Exposure Flash
Navigate Review Jump to review page...

Pentax K-S2 Flash

Built-in Flash Test Results

Coverage, Exposure and Range
A fairly powerful pop-up flash with somewhat narrow coverage.

18mm, f/4

Coverage. Flash coverage was a bit narrow at wide angle (18mm), with dark corners and edges, though we've seen narrower. Intensity also varies vertically, however we doubt that would be noticeable in most real-world shots. We no longer test coverage at telephoto, as it's invariably much better.


Normal Flash,
f/4, 1/125s, +0.3 EV*		 Slow-Sync Mode
f/4, 1/5s, 0 EV*

Exposure. When it came to exposure, the KS2's built-in flash exposed our Indoor Portrait subject well with +0.3 EV flash exposure compensation, which is better than the +0.7 EV flash compensation normally required for this shot, though we don't know if that is due to the Sigma 70mm lens (see note below). The camera's Slow-Sync flash mode produced an overly bright exposure without flash exposure compensation (0 EV), with a strong orange cast from the background incandescent lighting as a result of the slower shutter speed.

* Note that the Pentax K-S2 seems to have a slight compatibility issue with our Sigma 70mm f/2.8 reference lens, possibly resulting in brighter images than would be taken with a Pentax lens.


Manufacturer-Specified Flash Range

7.0 feet
ISO 100, f/5.6

Manufacturer Specified Flash Range. The Pentax K-S2's flash is rated with a Guide Number of 12/39 (m/ft) at ISO 100. That works out to a range of about 7 feet at f/5.6. As you can see in the flash range test shot above taken with those parameters using the kit lens, the Pentax K-S2 produced a bright flash exposure (actually slightly overexposed by about 0.5 EV), indicating the flash output rating is credible.

Note: Here we shoot with manufacturer-specified camera settings, at the range the company claims for the camera, to assess the validity of the specific claims. The specified range has been calculated for the sensitivity, lens and aperture used in the test shot above.

 

Buy the Pentax K-S2

Your purchases support this site

Body Only (White)
  • Body Only (White)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black/Orange)
  • Kit with 18-50mm WR Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18-50mm WR Lens (Black/Orange)
  • Kit with 18-50mm WR Lens (White)
All K-S2 Deals


Exposure Flash
Navigate Review Jump to review page...