoot video so photo quality was my only reason for purchasing. I would look at Canon or Sony if video was important, Pentax has always been poor in this aspect. If you are happy to shoot APSC exclusively and have no intention to move to full frame then Pentax has probably the widest range of lenses for APSC DSLR's. In my opinion Pentax is always overlooked when compared to Canon/Nikon, they make very capable cameras and with the addition of the new full frame K01 those looking to move to full frame now have an upgrade path.
Hey Great review! this seems like a VERY solid camera. I had been shooting on a Nikon D5200, but it died on Mt. Fuji, when I got caught in a crazy down pour. I am thinking about this camera as a replacement, I am wondering how the image quality compares. I have never used pentax and don't have any shops nearby I could try one out in. Any advice?
Good review. I have the K-50, and I like it. But, the video capabilities are very poor. Do you think the video quality on this camera is better than the K-50? Can you change settings while in video mode (something the K-50 is very limited on)? Nice to see there is a microphone jack, and a rotating screen. Too bad its not a touch screen.
I have toyed w/ the idea of the Pentax K50....then I 'catch' a review of the horror stories of the aperature focus problems....what do you think? So now I watched the S2 video...and I really don'l like that the 'wheel buttons' are disabled at certain times...to me, that would be a problem...I never shoot video w/ DSLR.....so what do you think of the K50 and aperature issue (as w/ the K30)? Thanks....always enjoy your opinions and reviews
Hi, Nice review of Ks2. Keep up the good work. I am planning to buy a new dslr. I have been shooting my brothers d3200. I would like to know whether the ks2 would have similar image quality and low light performance as the new Nikon d3400 or the d5500? I am from India and Nikon has a lot of authorised dealers as well as service centers at my place whereas Pentax has none. It would be very difficult for me to send it for repairs. (I just don't understand why Ricoh wouldn't expand in India as India is now becoming a niche dslr market.) I can purchase it with the two kit lenses online through amazon easily. But given the service center issues would it be worthwhile to purchase a pentax?
+Spyros Heniadis Great News!! I bought a K-50 after watching your review of that camera about 1.5 - 2 yrs ago. I just bought a macro lens and I'd have hated to lose all the investment! Thanks!!
Tim Kotanko --- All the Pentax lenses are K-Mount lenses and will fit all Pentax DSLR Digital or 35mm Film bodies! I hope that helps you! Respectfully, Michael DelRossi
I just bought a used one, for just over $300 with 3000 shutter count, and am awaiting it's arrival. I never buy new computers or new cameras. Then again I'm a Linux user and don't pay for an operating system. :)
can you control the camera when connected via wifi with your phone when the screen is in selfie mode? Does this model suffer from the dark exposure aperture control issue like the K-50?
I'm sorry, I can't speak to the aperture control issues. I haven't and didn't experience any troubles with that during my time with the camera. Regarding controlling the camera via wifi, you should be able to, but in my experience, wifi control of cameras is not super reliable, so it may or may not work very well.
What an odd quirk you describe with the video in "selfie" mode... So, if I understand correctly, if I am in the video I am shooting, I will not be able to see it in the screen because if I fold it out all the way, it wills top functioning properly... is that correct? If so, do you know if the software has been updated to correct this oddity? Thanks.
Wow. That's really shockingly weird and non-Pentax-ish. So bummed. Was poised to get the camera, but the main thing I'll be using video for is shooting interviews, and I'll be on camera. Grrrr. THANK YOU! And, thank you for taking the time to reply. You ROCK. :)
Spyros Heniadis personally i think pentax k-s2 is really stellar with their cameras the real challenge is with their lenses where I'm from, i can get a brand new k-s2 for 537usd at the same time 479 for a second hand d5500 what's the best prime lens for ks2 at least the affordable one
For lens availability and affordability, you'll be better off with the Nikon. Not only are there more lenses in general, but there are more third party lenses available as well (Sigma, Tamron, bower, etc...) I agree the Ks-2 is a great camera, and that generally speaking Pentax makes really great cameras, but the truth is availability of lenses and other accessories isn't as wide or easily available for Pentax.
I'm sure you've probably already made your choice, but I'd give a thumbs up to the Pentax. TCO is low, you get a lot of camera for the money, and something like the Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8 is great for street shooting (but the kit lens is totally fine too, and I personally like the 35mm f/2.4, since I don't like to get too close ;). Just set it to a small aperture, and let auto shutter speed and auto ISO work the rest out (or set shutter to 1/125s or faster, and just leave auto ISO to compensate). You can flip out the articulating screen and shoot from the hip if you want to be a full on street ninja. Another factor to consider is the IBIS. It works very well, and lets you stabilize old glass. Nikon will only just start offering that in their new Z6 and Z7 mirrorless FF line. IBIS means there's no need for expensive OIS solutions in every lens you buy, reducing the size of the lens, and the cost. Definitely, going with the Nikon would give you access to more lenses, but do take into account that the new Z mount may take over at some point in the future. Of course, Pentax really needs to put out a mirrorless option of their own, and that would definitely require a new mount. Considering how long it took them to release a FF camera, I'm not expecting it for at least 3 years ;) Lastly, for not that much more cash, you can get the K-70. It's still quite a lot cheaper than the competition.
Spyros Heniadis thank you for replying so fast Can i ask you why you would choose the canon over the pentax ? Im new to photography this is going to be my first so i want to choose wisely
Fantastic Unbiased Review. That movie mode with flipped out screen will be a big let down for vloggers, in an otherwise this sums upto a nice camera. I think Nikon's D5200 will be more value for money and well worth the money spent than buying this Pentax. Because right now D5200 is damn cheap. I am using a D3200 and pretty happy with the way raw pictures come out. Infact it out performs many expensive dslrs when it comes to raw image quality. But I really miss the flip screen and aperture control in live mode on my Nikon. Well Reviewed. Happy Clicking !
The Nikon D5200 isn't a better buy but step up to the D5300 and is absolutely a much better buy. But if you're going to the D5300 you should just get the D7100.
Great warts-and-all review. Even we Pentaxians admit that the video mode on Pentax DSLRs is not its strong suit, so thanks for giving it fair criticism where criticism is due without unduly sticking the knife in. Pentax has got too little love in recent years, but hopefully with the advent of the K-1 that will start to change.
I have never understood why one would buy a camera for video.
Hi Spyros! It's always a pleasure to watch your reviews for the way you carefully explain pros and cons and your passion in general towards photography.
I'd like to say something about the focus point selection. I found a way to make things a little bit quicker and I thought it might be beneficial to everybody and you might mention it in your next Pentax reviews.
In the cameras with the Raw/Fx button on the side (like my K-30 and this K-S2 but not the K-S1) instead of going through the process of pressing the OK button for about 2 secs in order to enter or exit the focus point selection mode, I assigned the Raw/Fx button on the side to this function.
So with my left thumb I quickly press the RAw/Fx button to enter and exit the mode while with my right thumb I move around the focus point using the 4 way controller. All without moving my eye from the viewfinder of course. It's a 2 hand job, but I find that it's quicker saving the time one would spend keeping the OK button pressed twice.
I hope I am of some help!
Let me know what do you think!
Lorenzo
Hello. Excellent review, great camera! :). I would like to add something from myself. This may be helpful. After turning the screen to SELFIE MODE in the LifeView, the shutter release functions are activated by pressing the WiFi button. This is a standard feature in SELFIE MODE for pictures and videos on this camera. In the photo mode, by pressing the WiFi button, we take a picture, in the movie mode we start recording. The WiFi button is also properly highlighted (green for photo mode, red in movie mode). Tested on my camera :), software ver.1.10.
Nice review. Love my K-50, but I'm considering the K-S2 for that articulating screen. I just wish the frame rate bumped up to 7 fps instead of going in the opposite direction. btw, great portraits. (Oops, at 1:15 you meant the full-frame K-1, not K-01.)
one of the really good features is being caught out in a shower or even deliberatedly shooting in the rain and the K-S2 remaining weathersealed. I wonder if you will be reviewing the K70. I enjoyed your commentary, thanks and regards, Joe
Hi Spyros, I got mine from Amazon, body only £559. It has so many amazing features that a good YT video in depth would be most welcome; especially via one of your commentaries.
They will probably, imo, be more available after Christmas. Thanks for your videos, and regards, Joe.
one of the best review videos i have seen!
i am so going to buy this camera
hmm, will look into it
A great review of a great camera... Do you think Pentax will survive in the light of what's going on in world markets today? I a Sony shooter but I have a special love and respect for pentax and I honestly wish the legacy brand will continue... When I'll have some money put aside I'll definitely consider buying one
I own the previous KS1 and whilst it's a very quirky design which will divide opinion the actual output is excellent. I use a lot of older manual K mount prime lenses which are excellent and availible very cheaply. With Pentax's " green button " you can get exposure metering using these old manual focus lenses. I rarely shoot video so photo quality was my only reason for purchasing. I would look at Canon or Sony if video was important, Pentax has always been poor in this aspect. If you are happy to shoot APSC exclusively and have no intention to move to full frame then Pentax has probably the widest range of lenses for APSC DSLR's. In my opinion Pentax is always overlooked when compared to Canon/Nikon, they make very capable cameras and with the addition of the new full frame K01 those looking to move to full frame now have an upgrade path.
It looks like the Ks2 is a good camera. I'll probably buy one as a backup camera.
Hey Great review! this seems like a VERY solid camera. I had been shooting on a Nikon D5200, but it died on Mt. Fuji, when I got caught in a crazy down pour. I am thinking about this camera as a replacement, I am wondering how the image quality compares. I have never used pentax and don't have any shops nearby I could try one out in. Any advice?
Good review. I have the K-50, and I like it. But, the video capabilities are very poor. Do you think the video quality on this camera is better than the K-50? Can you change settings while in video mode (something the K-50 is very limited on)? Nice to see there is a microphone jack, and a rotating screen. Too bad its not a touch screen.
Thank you for the video. I notice the bottom of your base is orange. I have not seen this in ones for sale.
Yes, I was loaned this K-S2 from Ricoh, I've also not seen the orange bottom option for sale either.
BTW, good job on the review!
I have toyed w/ the idea of the Pentax K50....then I 'catch' a review of the horror stories of the aperature focus problems....what do you think? So now I watched the S2 video...and I really don'l like that the 'wheel buttons' are disabled at certain times...to me, that would be a problem...I never shoot video w/ DSLR.....so what do you think of the K50 and aperature issue (as w/ the K30)? Thanks....always enjoy your opinions and reviews
Hi, Nice review of Ks2. Keep up the good work. I am planning to buy a new dslr. I have been shooting my brothers d3200. I would like to know whether the ks2 would have similar image quality and low light performance as the new Nikon d3400 or the d5500? I am from India and Nikon has a lot of authorised dealers as well as service centers at my place whereas Pentax has none. It would be very difficult for me to send it for repairs. (I just don't understand why Ricoh wouldn't expand in India as India is now becoming a niche dslr market.) I can purchase it with the two kit lenses online through amazon easily. But given the service center issues would it be worthwhile to purchase a pentax?
BTW The K-3 II doesnt have wi-fi, you still have to use the ei-fi cards......
& the new full frame is K-1 & not K-01
+Spyros Heniadis 👍👍 still a very good video review...
I love my pentax film camera all 5 lens.
+Jason Setley Buy this and you can use all the film camera lenses on it.
Photo Novice here. Will the K-50's lenses work on the K-S2?
+Spyros Heniadis Great News!! I bought a K-50 after watching your review of that camera about 1.5 - 2 yrs ago. I just bought a macro lens and I'd have hated to lose all the investment! Thanks!!
Tim Kotanko --- All the Pentax lenses are K-Mount lenses and will fit all Pentax DSLR Digital or 35mm Film bodies! I hope that helps you! Respectfully, Michael DelRossi
I have this camera and I am not happy about it. Focus point is not good, image quality is not good as competition, along with low light noise.
4:49 you mean back on top of the k-s2
Now...Tell me how to shoot with a "K" mount manual focus lens and how to configure the K-s2 body to recognize this type of lens, and behave its self!
it won't -you have to use it full manual
Good camera but lens are F/4 and less sharper
Lenses can be changed, and that's one of the great things about interchangeable lens cameras!
That's the price you pay for having a more compact lens, I suppose. I'd just use my older 18-55 instead, rather than the compact 18-50.
hey im going to be using a camera like this for music gear reviews with good light would this camera be a good choice for such videos?
I just bought a used one, for just over $300 with 3000 shutter count, and am awaiting it's arrival. I never buy new computers or new cameras. Then again I'm a Linux user and don't pay for an operating system. :)
can you control the camera when connected via wifi with your phone when the screen is in selfie mode? Does this model suffer from the dark exposure aperture control issue like the K-50?
I'm sorry, I can't speak to the aperture control issues. I haven't and didn't experience any troubles with that during my time with the camera.
Regarding controlling the camera via wifi, you should be able to, but in my experience, wifi control of cameras is not super reliable, so it may or may not work very well.
What an odd quirk you describe with the video in "selfie" mode... So, if I understand correctly, if I am in the video I am shooting, I will not be able to see it in the screen because if I fold it out all the way, it wills top functioning properly... is that correct? If so, do you know if the software has been updated to correct this oddity? Thanks.
Wow. That's really shockingly weird and non-Pentax-ish. So bummed. Was poised to get the camera, but the main thing I'll be using video for is shooting interviews, and I'll be on camera. Grrrr. THANK YOU! And, thank you for taking the time to reply. You ROCK. :)
Is this still good in 2018? For photography.. mainly portrait/street
Yes. It’s still a good camera, and you can get it for a pretty good price now too.
Spyros Heniadis personally i think pentax k-s2 is really stellar with their cameras the real challenge is with their lenses where I'm from, i can get a brand new k-s2 for 537usd at the same time 479 for a second hand d5500 what's the best prime lens for ks2 at least the affordable one
For lens availability and affordability, you'll be better off with the Nikon. Not only are there more lenses in general, but there are more third party lenses available as well (Sigma, Tamron, bower, etc...)
I agree the Ks-2 is a great camera, and that generally speaking Pentax makes really great cameras, but the truth is availability of lenses and other accessories isn't as wide or easily available for Pentax.
Spyros Heniadis thanks really helped me a lot, great channel keep it up! :)
I'm sure you've probably already made your choice, but I'd give a thumbs up to the Pentax. TCO is low, you get a lot of camera for the money, and something like the Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8 is great for street shooting (but the kit lens is totally fine too, and I personally like the 35mm f/2.4, since I don't like to get too close ;). Just set it to a small aperture, and let auto shutter speed and auto ISO work the rest out (or set shutter to 1/125s or faster, and just leave auto ISO to compensate). You can flip out the articulating screen and shoot from the hip if you want to be a full on street ninja.
Another factor to consider is the IBIS. It works very well, and lets you stabilize old glass. Nikon will only just start offering that in their new Z6 and Z7 mirrorless FF line.
IBIS means there's no need for expensive OIS solutions in every lens you buy, reducing the size of the lens, and the cost.
Definitely, going with the Nikon would give you access to more lenses, but do take into account that the new Z mount may take over at some point in the future. Of course, Pentax really needs to put out a mirrorless option of their own, and that would definitely require a new mount. Considering how long it took them to release a FF camera, I'm not expecting it for at least 3 years ;)
Lastly, for not that much more cash, you can get the K-70. It's still quite a lot cheaper than the competition.
wich one is better the pentax ks2 or the canon eos 700d?
Spyros Heniadis thank you for replying so fast
Can i ask you why you would choose the canon over the pentax ? Im new to photography this is going to be my first so i want to choose wisely
Ok thank you very much for replying , I finally bought the canon 700d with a 18-135 is stm lens
have a nice day :D
Fantastic Unbiased Review.
That movie mode with flipped out screen will be a big let down for vloggers, in an otherwise this sums upto a nice camera.
I think Nikon's D5200 will be more value for money and well worth the money spent than buying this Pentax. Because right now D5200 is damn cheap.
I am using a D3200 and pretty happy with the way raw pictures come out. Infact it out performs many expensive dslrs when it comes to raw image quality.
But I really miss the flip screen and aperture control in live mode on my Nikon.
Well Reviewed.
Happy Clicking !
The Nikon D5200 isn't a better buy but step up to the D5300 and is absolutely a much better buy. But if you're going to the D5300 you should just get the D7100.
👍
k50 r ks2