Good results, noisy shutter, best for small hands. This is a first impressions review to provide initial feedback on this newly released camera. The first thing to strike me in taking the camera body out of the box is that it is quite heavy. Not a criticism, just an observation. The trend in dslrs has been for the lens to be mounted further and further to the left.
And as can be seen from the product photo this is particularly evident in this one. I did wonder if this would render it prone to be imbalanced when being carried around the neck with the right hand side being heavier, but with the lens fitted this seemed to be ok. Set up was very simple, insert battery and sd card (the symbol for the correct way for the card to be inserted seemed to me to be the wrong way round - but perhaps that is just me) and give the camera a few details of location, date and time and i was ready to go. The lcd display is very clear and can be customised for a variety of different displays. The mode button is a click wheel which goes into place with a clear and confident click.
Can't believe it's only 'entry level'. . Excellent quality image sensor; records fine detail, much, much better than my old 6mp pentax k100d super does. Bright (pentaprism) viewfinder with 100% viewable. Rugged feel and not uncomfortable as some reviews say. Can't belive this is an 'enty level' job.
Feels and performs beautifully. Look out for a second-hand pentax 50mm f1. 7 manual lens to partner the k-s1 and you'll not be disappointed.
Pros
- Good results, noisy shutter, best for small hands
- Impressive and very easy to use
- A grown up camera with a choice of outfits
- Can't believe it's only 'entry level'.
- Good looking, well featured, easy to use dSLR. Quite small, fast but noisy to focus, and takes detailed photos in gloom or light
- I did not like the balance
Features of Pentax KS-1 DSLR Camera - Dawn Purple (18-55mm DA L Lens, 20MP)
- 20MP stabilised CMOS sensor with AA filter-less
- Sensitivity up to 51200 ISO
- Full HD recording with 30fps frame rate
- Continuos shooting at 5.4fps
- Shutter speed 1/6000sec
The Pentax K-S1, Intelligent functions capture light with complete freedom for a satisfying shot. The light interface 'Indicator Lamps' intuitively guide operations.
Key features,
Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator, The low-pass filterless design maximises resolution from the CMOS image sensor. This model is also equipped with the Pentax-original Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator function which reduces moiré that occurs due to tiny drive operations of the sensor. Two merits are obtained from this one unit. *Sufficient effects are obtained when shooting at shutter speeds slower than 1/1000 sec. Also, this function cannot be used when taking 'HDR' photos.
Indicator Lamps, The Indicator Lamps use LED to display camera status. This use of light provides intuitive camera control. The design floats like a light display for a sense of presence. Main switch: Green for still images, and red for movies Grip: The 5 lights in a line display a countdown for Face Detection, Remote Control, and Self-timer. Mode dial: The currently set mode appears in green. When shutter release is available, the OK button is lit in blue.
ISO 51200, With the CMOS image sensor and Prime M II image processor, high sensitivity of ISO 51200 is achieved. This feature shows its true ability when shooting in dark scenes that were not possible with previous cameras.
Simple GUI (Graphical User Interface), A GUI design is used so setting content for each function can be understood at a glance. Moving explanations and easy-to-understand displays make controls easier.
Optical viewfinder with approx. 100% field of view, A glass prism finder is used with the same specs as those found on Pentax high end cameras. With the large, easy to use viewfinder with an approximate 100% field of view and approximate 0.95x* magnification (viewfinder magnification), focusing and composing shots are easier, letting you focus on the subject.
Fusion design, The main body unit portrays a sharp and feel, whereas the light path that contains the traditional pentaprism is very much like an authentic SLR. By combining two differing shapes into a fusion design, a compact, lightweight camera that fits in the palm of the hand is created.
Additional features, - Approx. 20.12 effective megapixels - In-camera image stabilisation mechanism SR - 1/6000 sec. high-speed shutter - Approx. 5.4 fps high-speed continuous shooting - High-precision AF from SAFOX IX i+ - Full-featured lens correction including diffraction correction - Effects Mode provides creative options for finishing touches - Full HD movies with stereo audio - High-definition, 3:2 aspect ratio 3.0 inch LCD monitor - Compatible with Flucard for Pentax and Eye-Fi cards
Meet the PENTAX K-S1, the latest digital SLR to join the RICOH IMAGING family. Featuring outstanding imaging performance, progressive design and an innovative illuminated body, the K-S1 rivals even high-end models. Designed for photographers who take pictures wherever they go, whether that's on a smartphone or tablet, the PENTAX K-S1 ups the ante when it comes to image quality, while still offering a great lightweight, compact and portable option. Featuring a body that bucks the trend of conventional digital SLR camera design, this camera also boasts an innovative illumination interface system that intuitively reacts to changes in camera operation from stills to video, ensuring the K-S1 stands out in the crowd.This new model also comes in 12 different colour variations to suit your own personal style and taste. These include Black, Blue and White as standard, four models from 'the Fabric collection', which recreates the colour and tone of materials with Cotton Beige, Linen Brown, Denim Blue, Tweed Gray; and five from 'the Night Sky collection', which reflect the colour changes in the sky from sunset to dawn with Sunset Orange, Dusk Gold, Moon Silver, Midnight Black, and Dawn Purple. If you're looking for high-end specs the PENTAX K-S1 really does have it all. From the PENTAX-developed AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator (first introduced on the PENTAX K-3); and an optical viewfinder offering 100% field of view; to an built-in shake reduction mechanism; and a top sensitivity of ISO 51200. All of these features combine to provide an exceptional digital imaging performance that will satisfy photographers of all levels - from first-time SLR users to experienced photo enthusiasts.
A Grown Up Camera with a Choice of Outfits. Pros:getting started. The 52 page start guide book is simple enough to get you going. It was the usual routine to insert the card, i had a spare ready, as it comes without one, and battery, which came with some life. I topped it up for a couple of hours with its plug in charger. I will buy a spare battery, another pentax 20140, to keep to hand. The flash pops up manually, it has a menu for many different settings to explore, and there is a hot shoe for additional kit. You may find you don't need the flash as much as you think if you haven't used a camera of this quality before. The lens is balanced to the body nicely and creates a tidy, together, feel when holding the camera. The stability is in the body. The 18 - 55mm lens locks on smoothly and the large screen lights up, you can get going with entering settings. This couldn't be more straightforward. Adjusting the zoom feature and sharpening up wheel (my names!) is quick and easy to get right. Other lenses can be interchanged making the camera even more versatile. All pentax lenses going back years, even to the 60's, will fit the camera, i was advised by an expert in my local camera shop. The kind chap there also said he had sold many of these cameras to students of photography which is a good indication. I read that the anti aliasing technology fills in and reduces `jaggies' which seems a sensible idea to make the image more pleasing, smoother, with fuller resolution. The larger than usual optical viewfinder takes us back to the golden age of being able to actually see what you're taking, especially on a sunny day. I am really enjoying this again; it helps tremendously to actually take the photo you were hoping for. This is an absolutely great feature. The inbuilt anti shake is definitely required for me, with a speedy shutter and optimum sensitivity that will give me all the help i need. I already have an hdmi cable, which i use with my ipad to tv for amazon prime films, iplayer etc, so i can show pictures on the tv through that. Moving the images from the camera onto my computer was also straightforward, the imac just accepted the new camera through a cable i already had, and downloaded them from the card inside. It's great to see that you can programme frequently used functions in for rapid access, like setting a car radio to your favourite stations. Time spent in preparation will be repaid when the moment arises and needs a quick choice. I also approve of the easily located movie control on the on/off button. It's all about seizing the moment and being flexible with what you do with it. It is helpful to have the currently set mode showing in green so there's no chance you are in the wrong zone. Red shows you are in movie mode, a totally clear and obvious distinction. Cons:my fuji finepix bridge camera weighs 564g and this one obviously weighs more at 767g - three quarters of a kilo - so this is a serious camera that needs its comfortable strap and perhaps a protective case for outdoor work. I carry mine over my shoulder rather than sticking out from my front, it feels less nerdy!the lens cap could be easily mislaid as it doesn't seem to have anywhere to attach a lanyard. The manipulation of the controls might be difficult for those with very wide fingertips, i use my nails a bit to select and move the wheel up and down. The same goes for picking open the cable entry port. The camera is intuitive, but firm with you when you use auto, you have to hold the button down until it's good and ready. Then you are allowed to have your shot. A delay necessarily occurs. Deciding to over ride auto and put in your own instructions is what makes a photograph rather than a snap. There is a time and a place for both. The bulk and weight of this grown up camera mean that you will be taking your photography more seriously. It looks the business but also that brings in a degree of intimidation compared to pulling out a point and shoot. I don't have any real need for effects, that can be done on the computer screen more easily, but i can see it could be fun to try them all. Now i know how our local estate agents always manage to get such deep blue sky in their house brochures! using the green for 'forests' choice produces an almost electric green. I think i will stick to sorting out my colours on my imac in iphoto. These are extra functions that are superfluous at present for me. Your choice of lenses may involve further spending on telephoto and, wide angle for example. Sigma lenses will fit it too. Wide angle lenses are really expensive because it is so difficult to get the glass properly prepared right up to the edges. There is a lot of waste in the factory i was told. A tip for even closer up photos is to take the picture then crop it later, the definition is so good that you can get an extra zoom effect by doing this. There is a loud, recognisable paparazzi shutter sound when you take a picture and when you change from viewfinder to the screen. This is the interior mirror moving i think. I have rather grown to like it but it would be intrusive in a formal environment. The array of flashing green lights show on the front of the camera so aren't immediately useful when preparing for the shot. To sum up:henry ford famously said that his customers could `have a model t in any colour - so long as it's black' and that's been a most common choice in cameras so far; particularly at the more professional end of the range. However, now, just look at this glorious array of gorgeous colour ways and designer coverings from the fabric and night sky collection. I'd love the whole set! i am sure one of these will be on many a christmas list. I have used a bridge camera for years, i took a course on how to use it; also i keep a small point and shoot in my bag or pocket. Now it feels like time to grow up. So, as a first time dslr user, i am happily learning a new skill. Quality of image is truly important to me, complete clarity, and the ability to see every small detail without blur. 20. 12 mega pixels are as good as i could need. I take photographs nearly every day of my life, so know how to frame a picture, seize the opportunity, choose the angle, but a lot less about how to capture it all to the highest possible standard. I am really excited about this pentax and already understand that it will be rewarding to use; at first i was rather anxious about using it, within hours i have got the hang of the camera and look forward to recording many, many memorable, valuable images. This may well be the best friend i have met for a long time. It won't instantly or magically produce the best picture you have ever taken, that may take time, unless perhaps you are already at home with dslr cameras; you have to respect the need to learn how to use it to full advantage. This is for me part of the pleasure and challenge. .
Can't Believe It's Only 'entry Level'.. Excellent quality image sensor; records fine detail, much, much better than my old 6mp pentax k100d super does. Bright (pentaprism) viewfinder with 100% viewable. Rugged feel and not uncomfortable as some reviews say. Can't belive this is an 'enty level' job. Feels and performs beautifully! look out for a second-hand pentax 50mm f1. 7 manual lens to partner the k-s1 and you'll not be disappointed. .
Good Looking, Well Featured, Easy to Use Dslr. Quite Small, Fast But Noisy to Focus, and Takes Detailed Photos In Gloom Or Light. Length:: 3:02 minsfirstly i should mention the negatives with this pentax k-s1 camera - it may look great and it's quite small and light for a dslr, weighing 804g including its kit 18-55mm lens, but the right hand grip on the body is quite small making it a little awkward and uncomfortable to use one handed, so it feels heavier than it actually is. This is particularly noticeable when you directly compare it with another dslr, but fortunately it's not so obvious when you start using the camera out and about. Plus the rear mode dial on the back of the camera is quite tricky to rotate (you think it's a jog wheel that can be moved with one finger, but it requires two fingers to grip and rotate it, just like when it's the mode dial on top of the camera). Plus the four way buttons within this wheel are initially tricky to find and read as they lie within this selector (but you soon get used to them). We don't think this is anywhere near enough to not to completely recommend this excellent dslr camera, but i guess some might. In fact the mode dial on the back of the camera is a brilliant idea - when you are in live view (as you nearly always are, as it's so useful) you can see what mode you are in instantly, so no more accidentally taking loads of pictures with say an inappropriate scene selected or in rubbish low resolution video 'photo' mode (yes i'm thinking of you canon sx50 hs). I could use every setting on this camera without reading the quickstart guide, whereas my new olympus omd em-1 that cost three times the price was incomprehensible until i read the full manual and i can hardly read its top mode dial. So for me the ks-1 scores very highly on control ergonomics - and this isn't co-incidental, the ks-1's flat field user interface is specifically marketed as 'eliminating many of the complexities of a dslr'. Some say the ks-1's shutter/mirror is very noisy, but the shutter noise isn't as loud as my olympus e620 dslr, which was a great little 4/3rd camera - shutter noise is always going to be a problem with a dslr that has a mirror (back in the days of film when you only took say forty 35mm shots in a day, the noise didn't intrude, but with a dslr capable of taking thousands of shots in a day that shutter noise by your ear can really wear you down - and those sitting next to you). The only slr alternative is a mirrorless dslr like the bijou olympus omd e-m10 that uses a high res lcd screen (evf) for the viewfinder, and although the shutter isn't silent it is a lot quieter (the e-m10 is let down by poor auto-focus in gloom though). If you find the idea of slr shutter noise objectionable, also have a look at megazoom bridge cameras such as the significantly lighter 649g canon sx50 hs that does have a very quiet shutter and a fixed wide angle/macro to 50x zoom lens built in, but it has noticeably poorer image quality, albeit still acceptable in everything but low light - but our household takes a lot of photos in low light. The 18-55mm (f/3. 5-5. 6, wide angle to 3x zoom) stock lens on this ks-1 camera is fine for general use indoors, in daylight and for starlight night-time shots (for macro shots you need extention rings or a pentax macro lens though). In fact most noise from this pentax camera is due to the noisy screw thread auto-focus drive to the lens, rather than from shutter release, but the combined effect of both is quite noticeable. The ks-1 has a bright auto-focus assist led light. Designed to be the king of bling in dslr terms of its wide range of fun body colours (we have the blue version), this stylish ricoh pentax k-s1 dslr seems partly aimed at tempting relative youngsters to move decidedly up a notch photographically from their smartphone, compact and tablet cameras - i mentioned to my son that the ks-1 all white version looks just like the armour on the starwars clone troopers, and he said `wow that's sounds cool'. When i was a lad in the 1960s my dad's 35mm film slr was the most complicated thing in the house, and so i was drawn to it and fell in love with photography. Later generations though had exciting stuff like gaming consoles, pcs, ipads, and smartphones, and many simply don't seem to be interested in the black box dslrs of their parents & grandparents despite being avid photographers. So i got this vine review pentax ks-1 dslr camera for my 18 year old son, who always had difficulties focusing my old dslrs resulting in very disappointing blurred images. No such problems with this pentax ks-1 and its super fast auto-focus though, and i have to say my son highly rates the camera - the camera's photo image quality speaks for itself once you view them onscreen. He read the entire quick start booklet to get going (the full manual is a pdf on the supplied cd-rom) and promptly rushed out taking sunset pictures. And if he wants to take a photo around the house, it's this camera he mostly grabs now rather than his mobile or mum's compact. Until now he's always refused my offer to get him a dedicated dslr or compact camera, despite him being a whizz at photoshop cs6, so the ks-1's colourful style has engaged him. Fortunately there's plenty under the hood of the ks-1 to appeal to more experienced photographers as well, and it also comes in tastefully restrained camera body colours like black, blue, purple, red, and grey, which look good with the traditional black pentax lens range. If you are new to dslrs this camera works very well as a point & shoot camera with 3x zoom on auto, p or scene mode, with say just exposure compensation adjustment (via a dedicated +/- button on top) to adjust brightness, and there's a ton of features that can be easily tweaked or set when you want to get more serious about using the dslr to it's full potential. Selecting the correct focus mode is also important, so for tracking moving things in the centre of view try spot focus, reduced focus points (5 not 11) or auto-tracking, and avoid face detection for scenic views (also try the manual focus with the pentaprism optical viewfinder). There's certainly one positive for this pentax ks-1, it's pretty much the same small size as my bijou 4/3rds olympus e620, i. E. It's the smallest pentax dslr and a great portable size (for a dslr), and my olympus e620 dslr weighs 21g more at 825g (although the e620 feels lighter in use owing to its superior hand grip design & balance). And the pentax k-s1's autofocus is incredibly fast compared to my old e620 - in low light indoors it is just in another league, press the shutter button halfway and the pentax just goes whirr focus, beep, with the 35 (7x5) little green boxes snapping onto the objects in view. Plus in our blue metallic finish the camera looks so much more exciting than a typical black box dslr. I know there's the supposedly pointless row of leds down the side (my son didn't even notice them), but to be honest it is the leds elsewhere that impress: turn the camera on to photo mode and the switch lights up green, move it one stop further and the led goes red for video mode, instantly telling you which mode you are in. Plus my son loves the b bulb long exposure setting prominently shown on the rear jog wheel - press the shutter once to open the shutter and press again later to close. Soon after he opened the box my son borrowed my tripod and was taking long bulb exposures in the garden at night of the stars and of his sister waving about sparklers in the shapes of angels, the earth and dragon fly heads. Plus the rear mode dial wheel stays lit up to help you find things, and the rear lcd screen is really bright and crystal clear for menu use. Ok the rear lcd screen doesn't flip out for helping with awkward shots say over the heads of crowds or pointing forwards for selfies, and it can't turn the screen inwards to protect it - the latter i never use on my e620, em1 or canon sx50 anyway, as getting it back out in a hurry is a pain, so i just put a screen protector on the lcd display. The ks-1 also lacks a touch screen on the rear lcd. In the ks-1's box are the 13a mains battery charger, pentax camera strap, a lens adapter ring, body & lens caps, a dvd with pentax's digital camera utility software + the pdf manual, and a d-li109 battery good for 440 photos or 270 minutes video - oddly no micro-usb2 pc cable though (but i guess every phone and android tablet has a lead like that these days). You also need a sandisk ultra sdhc 32 gb or larger sdhc/sdxc card, and eyefi & flucard wireless cards are supported. Max res jpg photos are 20mp, i. E. 5,472 x 3,648 and the camera can shoot in raw or pentax pef raw files. 32gb stores 2,144 high resolution 20mp jpgs or 944 raw/pef files. The camera can output to a pc (usb2 not usb3 but still speedy) or tv (microhdmi type d cable required). In low light, noise from the aps-c sensor is pretty low even at 6,400 iso if you aren't pixel watching, far better than my tiddly 4/3rds sensors can provide. Noise at max 51,200 iso is predictably appalling, but you get a picture at least and noisy detail is better than looking at an out of focus blur. There's a 50 page printed quickstart manual and the full 110 page manual on the supplied cd or as a download from ricoh's website. The camera has a great optical pentaprism 100% viewfinder which works well for the excellent manual focus option, but under auto focus we tend to use the live view on the rear 3' lcd screen as it's so clear and bright and more importantly shows you the how the camera will process the view for the photo (i love evf lcd viewfinders which this camera lacks, but to be honest i mostly use the live-view on the rear lcd even with my omd em1, as the rear lcd screens are so good these days for most conditions. Sadly no consumer dslr comes with a split prism manual focusing aid these days (although katzeye usa can supply them for some models and manufacturer's do offer them as options on mainly upmarket models), so this pentaprism optical viewfinder is as good as it gets for manual focusing in this lower price dslr category. Features (photos)the camera's got pretty much everything except time-lapse (which my son and i would have loved). It has 11 focus points and 35 sensor areas for ttl phase matching focus, there's a pop up flash (really miss that on my omd em1) and a programmable green button and e-dial. Focus can be auto, manual, autotracking, spot, or face detection (which reports the number of faces detected via the front row of leds) and you can fine tune the autofocus. The camera has a pentax kf-2 mount working with kaf3 lenses and also kaf2 (except power zoom), kaf and ka. The 20mp cmos aps-c sensor has a dust removal system to throw dust off the sensor, and there's sensor shift image stabilization (anti-shake) built into the camera available for all lenses. There's a real optical depth of field focus preview to see how blurred the photo background will be (great, and it can be assigned to the green button). The shutter speed goes from 1/6000th to 30 seconds and there's the bulb long exposure option. It can shot up to 5. 4 frames per second (whereas as the canon 100d is 4 fps, and the nikon d3300 5fps). There's variable noise reduction options, a ton of scene modes such as forest, blue sky, surf&snow, kids and hdr (three photos taken in rapid succession and combined for low light) and many other low light scene settings that work well. There's compensation +/- for increasing brightness (e. G. More detail in shadows) or decreasing brightness (great for bringing in a cloudy sky). There's loads of filter effects and photo editing options such as the anti-aliasing filter to improve resolution & reduce colour moire, photo cropping, and reducing pixel size. My son has education versions of photoshop cs6 extended and video premiere 12 elements for pc image editing, as he's just got a college diploma in media studies - i would get adobe photoshop elements 13 & premiere elements 13 bundle or perhaps adobe lightroom 5 if you love shooting raw files. See the on-line pdf manual for the many features the camera has. There's an optional o-rc1 waterproof remote control (with sealed in non-replaceable battery), as well as a wide selection of pentax lenses and the gps location module. Video mode (no autofocus)this pentax k-s1 takes 1920x1080 hd (and 720x1280 sd) video up to 4gb mag or 20 minutes in one shot. There's a built in stereo microphone and adjustable sound level. Video format is mpeg-4 avc/h. 264 mov files. The only odd thing is that the focus is fixed. You set the focus, push fire and the video stays at that fixed focus, so if something is in front or further away as you pan around, it can be blurred. Manual focus works under video but that's a bit hit and miss when recording. Autofocus is no doubt disabled as the lens autofocus is super speedy but quite noisy and that would dominate the video audio. Otherwise the video mode works very well - and at least the video doesn't suffer from focus hunting as you pan. Conclusionthis is actually a nice 'little' dslr camera, it's more than just a pretty face, and it packs in a lot of advanced features. I'm far more impressed with it than i thought i would be, being a 4/3rd dslr fan, it simply delivers as a fast easy to use stylish camera. In fact my son's new pentax k-s1 showed up the limitations of my old olympus e620 dslr so much, i bought the new olympus omd em1 (as i have a load of expensive olympus 4/3rd lenses, and had i known olympus would abandon them for micro-4/3rd i'd have invested elsewhere). As this ks-1 is a dslr, it will be probably be just the beginning of your camera kit collection though. We also bought my son the gem quickdraw mini easy access camera case from gem's website (not perfect as it's a slightly tight fit with the 18-55mm kit lens, but my son likes it as it's very compact), a spare hama d-li109 generic battery, the o-rc1 remote, a hoya 52mm lens protector (and a 52mm hoya uv filter for daylight, and a 52mm circular polariser for cloud & water reflection enhancement), plus the �120 pentax smc 35mm f/2. 4 al lens for taking indoor shots of cats or hamsters etc. And generally making the camera smaller to lug about and easier to use in the gloom (albeit with no zoom) - having a dslr changeable lens system it's a shame if you can't change the kit lens, and in their favour pentax have some nice dslr secondary lenses and accessory options that often aren't very expensive. We haven't bothered with telephoto or macro lenses at the moment as we have my 50x zoom canon bridge camera and a selection of 4/3rds olympus lenses for my quiet micro4/3rds omd em1 & noisy e620 dslrs. Being my sons own camera he's far more happy taking his ks-1 places he would be wary of taking mine - a good thing. However you may want to buy the pentax ks-1 twin lens retail option in preference to this pentax k-s1 camera as that includes the 50-200mm telephoto lens as well as the 18-55mm stock lens (often priced far more cheaply than buying separately). I've even see the option of a free pentax 50mm f1. 8 smc da lens lens (great for portraits) as well in some deals. So a good camera that packs in a load of features and we like it, so 4* (loses a star for the awkward grip, typical dslr mechanical noise in use, and the fixed focus video). In truth my son doesn't notice the awkward grip in use, that's mainly noticeable when you compare it directly with other dslr models (he does notice the camera shutter/focus noise though). My son's main criticisms are turning the rear mode dial (he insists on using it with one finger rather than two) and he keeps switching the camera off accidentally when zooming for a shot as he still expects the zoom control to be there like on compact/bridge cameras, i. E. Stuff that relates to him getting used to the camera. He's not concerned about the noise the camera makes taking photos, but he would prefer it if the camera was smaller. Also check out the black dull but worthy competitor dslrs: the tiny olympus mirror-less micro 2/3rds olympus omd e-m10 dslr, the small canon eos 100d (sl1 rebel) dslr and the larger nikon d3300 dslr cameras, all of which are quite capable, although only this ks-1 has a 100% viewfinder, 51200 iso, a 1/6000 maximum shutter speed and a 20 to 29% larger aps-c sensor (23. 5 x 15. 6 mm), plus the canon eos 100d has only 9 focus points to the pentax & nikon's 11 focus points (the canon does have a rear touch screen though). The latter two canon and nikon dslr's come in white [canon, red [nikon] or grey [nikon] bodies as well as black (and if you think ricoh pentax dslr's aren't up there with these big boys, check out their £7,600 pentax 645z medium format camera). There's also the sony a6000 mirrorless hybrid, and all-in-one mega-zoom and macro bridge cameras with fixed lenses like the canon sx50 hs, fujifilm hs50 exr and panasonic fz-200 (with the latter two being better in the low light than the canon) - these offer a far lighter more convenient package than a collection of dslr kit, albeit at the cost of reduced photo quality (image quality being the reason i've returned to dslrs). Plus there's pentax's own cheaper, if larger and heavier, water resistant weather proofed, 11-point focus k-50 dslr, that again comes in a selection bright fun colours. My son's personal favourite colour for this pentax ks-1 is the tardis metallic blue version we have (he actually liked the the purple body more but felt the green leds on the front wouldn't match as well as they do with the blue body). This ks-1 dslr has a one year warranty, and it's well engineered, is easy to use and feels like it's made to last - plus it's relatively small and portable for a dslr. However like all mirror dslr's its shutter noise can be intrusive in some locations (although you can quickly go to manual focus to eliminate sound from the noisier focus drive, and switch off the bright focusing led). Shop around for the pentax ks-1 & the kit lenses as prices can vary a lot. .
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Product Info
- Product Dimensions: 20.5 x 19.2 x 12.5 cm ; 1.1 Kg
- Boxed-product Weight: 1.4 Kg
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Item model number: K-S1 LENS KIT DAWN PURPLE
- ASIN: B00N3XBQR2
Conclusion of Pentax KS-1 DSLR Camera
The first thing to strike me in taking the camera body out of the box is that it is quite heavy. Set up was very simple, insert battery and sd card (the symbol for the correct way for the card to be inserted seemed to me to be the wrong way round - but perhaps that is just me) and give the camera a few details of location, date and time and i was ready to go. The 'forest' setting enhances greens - for older film camera buffs it reminded me of fuji velvia which was always stunning for such shots. I've been happily using point and click cameras for years and have never felt i had the knowledge to step up to trying out slr cameras. The camera itself comes packed well and contains: camera, lens, battery, battery charger, ac plug cord, strap, pc camera software (some imaging software to allow you to adjust images once taken, though i will stick to paintshop pro to avoid needing to load more software on my pc) and the manual.
Thankfully for getting started the camera can be put into auto focus mode and also into auto scene selection mode and will pick the most appropriate settings based on it's programming and the conditions and will focus accordingly. The camera also comes with anti shake capability, this definitely helps me as i am not the stillest and know i'd get movement with anything past a very rapid shutter speed so this is a huge boost and helping me to produce steady pictures. Pictures can be taken either through the view finder or via the 'live view' lcd screen view depending on your preference and lighting conditions (a big drawback of our most recent camera was only an lcd screen meaning we had to guess at what we were photographing in the bright outdoors of malta this past summer). The camera is taking some beautiful pics and it speaks volumes for it that i can get such lovely pictures using the assistance the camera gives. I'm not great camera expert, very much a home user, but for someone making the step like i am from a novice background i am really impressed, it's an impressive camera to me and i don't think others making the jump would be disappointed.
The lens is balanced to the body nicely and creates a tidy, together, feel when holding the camera. Other lenses can be interchanged making the camera even more versatile. All pentax lenses going back years, even to the 60's, will fit the camera, i was advised by an expert in my local camera shop. Moving the images from the camera onto my computer was also straightforward, the imac just accepted the new camera through a cable i already had, and downloaded them from the card inside. Cons:my fuji finepix bridge camera weighs 564g and this one obviously weighs more at 767g - three quarters of a kilo - so this is a serious camera that needs its comfortable strap and perhaps a protective case for outdoor work.
The bulk and weight of this grown up camera mean that you will be taking your photography more seriously. The array of flashing green lights show on the front of the camera so aren't immediately useful when preparing for the shot. I am really excited about this pentax and already understand that it will be rewarding to use; at first i was rather anxious about using it, within hours i have got the hang of the camera and look forward to recording many, many memorable, valuable images. It won't instantly or magically produce the best picture you have ever taken, that may take time, unless perhaps you are already at home with dslr cameras; you have to respect the need to learn how to use it to full advantage. Length:: 3:02 minsfirstly i should mention the negatives with this pentax k-s1 camera - it may look great and it's quite small and light for a dslr, weighing 804g including its kit 18-55mm lens, but the right hand grip on the body is quite small making it a little awkward and uncomfortable to use one handed, so it feels heavier than it actually is.
This is particularly noticeable when you directly compare it with another dslr, but fortunately it's not so obvious when you start using the camera out and about. Plus the rear mode dial on the back of the camera is quite tricky to rotate (you think it's a jog wheel that can be moved with one finger, but it requires two fingers to grip and rotate it, just like when it's the mode dial on top of the camera). We don't think this is anywhere near enough to not to completely recommend this excellent dslr camera, but i guess some might. In fact the mode dial on the back of the camera is a brilliant idea - when you are in live view (as you nearly always are, as it's so useful) you can see what mode you are in instantly, so no more accidentally taking loads of pictures with say an inappropriate scene selected or in rubbish low resolution video 'photo' mode (yes i'm thinking of you canon sx50 hs). I could use every setting on this camera without reading the quickstart guide, whereas my new olympus omd em-1 that cost three times the price was incomprehensible until i read the full manual and i can hardly read its top mode dial.
Some say the ks-1's shutter/mirror is very noisy, but the shutter noise isn't as loud as my olympus e620 dslr, which was a great little 4/3rd camera - shutter noise is always going to be a problem with a dslr that has a mirror (back in the days of film when you only took say forty 35mm shots in a day, the noise didn't intrude, but with a dslr capable of taking thousands of shots in a day that shutter noise by your ear can really wear you down - and those sitting next to you). The only slr alternative is a mirrorless dslr like the bijou olympus omd e-m10 that uses a high res lcd screen (evf) for the viewfinder, and although the shutter isn't silent it is a lot quieter (the e-m10 is let down by poor auto-focus in gloom though). If you find the idea of slr shutter noise objectionable, also have a look at megazoom bridge cameras such as the significantly lighter 649g canon sx50 hs that does have a very quiet shutter and a fixed wide angle/macro to 50x zoom lens built in, but it has noticeably poorer image quality, albeit still acceptable in everything but low light - but our household takes a lot of photos in low light. 6, wide angle to 3x zoom) stock lens on this ks-1 camera is fine for general use indoors, in daylight and for starlight night-time shots (for macro shots you need extention rings or a pentax macro lens though). In fact most noise from this pentax camera is due to the noisy screw thread auto-focus drive to the lens, rather than from shutter release, but the combined effect of both is quite noticeable.
Designed to be the king of bling in dslr terms of its wide range of fun body colours (we have the blue version), this stylish ricoh pentax k-s1 dslr seems partly aimed at tempting relative youngsters to move decidedly up a notch photographically from their smartphone, compact and tablet cameras - i mentioned to my son that the ks-1 all white version looks just like the armour on the starwars clone troopers, and he said `wow that's sounds cool'. So i got this vine review pentax ks-1 dslr camera for my 18 year old son, who always had difficulties focusing my old dslrs resulting in very disappointing blurred images. No such problems with this pentax ks-1 and its super fast auto-focus though, and i have to say my son highly rates the camera - the camera's photo image quality speaks for itself once you view them onscreen. And if he wants to take a photo around the house, it's this camera he mostly grabs now rather than his mobile or mum's compact. Until now he's always refused my offer to get him a dedicated dslr or compact camera, despite him being a whizz at photoshop cs6, so the ks-1's colourful style has engaged him.
Fortunately there's plenty under the hood of the ks-1 to appeal to more experienced photographers as well, and it also comes in tastefully restrained camera body colours like black, blue, purple, red, and grey, which look good with the traditional black pentax lens range. If you are new to dslrs this camera works very well as a point & shoot camera with 3x zoom on auto, p or scene mode, with say just exposure compensation adjustment (via a dedicated +/- button on top) to adjust brightness, and there's a ton of features that can be easily tweaked or set when you want to get more serious about using the dslr to it's full potential. Selecting the correct focus mode is also important, so for tracking moving things in the centre of view try spot focus, reduced focus points (5 not 11) or auto-tracking, and avoid face detection for scenic views (also try the manual focus with the pentaprism optical viewfinder). It's the smallest pentax dslr and a great portable size (for a dslr), and my olympus e620 dslr weighs 21g more at 825g (although the e620 feels lighter in use owing to its superior hand grip design & balance). And the pentax k-s1's autofocus is incredibly fast compared to my old e620 - in low light indoors it is just in another league, press the shutter button halfway and the pentax just goes whirr focus, beep, with the 35 (7x5) little green boxes snapping onto the objects in view.
Plus in our blue metallic finish the camera looks so much more exciting than a typical black box dslr. I know there's the supposedly pointless row of leds down the side (my son didn't even notice them), but to be honest it is the leds elsewhere that impress: turn the camera on to photo mode and the switch lights up green, move it one stop further and the led goes red for video mode, instantly telling you which mode you are in. In the ks-1's box are the 13a mains battery charger, pentax camera strap, a lens adapter ring, body & lens caps, a dvd with pentax's digital camera utility software + the pdf manual, and a d-li109 battery good for 440 photos or 270 minutes video - oddly no micro-usb2 pc cable though (but i guess every phone and android tablet has a lead like that these days). 5,472 x 3,648 and the camera can shoot in raw or pentax pef raw files. The camera has a great optical pentaprism 100% viewfinder which works well for the excellent manual focus option, but under auto focus we tend to use the live view on the rear 3' lcd screen as it's so clear and bright and more importantly shows you the how the camera will process the view for the photo (i love evf lcd viewfinders which this camera lacks, but to be honest i mostly use the live-view on the rear lcd even with my omd em1, as the rear lcd screens are so good these days for most conditions.
Sadly no consumer dslr comes with a split prism manual focusing aid these days (although katzeye usa can supply them for some models and manufacturer's do offer them as options on mainly upmarket models), so this pentaprism optical viewfinder is as good as it gets for manual focusing in this lower price dslr category. Features (photos)the camera's got pretty much everything except time-lapse (which my son and i would have loved). The camera has a pentax kf-2 mount working with kaf3 lenses and also kaf2 (except power zoom), kaf and ka. The 20mp cmos aps-c sensor has a dust removal system to throw dust off the sensor, and there's sensor shift image stabilization (anti-shake) built into the camera available for all lenses. See the on-line pdf manual for the many features the camera has.
Five Stars. Trader most helpful. Arrived on time. Quality of product - excellent.
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