Pentax K-S2 review

Pentax continues to nip at the heels of Canon and Nikon in the DSLR market, and the K-S2 has quite a bite

By Amy Davies
published
Pentax K-S2

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Dynamic range is the range of tones the sensor can capture. Cameras with low dynamic range will often show 'blown' highlights or blocked-in shadows. This test is carried out in controlled conditions using DxO hardware and analysis tools.

Pentax K-S2 dynamic range

We use DxO Analyzer for testing dynamic range.

Dynamic range is measured in exposure values (EV). The higher the number the wider the range of brightness levels the camera can capture. This falls off with increasing ISO settings because the camera is having to amplify a weaker signal. Raw files capture a higher dynamic range because the image data is unprocessed.

Pentax K-S2 dynamic range

Pentax K-S2 dynamic range chart

JPEG analysis: Interestingly, the Olympus scores highest here, particularly at higher ISOs. The Pentax K-S2, Canon 700D and Nikon D5500 deliver almost identical results.

Pentax K-S2 dynamic range chart

Raw analysis: The pattern changes with raw files, where the E-M5 II still leads but with a smaller margin. The EOS 700D is now second best, while the Nikon D5500 and Pentax K-S2 trade places at different ISOs.

Amy Davies
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.