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K-50 vs K-S1

Quick take: The K-S1 has the highest resolution at 20MP; the K-50 is the most affordable; only the K-50 is weather sealed.

16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras

How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification K-50Pentax · 2013K-S1Pentax · 2014
Price —£72 used
Sensor 16.3MP APS-C CMOS20.12MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution 16.3MP20.1MPBest
Video Full HD 1080p/30Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus SAFOX IX i+ phase-detect AF, 11 points (9 cross-type); contrast AF with face detection in live viewSAFOX IX i+ phase-detect AF, 11 points (9 cross-type)
Stabilisation Sensor-shift Shake ReductionSensor-shift Shake Reduction
Burst Rate 6fpsBest5.4fps
Battery Life ~410 shots (CIPA)~410 shots (CIPA)
Weight 675g (with battery)558g (with battery)Best
Dimensions 129 × 96.5 × 70mm120 × 92.5 × 69.5mm
Weather Sealed YesBestNot weather sealed
Viewfinder Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.92xPentaprism, ~100%, 0.95x
Screen 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount Pentax KPentax KAF2 (K-mount)
Memory Cards Single SD slotSingle SD slot
Connectivity USB 2.0, AV out, cable switchUSB 2.0, micro HDMI

Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.

How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
K-50
K-S1
Portrait
5.5/10
5.7/10
Street
5.1/10
5.5/10
Travel
5.0/10
4.9/10
Wedding & Events
4.7/10
4.2/10
Documentary
4.4/10
3.7/10
Sports & Action
5.3/10
4.8/10
Landscape
4.6/10
4.2/10
Wildlife
5.9/10
5.4/10
Casual
3.2/10
3.5/10
Food
4.4/10
4.6/10
Macro
4.3/10
4.4/10
Architecture
4.1/10
4.4/10
Astrophotography
4.3/10
4.2/10

Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →

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