Pentax K-S1 review

Flashing lights, different colours, are all these gimmicks hiding a decent camera?

Pentax K-S1

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Pentax K-S1 sample image

The K-S1's Vivid mode produces good contrast and dense but natural-looking colours. Click here for a full resolution version.

Pentax K-S1 sample image

This bold black and white effect gives monochromatic images some real punch. It's almost like using black and white film! Click here for a full resolution version.

Pentax K-S1 sample image

The sensor-shift anti-shake system works really well. This was shot handheld at 1/4sec to blur the spinning wheel but keep the centre sharp. Click here for a full resolution version.

Pentax K-S1 sample image

You can combine filter effects when you're using the in-camera editing tools. This was produced by combining the bold black and white effect with a subtle, rich sepia tone. Click here for a full resolution version.

Pentax K-S1 sample image

The 18-55mm kit lens feels cheap and delivers lots of chromatic aberration (left) – but the camera has in-built distortion and chromatic aberration options which work pretty well (right). Click here for a larger version.

Pentax K-S1 sample image

Another rich and punchy shot from the Pentax K-S1's Vivid mode. The meter didn't need any help getting the exposure exactly right, either. Click here for a full resolution image.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.