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Pentax K Series K-S1 DSLR Camera

The Pentax K-S1 is a 20MP APS-C DSLR camera — with 1080p video and in-body stabilization. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Pentax K Series K-S1 DSLR Camera

Pentax K Series K-S1 DSLR Camera

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Overview — Pentax K-S1

The Pentax K-S1 is an entry-level DSLR built around a 20MP APS-C sensor paired with the PRIME M II image processor. It covers an ISO range of 100 to 51200, giving photographers flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions. One of its more practical inclusions for a camera at this level is sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which works with any lens mounted on the Pentax K mount — a genuine advantage for shooters using older or third-party glass.

The autofocus system uses phase detection with 11 points, 9 of which are cross-type, offering reasonably solid subject acquisition for everyday and action shooting. Burst mode tops out at 5.4 fps, which is capable for its class. The 3.0-inch LCD display resolves 921,000 dots, and the optical pentaprism viewfinder delivers 100% frame coverage — a feature not always found at this price tier.

Video recording reaches 1080p at 30fps in 8-bit with a Standard color profile. Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi, USB, and a Type D Micro HDMI output. The polycarbonate body measures 125 x 97 x 74 mm and weighs 558g.

Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards. It does not feature weather sealing.

Key Features — Pentax K-S1

20MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Delivers 20 megapixels of resolution (5472x3648) with a 1.5x crop factor, suitable for detailed stills across a wide range of subjects.

Sensor-Shift IBIS: In-body stabilization works with any lens on the Pentax K mount, including older and third-party glass that lacks optical stabilization.

ISO 100–51200 Range: Wide native sensitivity range gives photographers flexibility when shooting in low-light or rapidly changing conditions.

11-Point Phase Detection AF: Autofocus system includes 9 cross-type points for more reliable subject acquisition across a broad area of the frame.

100% Coverage Pentaprism Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism delivers a full, accurate view of the frame — a feature not commonly found at this price level.

5.4 fps Burst Mode: Continuous shooting at up to 5.4 frames per second makes the camera capable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Specifications — Pentax K-S1

Pentax K-S1 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Beginner-Friendly
TypeDSLR
SensorAPS-C
Resolution20MP
ProcessorPRIME M II
ISO Range100 – 51200
AF SystemPhase Detection
AF Points11 points (9 cross-type)
Max Photo Resolution5472x3648
Burst Rate5.4 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate30fps

Description — Pentax K-S1

The Pentax K-S1 is a 20MP APS-C DSLR powered by the PRIME M II image processor, offering an ISO range of 100 to 51200 for flexibility in a wide variety of lighting situations. A standout feature for its class is sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which operates independently of the lens — beneficial for anyone shooting with older Pentax K mount glass. The autofocus system delivers 11 phase detection points, 9 of which are cross-type, supporting reliable focus across the frame.

Continuous shooting reaches 5.4 fps in burst mode. The 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot LCD display is paired with an optical pentaprism viewfinder that provides 100% frame coverage. For video, the camera captures 1080p at 30fps in 8-bit.

Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi, USB, and a Type D Micro HDMI port. The polycarbonate body weighs 558g and measures 125 x 97 x 74 mm. Storage is supported via SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

Note that this model has no weather sealing.

Pros — Pentax K-S1

  • ✓Sensor-shift IBIS works with any Pentax K mount lens, as confirmed by imageStabilization.type
  • ✓Optical pentaprism viewfinder provides 100% frame coverage, a notable feature at this level
  • ✓11-point phase detection AF system with 9 cross-type points for broader subject coverage

Cons — Pentax K-S1

  • ✗No weather sealing — bodyDesign.weatherSealing is explicitly listed as 'None'
  • ✗Video is limited to 1080p at 30fps with only a Standard color profile available
  • ✗No Bluetooth connectivity per connectivity.bluetooth field

Videos — Pentax K-S1

It's About Time! My Pentax K-1 Review After Three Years of Use - Affordable Full Frame Camera — snappiness

Resources & Downloads — Pentax K-S1

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Pentax K-S1

Does the Pentax K-S1 have in-body image stabilization?+
Yes, the K-S1 includes sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). It does not rely on digital IS, which means stabilization is applied at the sensor level and works across compatible Pentax K mount lenses.
What memory cards does the Pentax K-S1 support?+
The K-S1 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. There is a single card slot based on the storageMedia specification.
Can the Pentax K-S1 record video, and at what quality?+
The K-S1 can record video at up to 1080p resolution at 30fps. Video is captured in 8-bit with a Standard color profile as the only listed option.
Does the K-S1 have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?+
The K-S1 includes built-in Wi-Fi but does not have Bluetooth. It also features a USB connection and a Type D Micro HDMI output for external device connectivity.
What autofocus system does the Pentax K-S1 use?+
The K-S1 uses a phase detection autofocus system with 11 focus points, 9 of which are cross-type. Eye tracking and subject tracking are not supported.
Is the Pentax K-S1 weather sealed?+
No, the K-S1 does not offer weather sealing. The bodyDesign.weatherSealing field explicitly states 'None', so it should be used with caution in wet or dusty environments.

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