7 Reasons To Own A PENTAX K-S1

7 Reasons To Own A PENTAX K-S1

There has been many readers and friends who asked me to recommend which camera they should go for if they are new in photography especially DSLR. For me, every brand has their own entry-level DSLR for newbie and beginner in photography and today I would like to introduce this fancy DSLR by Pentax - the Pentax K-S1.  Nowadays people not only look at the capability of a camera, they also look at the beauty on the casing itself. If you are a fashionable person who love futuristic design on your camera gear, Pentax K-S1 could be the one. Now let see why you should own this camera:

Pentax K-S1 Key Features:

• Newly developed CMOS sensor with approx. 20.12 effective megapixels
• LED body illumination indicates the current status of camera operation. Power switch LEDs stay green during still-image shooting, but change colour to red during movie recording
• 3.0-inch, high-resolution LCD monitor, and newly designed, easy-to-use GUI (Graphical user interface)
• Full HD movie recording with stereo audio
• Super-high sensitivity at ISO 51200
• Top shutter speed of 1/6000 sec.
• High-speed continuous shooting function with a top speed of 5.4 images per second
• Image processing tools to create 10 distinctive effects, including three new options: “Fresh” with a crystal-clean finishing touch; “Fade Colour” for an elegant finish with subdued colours; and “Infrared” for a black-and-white finish like that of an infrared photo.
• 21 digital filters including a new “Colour Replacement” filter.
• Smartphone-support functions available by installing the optional FLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB memory card**
• DR (Dust Removal) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor

Pentax K-S1 available in 15 fashionable colour variations

1. Fifteen (15) Trendy and Colourful Design

Camera nowadays has become part of our outfit accessories while providing the function to capture precious moments when you are travelling around. You can choose your favourite color and match it with your outfit and to show your personalities at the same time. Pentax K-S1 is available in 15 fashionable colour variations and you can definitely find your favourite color. Above here are just five of the colors I got to play with.

The colors variation include Black, Blue and White as standard, four models from ‘the Fabric collection’, which recreates the colour and tone of materials with Cotton Beige, Linen Brown, Denim Blue, Tweed Gray; and five from ‘the Night Sky collection’, which reflect the colour changes in the sky from sunset to dawn with Sunset Orange, Dusk Gold, Moon Silver, Midnight Black, and Dawn Purple.

Illumination lights at the hand-grip Pentax K-S1

2. Changing colors LED body illumination

The LED body illumination on Pentax K-S1 will indicates the current status of camera operation. Power switch LEDs will stay green during still-image shooting, but change to red color if you are doing video recording. I like the fact that the movie recording button is incorporated with the power button so it is just a switch to desired mode.

LED illuminated buttons makes it easy to adjust your camera setting at low lit condition

Both front and back of the camera has LED Illumination function and the blue-and-green-lighted control buttons will let you change your camera setting easily even in a dark place. As you can see they have many functions and shooting mode (Aperture, Shutter, Program, Manual, Scene, Effect, Auto).

The reason why you want to buy DSLR is you want to capture that desired effect in your photos. (Not just using Auto Mode) Therefore the highest level of photography is to master the three main photography elements (ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed) by using Manual Mode and you can definitely create pictures with the final effect that you want. The more you shoot the more you will improve.

Close up food photography using Pentax K-S1
Tips: Zoom in to the maximum to achieve this bokehlicious effect that blur out the background

3. Capture quality photos with this entry-level DSLR

With the camera kit lens ( SMC DA L 18-55mm f3.5-5.6) provided together with the body. Pentax K-S1 allows you to capture various kind of photos ranging from food, travel, scenery to event and photo created using their built-in filter. The 20.12 MegaPixels CMOS sensor will ensure you that you can capture nice photo that is ready for huge print out. With the 1/6000s shutter speed, you can definitely capture jump shot easily together by using the 5.4 image per second continuous shoot mode. Not only that, Pentax K-S1 can has high resolution and moiré reduction function with the AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator. To know more bout AA you may wanna watch this video

SHYAN符俊贤 x STRAW林水草 Medley 《星球》- Shhh...Listen Finale @ Otherwise Cafe

4. Full HD movie recording with stereo audio

I've tested out the Full HD movie recording on Pentax K-S1 in a rather dark place and it does give me a satisfying result with good audio. You should play the video above to experience it. The motion pictures were good and the stereo sound is almost the same as what I heard at the live event. I also boosted the ISO of this camera to capture low-light photos. Although the noise is kinda high the image still looks good. At least I get to capture what I saw in the dark and get to show you through photos.

Low light photo captured using Pentax K-S1 (f/4   1/125s  ISO 20000)
Shhh...Listen Music Showcase Finale @ Otherwise Cafe

5. Super-high sensitivity at ISO 51200

Many people will wonder if this camera will able to capture low-light photos. With the big range of ISO sensitivity on Pentax K-S1, you can definitely capture good low-light photos with reasonable noise on it. (Anyhow this is an entry level DSLR). I believe by using other Pentax camera lens with aperture f/1.8, you can lower your ISO setting and the image and video will turn great too.

10 distinctive effects to give your image the desired tone and color

6. 21 Digital filters with 10 distinctive effects, 19 different scene mode

Pentax K-S1 has this image processing tools to create 10 distinctive effects, including three new options: “Fresh” with a crystal-clean finishing touch; “Fade Colour” for an elegant finish with subdued colours; and “Infrared” for a black-and-white finish like that of an infrared photo. They also have this 21 digital filters including a new “Colour Replacement” filter.

19 different scene mode in Pentax K-S1

With so many choices on color and effect in Pentax K-S1, you can actually save time in processing the image by just using the right mode and ease your photography. For example you wanna capture Backlight Silhoutte, you don't know which is the right aperture and shutter speed. Just simply switch to this mode and you can capture nice and beautiful sunset photo as below.

Golden Sunset captured straight from the Penta K-S1 camera using Silhouette mode

More than 25 different kind of Pentax lens to fit in with your K-mount series camera

7. Wide range of lenses selection to achieve different photography effect

The fun part of using DSLR instead of a compact camera is that you can change the camera lens to achieve different kind of results on your photos. For example, I always use fisheye lens to achieve that wide angle photos and best for taking selfie (do check out my #TCSelfie series photo on Instagram). I am sure after you've master the three main elements of photography, you will definitely want to invest in some good lens to make your photos look even better with the same camera. For more information regarding the Pentax lenses, you may wanna visit here.

Pentax K-S1 in the fair and white casing

Review conclusion on PENTAX K-S1:

This is actually the first time I see a DSLR with nice LED Illumination button and hand-grip which will change color according to the shooting mode. With its wide range of color selection (15 choices), you can have the most unique color camera instead of the boring black. 

If you are new to DSLR photography, this could be your first DSLR to own especially if you want something different than the others. As an entry-level DSLR, this camera is suitable for you who love colorful and things that stand out among others. I believe people will be amaze looking at your striking color camera and it illuminate in the dark. 

Pentax K-S1 together with the kit lens is currently selling at RM 2,399. Below are more random photos taken solely using Pentax K-S1. Enjoy!!

Christmas is coming!!
Captured using PENTAX K-S1

That fun moments at Shhh...Listen Music Showcase @ Otherwise Cafe
Captured using PENTAX K-S1

Pentax K-S1 captured using another Pentax K-S1 hahaha

Choose your favourite color for Pentax K-S1!!

Christmas is coming soon so maybe you should get your love one a very cool DSLR like this Pentax K-S1. Or else, get yourself a Christmas/birthday present in this year end festive season~

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