Pentax KS-2: Making an entrance

The Pentax KS-2 is a good buy for those looking for their first DSLR camera

For photography enthusiasts, buying a DSLR camera for the first time is always a tricky issue. Polishing their skills and learning new tricks are on the agenda as is working out the slightly complex functioning of a DSLR camera. That is why it is essential to choose the right camera to begin with. The market -at least in India - is clearly divided into those who buy a Nikon and those who go for a Canon. Pentax, however, would like to change that trend with its latest offering, the KS-2.

The first thing that grabs my attention is the size of the KS-2. Pentax claims that it is the smallest DSLR in the market and it does feel smaller as compared to other cameras in the same price segment. Size, as the cliche goes, does matter and I did find the camera difficult to get a grip on during the first few days. However, once I had used it for a couple of days, it was easier to come to terms with it.

The KS-2 is a 20-megapixel camera that comes with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 51200 - a rather surprising feature as one rarely clicks images at that high a number. The standard lens with the KS-2 is the 18-55mm f/4-5.6. It comes with a three-inch rotating LCD screen, a delightful feature, especially for those who love shooting videos, clicking selfies and taking high-angle shots.

The design is standard - most buttons are on the right-hand side, and on top of the camera is the mode dial that allows you to shoot in different exposure modes. The modes are standard too - manual, aperture priority, programme modes, among others. There's a custom mode where you can save the settings according to your preferences. The KS-2 is a wi-fi enabled camera and you can quite easily connect your phone with it.

You can spend a good amount of time exploring the various modes on the KS2 and experiment a lot while shooting.

The image quality? For an entry-level camera, the KS-2 clicks some very good images. Since the lens I had was an 18-55mm - a lens that delivers decent images - the results were pretty satisfactory.

As mentioned earlier, it clicks images up to ISO 51200 - though one would hardly use that - and delivers good results at ISO 3200. In natural light conditions, the images are quite sharp, vibrant and clear. In artificial light, however, the picture quality is just about average. I shot in both conditions and felt that while the images were good, they weren't exceptional.

If you like to click portraits, then the KS-2 is a camera that will certainly delight you. It captures the minutest of details. There are 11 "effects" mode on the KS-2 and while they're a bit gimmicky, they certainly add to the fun quotient. The white balance mode works very well and you don't have to switch modes too often.

The video recording mode allows you to shoot in full HD mode and the screen comes in handy here. The videos come out quite clear and the resolution too is impressive. The battery life of the KS-2 is average - almost 50 per cent of the battery was drained out after using it for a few hours. That, however, is to be expected, considering that Pentax has gone for a relatively small-sized camera.

The Pentax KS-2 has quite a few things going for it. The size and shape will appeal to many, and the buttons, dials and shortcuts are easy to use. The rotating LCD screen is one of the standout features and makes shooting easy, especially at awkward angles. A touchscreen, however, would have certainly added a lot to the value and functionality of the KS-2.

The image quality of this entry-level DSLR with a standard lens isn't outstanding, but it is more than satisfactory. Images at night or during low light are clear and the camera grows on you as you get accustomed to shooting on it.

The many modes will allow you to experiment, learn and hone your photography skills. As long as you're willing to spend on new lenses, the KS-2 will hold you in good stead in the long run.

If you don't want to follow the drove and pick a Nikon or a Canon, the KS-2 is a safe option as an entry-level camera.

The Pentax K-S2 with an 18-50 mm and 50-200 mm lens costs Rs 56,995
SPECIFICATIONS

Body type: Compact SLR
Body material: Polycarbonate over metal chassis
Pixels: 20 megapixels
ISO: Auto, 100-51200
White balance presets: 10
Custom white balance: Yes

Image stabilisation: Sensor-shift
Uncompressed format: RAW
JPEG quality levels: Good, better, best
Weight (including battery): 678 g
Dimensions: 91 x 123 x 73 mm