Pentax K-S2 becomes world’s smallest weathersealed DSLR

Ricoh has decided to replace the Pentax K-S1 DSLR camera with the new K-S2 less than a year since the introduction of the original model.

A couple of weeks before the Photokina 2014 event, Ricoh introduced the Pentax-branded K-S1 DSLR with an APS-C sensor and an unconventional design that included an LED illumination system, displaying the camera’s status.

Less than one year after this announcement, Ricoh is backing down and is introducing the Pentax K-S2 DSLR, which is based on a traditional DSLR design, including dual control dials, a regular grip without any LED lights, and a manual mode dial on top of the camera.

The weathersealed Pentax K-S2 features a 20.12-megapixel sensor and built-in WiFi.

Ricoh unveils the world’s smallest weather-resistant DSLR: Pentax K-S2

Ricoh has recently taken care of the upcoming Pentax full frame system by announcing the development of a full frame DSLR and two optics for it, that is the 70-200mm f/2.8ED DC AW and 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6ED DC AW. They will be on-display at CP+ 2015, an event opening its doors on February 12, and they will be joined by new APS-C products, such as the Pentax K-S2.

This new DSLR camera is the world’s tiniest weather-resistant DSLR. It comes packed with an articulated LCD screen, WiFi, and NFC among others.

The shooter features a 20.12-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter and with a built-in Shake Reduction technology. The latter system can also be used to simulate the effects of the anti-aliasing filter in order to cut down moiré patterns.

Its 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen is fully-articulated, so it can be used to capture photos and videos from unusual angles or to simply capture a selfie.

The WiFi and NFC connectivity options allow users to transfer files to a compatible smartphone or tablet as well as to remotely control the DSLR.

Pentax K-S2 features a 3-inch fully-articulated display on the back, which should allow users to capture selfies with ease.

Pentax K-S2 specs list includes a 4K time-lapse video mode

The Pentax K-S2 specs list includes a SAFOX X autofocus system with 11 AF points, including nine cross-type AF points. They allow the DSLR to autofocus even in -3EV lighting conditions.

Its ISO sensitivity reaches a maximum of 51,200. Ricoh says that photographers can shoot at high ISO settings as the noise levels are reduced thanks to the PRIME MII image processor.

The camera can capture up to 5.5fps in continuous shooting mode, while offering a maximum shutter speed of up to 1/6000th of a second.

Full HD video recording is supported along with a time-lapse video mode. The company says that a 4K Interval Movie option is available that grabs a series of photos at an interval in order to create one 4K video.

In order to frame their stills, photographers can use the built-in optical viewfinder or the aforementioned LCD screen in Live View mode.

Pentax K-S2 will be released for about $800 this March.

Availability details

As stated above, the Pentax K-S2 is the world’s smallest weathersealed DSLR. The shooter measures 91 x 123 x 73mm / 3.58 x 4.84 x 2.87-inches, while weighing 678 grams / 23.92 ounces and being resistant to dust and water droplets.

The camera offers a battery life of up to 410 shots on a single charge. It comes with USB 2.0 and microHDMI ports, while the storage is ensured by an SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

Ricoh will release the Pentax-branded K-S2 this March for a price of $799.95. The K-mount camera is available for pre-order at Amazon.

It is worth noting that, although the K-S2 replaces the K-S1, the original model will remain on the market for the time being.