User feedback on K-S2

My K-S2 should be here today.... Went for boring Plain Black

Received mine yesterday and upgraded the firmware to Ver.1.01, still something I'm never 100% happy with until the COMPLETE message come on screen then everything works as it should. First impressions good although the menu system is a little different but will get used to it. Can always set up User with frequently used settings. Just need to get out and take some snaps.
The provided manual will be used quite a lot over the next few days.


Thanks to Doug at SRS for making the part exchange a painless process and quickly dispatching the camera to me.

It will be interesting to hear your user feedback Stan. Performance-wise the camera is clearly right up there. The only consistent negative point I keep reading about is the 'grip' , caused by the particular body shape. This presumably will always be linked to individuals hand shapes and sizes, a very personal preference. My own test is always that I need to be able to release one hand from the camera, even a big item like my gripped K7, and still feel secure with it and able to move it around in one hand until the other hand is back again,

How good is it at doing selfies

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K-S2 18-135mm@135mm f/8 1/200sec IS0 800 Tweaked in Photoshop




I need to go through the settings menu and do a little tweaking there. Does obviously feel "different" to the gripped K-5IIs but fits my "bloody great paws" as my hands have been referred to and I can hold it with one hand although with a lens such as the 18-135mm I think this could get tiring, but for normal shooting, two hands, this is not going to be a problem. The main thing for me was the fact I can hold the camera while shooting without accidentally touching any of the other buttons on the back, a problem for me with the Panasonic G6. I would advise anyone thinking of getting the K-S2 to go to a stockist, if possible as I did, and try holding it etc. I did like the articulating viewing screen on the G6 for low level shooting and shooting directly overhead ceiling details say in churches etc., without dislocating my neck and expect the Pentax version to fulfill this too. Haven't tried any selfies yet although again think this camera will be up the mark. So all in all a satisfied customer, well for now anyway

That's a very impressive shot. Super colours and detail.
Might be a bit too sharp for selfies

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Thanks Algi. I'm a bit worried a selfie will show all my wrinkles and make me look too old to own a nice camera like this

I'd have thought the AA filter simulator could be brought into play there Stan ..... Could be just the thing for wrinkles . Would have to decide on the low, medium or strong setting though

Nice first shot for us there, looking good and sharp. Glad to hear that the handling is no problem . Looks like you're going to get your monies worth , and plenty more!

Congratulations for the new device.
What about the rustling noise when the shutter button is half-pressed?
Do you heard this noise from your camera?

Very unlikely with my defective hearing so unless my wife hears it, I'll ask her to listen carefully when I take a shot and see if she hears anything. I wear hearing aids and if it's at all noisy or windy I have have a problem hearing the "beep" when the camera is focused, but watch this space

The SR system will make a sound, as will focusing.

I wonder when the 1st thread will appear along the lines of..........
"What's the Best Lens for Selfies"

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You've mentioned selfies a few times Algi. I think we should see a selfie from you to show us how it's done? On a Pentax of course.....

I had a day with the K-S2 and 18-50 kit lens yesterday before transferring it to its new owner whose priority was 'something small'. I am a K3 owner and found the S2 a bit small and fiddly for my liking and I never did get used to the ISO adjust being on the 4 way controller. Missed the top screen too where I usually set ISO and aperture.

Probably if you've never had them you'd think nothing of it.

My habit of raising the K3 to my eye and then switching it on let me down on the S2. Flick the switch around to the end of its travel and it goes to video!

Artic screen was useful several times but shooting inside a museum I found myself using 6400 ISO which I have never used on the K3. My own rule of thumb is never buy a lens under F2.8!

The shutter is a bit louder than the K3's.

I also discovered that the new K3 firmware is not just for the two big new zooms. It warns you when the new 18-50 kit lens is retracted (collapsed) too.

Images were fine as far as I could tell from a magnified rear screen. Shot JPG and card has gone to new owner so no detailed examination..

Not such a relaxed shoot as with the K3 because I spent too much time playing 'hunt the button/menu' but basically it is all there and a few new gizmos on top. Not that I particularly value Wifi.

A bargain at SRS's low price and £40 cash back.

Oh, and it does do OK selfies too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cbhWydQz5w

Another review...

And the longer version of the K-S2 Intro:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4yXmYb6QfI