• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Pentax K-70

  • Lighter weight
    765g vs 1122g
    Lighter weight

Pentax K-70 advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More telephoto lens reach
    203 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.1 fps vs 5.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    47 vs 20 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-S1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-70

Review Excerpt

  • Huge bang for the buck; Great image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast autofocus; Good burst frame rate with deep buffer; Pentaprism viewfinder; Twin control dials; Articulated LCD; Comprehensive weather-sealing and freeze-proofing; Unbelievable wealth of rare to unique (yet very useful) features

  • Wi-Fi wireless communication is slow, clumsy and unintuitive; Video autofocus is prone to hunting or racking focus; Slow buffer clearing; Rather heavy for an entry-level DSLR; Autofocus and metering systems are a bit dated; Below average battery life

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
Pentax K-70
Sony A58
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life

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
Pentax K-70
Nikon D5500
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon T6s

Pentax K-S1
Canon T6s
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Pentax K-70
Canon T6s
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC

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
Pentax K-70
Pentax K-S2
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • NFC
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Canon 77D

Pentax K-S1
Canon 77D
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Pentax K-70
Canon 77D
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
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