Upgrade Guide

Pentax K-1→Pentax K-S1

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Pentax

K-1

£475 used

2016

→

Upgrade to

Pentax

K-S1

£72 used (-£403)

2014

❌

Skip it

The K-S1 offers little measurable spec improvement over the K-1. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	K-1	K-S1
Price	£475 used	£72 used
Released	2016	2014	↓
Sensor	36.4MP full-frame CMOS	20.12MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	36MP	20MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080/60i, 30p	Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus	SAFOX 12 phase-detect AF, 33 points (25 cross-type)	SAFOX IX i+ phase-detect AF, 11 points (9 cross-type)
Stabilisation	5-axis sensor-shift Shake Reduction II, 5 stops	Sensor-shift Shake Reduction
Burst Rate	4.4fps	5.4fps	↑
Battery Life	~760 shots (CIPA)	~410 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1010g (with battery)	558g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.70x	Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.95x
Screen	3.2" Flexible-tilt LCD, 1.04M dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Pentax KAF2 (K-mount)	Pentax KAF2 (K-mount)
Memory Cards	Dual SD slots	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See K-1 and K-S1 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the K-S1 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the K-1

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Camera family history