• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Canon SL2

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SL2 advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 480 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-S1
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  • Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses
All K-S1 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2
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  • Body Only (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (White)
All SL2 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

  • Read our Canon SL2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A58

Pentax K-S1
Sony A58
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Sony A58

Canon SL2
Sony A58
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Sony A58

Compared to Nikon D5500

Pentax K-S1
Nikon D5500
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Nikon D5500

Canon SL2
Nikon D5500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D5500

Compared to Pentax K-S2

Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-S2
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax K-S2

Canon SL2
Pentax K-S2
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Pentax K-S2

Compared to Nikon D3500

Pentax K-S1
Nikon D3500
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL2
Nikon D3500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D3500

Compared to Canon SL3

Pentax K-S1
Canon SL3
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Canon SL3

Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon SL3

Compare Other Cameras?