What is the pixel pitch of the Pentax K-S1?
The Pentax K-S1 provides 20 megapixels from an APS-C sensor. This pixel density gives rise to a size of the individual pixel of 4.28µm.
The pixel size or pixel pitch can be calculated by dividing the sensor area by the pixel count and then taking the square root. In particular, the sensor in the Pentax K-S1 measures 23.5mm in width and 15.6mm in height, so that the total imaging area of the sensor amounts to 367 mm2. Moreover, the K-S1 has 5 472 horizontal pixels and 3 648 vertical pixels, for a total of 20 megapixels. Then, the size (height or width) of each individual pixel can be calculated as the square root of the ratio of the sensor area (367 mm2) to the MP count (19 961 856).
Larger pixels provide advantages with respect to gathering light, particularly in low-light situations. Large pixels notably have a better signal to noise ratio, meaning that they can better differentiate between incoming photons and the noisy signals that the internal processes of the camera create. As a result, big pixels are particularly helpful to the photographer when shooting with high ISO settings.
Sensor specs and performance
The table below compares the sensor specs of the Pentax K-S1 to those of several similar cameras. The reported DXO values are indicators of the sensor's imaging quality (higher is better), covering color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape), and high-ISO noise (DXO Sports). Larger sensor cameras tend to outperform cameras of the same generation that are equipped with a smaller imager. On the other hand, larger sensors are more expensive and require bigger and heavier lenses than smaller light receptors.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Pentax K-S1 | APS-C | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.5 | 13.0 | 1061 | 78 | |
2. | Nikon D5300 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.0 | 13.9 | 1338 | 83 | |
3. | Nikon D5500 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.1 | 14.0 | 1438 | 84 | |
4. | Pentax K-3 | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 13.4 | 1216 | 80 | |
5. | Pentax K-3 II | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.6 | 13.6 | 1106 | 80 | |
6. | Pentax K-30 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 13.0 | 1129 | 79 | |
7. | Pentax K-50 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 13.0 | 1120 | 79 | |
8. | Pentax K-500 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 13.1 | 1087 | 79 | |
9. | Pentax K-S2 | APS-C | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.9 | 1514 | 79 | |
10. | Sony A58 | APS-C | 19.8 | 5456 | 3632 | 1080/60i | 23.3 | 12.5 | 753 | 74 | |
11. | Sony A68 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 24.1 | 13.5 | 701 | 79 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Further information on the sensor in the Pentax K-S1 and the camera's operation can be found in the camera manual.
In the United States, the K-S1 was initially launched in August 2014 at a price of $749.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon M3 vs Pentax K-S1
- Canon SX720 vs Nikon Z6
- Canon T6i vs Nikon Z6
- Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Pentax K-S1
- Fujifilm X-E2S vs Nikon Z6
- Fujifilm X-T200 vs Pentax K-S1
- Leica TL vs Nikon Z6
- Nikon Z6 vs Panasonic FZ1000
- Nikon Z6 vs Panasonic GX9
- Nikon Z7 II vs Pentax K-S1
- Panasonic GX9 vs Pentax K-S1
- Pentax K-S1 vs Sony A6600
Camera Model | Pentax K-S1 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | |
Camera Lens | Pentax K mount lenses | |
Launch Date | August 2014 | |
Launch Price | USD 749 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | |
Sensor Area | 367 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.2 mm | |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | |
Sensor Resolution | 20 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 5 472 x 3 648 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 4.28 μm | |
Pixel Density | 5.45 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 51 200 ISO | |
Image Processor | PRIME MII | |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 78 | |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 23.5 | |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.0 | |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1061 | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.63x | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/6000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 5.4 shutter flaps/s | |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | UHS-I | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Pentax D-LI109 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
121 x 93 x 70 mm (4.8 x 3.7 x 2.8 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 558 g (19.7 oz) |
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