• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Leica M (Typ 262)

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs None
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.4 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica M (Typ 262) advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.01 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 20.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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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Review Excerpt

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

Leica M (Typ 262)
Sony A58
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica M (Typ 262) 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

Leica M (Typ 262)
Nikon D5500
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Leica M (Typ 262) 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

Leica M (Typ 262)
Pentax K-S2
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica M (Typ 262) vs Pentax K-S2

Compared to Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Pentax K-S1
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Leica M (Typ 262)
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Leica M (Typ 262) vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Pentax K-S1
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica M (Typ 262)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • $5995
  • 35mm

Compare Leica M (Typ 262) vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

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