• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Leica TL2

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 480 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs None
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Leica TL2 advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    7 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    410k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 5.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/40000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-S1

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
Leica TL2
Sony A58
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon D5500

Pentax K-S1
Nikon D5500
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Leica TL2
Nikon D5500
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Samsung NX500

Pentax K-S1
Samsung NX500
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Leica TL2
Samsung NX500
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

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
Leica TL2
Pentax K-S2
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Leica TL

Pentax K-S1
Leica TL
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Leica TL2
Leica TL
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
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