Upgrade Guide

Pentax K-70→Pentax K-S1

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

K-70
You own
Pentax
K-70
£161 used
2016
View on GearFrame →
→
K-S1
Upgrade to
Pentax
K-S1
£72 used (-£89)
2014
View on GearFrame →
❌
Skip it
The K-S1 offers little measurable spec improvement over the K-70. 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.

Genre K-70 K-S1
Portrait
6.0
5.7
-0.3
Street
5.4
5.5
+0.1
Travel
5.3
4.9
-0.4
Wedding & Events
4.9
4.2
-0.7
Vlogging & Video
3.8
—
Documentary
4.9
3.7
-1.2
Sports & Action
5.3
4.8
-0.5
Landscape
6.0
4.2
-1.8
Wildlife
5.9
5.4
-0.5
Casual
3.4
3.5
+0.1
Food
5.8
4.6
-1.2
Macro
5.2
4.4
-0.8
Architecture
6.0
4.4
-1.6
Astrophotography
4.8
4.2
-0.6
Full spec comparison
Spec K-70 K-S1
Price £161 used £72 used
Released 2016 2014 ↓
Sensor 24.24MP APS-C CMOS 20.12MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution 24MP 20MP ↓
Video Full HD 1080/60i, 30p Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus SAFOX X phase-detect AF, 11 points (9 cross-type); hybrid AF in live view SAFOX IX i+ phase-detect AF, 11 points (9 cross-type)
Stabilisation Sensor-shift Shake Reduction, 4.5 stops Sensor-shift Shake Reduction
Burst Rate 6fps 5.4fps ↓
Battery Life ~410 shots (CIPA) ~410 shots (CIPA)
Weight 688g (with battery) 558g (with battery) ↑
Weather Sealed Yes Not weather sealed ↓
Viewfinder Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.95x Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.95x
Screen 3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) Pentax KAF2 (K-mount)
Memory Cards Single SD slot Single SD slot
Compare side-by-side

See K-70 and K-S1 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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

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