Pentax K-S2 – the compact companion for the photo enthusiast

Ricoh Imaging has introduced the Pentax K-S2, a new dust- and waterproof digital SLR camera in a compact body with a rotating screen and built-in wireless data module. The new product is a logical evolution of the Pentax K-S1 released in September 2014, an innovative camera that for the first time added features previously available only in top-of-the-line DSLRs to an amateur DSLR camera.

The Pentax K-S2 is the world’s most compact dust and waterproof DSLR*, and like its predecessor, is packed with many advanced features of premium DSLR cameras: unique optical-mechanical smoothing filter AA – anti-aliasing to combat moiré in the image, optical viewfinder based on glass penta prism with 100% frame coverage, proprietary Shake Reduction technology from Pentax to effectively compensate for camera shake, ability to shoot at high ISO sensitivities – up to 51 200.

K-S2 is the first Pentax SLR camera with Wi-Fi wireless data transfer and NFC to pair the camera with mobile devices supporting wireless data transfer. Using the proprietary Image Sync app, you can remotely assess the future image in real time via a cell phone or tablet, control the shutter release, make adjustments, view and download footage to a mobile device.

Together with the camera Pentax K-S2 saw the light of a universal dust and waterproof zoom lens PENTAX-DA L 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE, its distinctive feature is a unique mechanism of folding frames and lenses in parking position, which makes the lens compact and easy to carry without compromising its optical properties. The Pentax K-S2 and PENTAX-DA L 18-50mm lenses provide exceptional quality results in a variety of scenes: landscapes, portraits, children and animals, regardless of the weather conditions, no matter how rough it gets.

*Based on Ricoh Imaging’s February 1, 2015 survey of dust-proof DSLR cameras.

Key Features

The world’s smallest rugged camera

The K-S2 body is not only small, but it’s also dust and waterproof, which is so useful when shooting outdoors. 100 special seals keep dust, dirt and water splashes from penetrating the camera body. In conjunction with the new compact lens PENTAX-DA L 18-50mm camera becomes an indispensable companion of an enthusiastic photographer in his adventures – whether it be a road trip, mountain hiking, travel to the countryside, sports activities.

*Based on Ricoh Imaging’s February 1, 2015 survey of dustproof SLR cameras.

Convenient swiveling LCD monitor

The Pentax K-S2 is designed for active photographers who find subjects to shoot on different planes and at different levels. That’s why its large 3” LCD monitor rotates through 180 degrees, so you can capture a variety of subjects no matter where they are located. Also, by turning the monitor toward the photographer and using the function button to release the shutter, you can take stunning high-resolution self-portraits. The camera monitor is made by Air Gapless technology no air layer between protective glass and LCD itself , which reduces re-reflection and scattering of light and gives excellent visibility even in sunny weather.

SAFOX X high-precision autofocus sensor

New SAFOX X-based, innovative high-precision autofocus system with 11 sensors, including 9 cross-type sensors. With its high-sensitivity sensors, which confidently operate in a range from -3EV ISO100 , the camera is able to focus on objects barely visible to the eye, almost in complete darkness. Tracking autofocus enables you to “guide” the selected subject, even if it has left the “line of sight” of the originally selected focus area, by the operation of nearby sensors.

High-resolution images thanks to the 20-megapixel KPOM sensor

The Pentax K-S2 features a next-generation 20M CMOS sensor. Effective pixels. As in the older models of SLR cameras Pentax, K-S2 on the sensor does not smoothing Anti-aliasing filter, which greatly increases the sharpness and detail of images. By combining the sensor and the latest high-performance processor PRIME MII, the camera gives you realistic photos with rich details and minimal noise, even at high ISO settings up to 51200.

Optical viewfinder with approximately 100% viewfinder coverage

Despite its compact size, the K-S2 features a pentaprism all-glass viewfinder, the same used in older Pentax SLR cameras. Convenient sighting and comfortable composition is achieved thanks to the high magnification of 0.95X.

Fastest shutter speed of 1/6000 sec

K-S2 boasts a class-leading shutter speed of up to 1/6000 sec, allowing you to “freeze” the fastest movement. In this case, the high speed shutter combined with high-speed burst shooting 5.5 frames per second, allowing the photographer to get clear, high-quality images of moving objects: children, animals, birds, auto and motor vehicles, etc.

Wireless data transfer and camera control from mobile devices

The SLR camera PENTAX K-S2 function is implemented wireless data transfer via Wi-Fi. Quick access via body-mounted “wi-fi” button. With the proprietary Image Sync app, you can remotely assess future images via your cell phone or tablet*, control the shutter release, make adjustments, view and upload still images to your mobile device and share them instantly on social media. In addition, the camera is equipped with NFC Near Field Communication , which enables the camera to be paired with mobile devices supporting this technology.

*Supports smartphones running iOS6 or later and Android 4.2 or later .

Original Ricoh imaging technology

In addition to classic image-processing algorithms, the PENTAX K-S2 features Ricoh’s original Clarity Enhancement software, which uses the human eye’s perception of objects to make the ornaments, textures and irregularities in the subject look more like they do in real life.

The camera is equipped with the new A-HDR Advanced HDR function, which combines the work of Clarity Enhancement and HDR, which automatically combines three images taken with different exposure parameters into one image with an ultra-wide range of brightness gradations, which allows you to capture the most dramatic moments of natural phenomena, close to the paintings for their beauty.

Creative shooting modes

By simply rotating the Mode Selector to Effect, you can start processing your photo with the option of previewing it on your LCD monitor. Effect” mode has 11 effects, including 9 digital filters. 19 shooting programs and Auto mode allow the novice photographer to choose the best settings for each scene.

Two dial selector dials

Inherits two dials on the front and back of the camera from the top-end Pentax K-3 DSLR, giving you more control over exposure parameters so you can quickly set the parameters you want without distracting your attention from what’s happening in the frame.

FullHD video recording with stereo sound

K-S1 records Full HD video 1920×1080 pixels 30/25/24 fps using the popular video compression codec, H.264, which delivers great video quality even with fast-moving subjects. Built-in stereo microphone is used to enhance audio recording when shooting. The camera also records 4K interval video, making it possible to capture dynamic action shots that are difficult to see with the eye due to their duration: a blooming flower, a sunrise, and other phenomena and scenes. Star Stream allows you to remove traces of stars in the night sky that may have been captured in the frame during recording.

Pentax proprietary technology for sharper, higher quality images

– Shake Reduction

The Pentax K-S2 features the proprietary Pentax Shake Reduction mechanism to effectively compensate for camera shake, resulting in clearer images even in challenging lighting conditions and when using long zoom lenses. This unique system works with any camera optics.

– Unparalleled optical-mechanical antialiasing filter to reduce moiré patterns**

Pentax engineers developed a system that triggers sensor microvibration at the sub-pixel level during exposure, producing an effect similar to a traditional optical sensor anti-aliasing filter. At the same time, the main advantage of this method of combating moire is that you can not only turn this “filter” on or off, but also select the degree of effect, depending on the peculiarities of a particular scene or subject.

– Additional Features

Shake Reduction mechanism suspension system allows not only move the sensor horizontally and vertically, but also rotate it, so in combination with the GPS-module PENTAX O-GPS1 sold separately , is available unique function ASTROGID ASTROTRACER to shoot astronomical objects with long exposure time with automatic tracking of the movement of celestial bodies. Astronomy photography with the K-S2 is accessible to all non-astronomical users without complicated mounts.

** Optical Mechanical Shake Reduction is effective at shutter speeds of 1/1000 sec or slower. This function is not available when shooting in HDR High Dynamic Range mode.

Other Features

• 77-segment metering system provides accurate exposure calculations in the most difficult light conditions.

• The proprietary DR matrix dust protection mechanism allows you to remove dust from the image sensor surface