Ricoh turned more than a few heads when it announced the Pentax K-S1 ($649.95, body only). To call the 20-megapixel D-SLR quirky doesn't do it justice. Yes, it's shaped like an SLR, but bold color choices, an angular design, and a slew of disco light buttons leaves you wondering just what the target market for this camera is. The K-S1 may be designed to attract a younger set to D-SLR photography, but omitting a touch screen and in-camera Wi-Fi alienates that crowd. If you want to shoot with a small SLR that will turn heads, give it a look, but most folks in search of an entry-level SLR are better served by our Editors' Choice, the Nikon D5300 ($839.99 at Amazon) . The Nikon omits some functions that veteran photographers will miss, but it includes GPS and Wi-Fi, and does a better job with video autofocus. Design and Controls The K-S1 ($388.00 at eBay) is very small when compared with other SLRs. It measures just 3.7 by 4.8 by 2.8 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.2 pounds without a lens...
The Pentax K-S1 doesn't look like any other SLR on the market, but aside from a disappointing video mode, it's a solid performer.
Uniquely designed; Compact; Available in many color choices; Excellent image quality; In-camera shake reduction; AA filter simulation option; Pentaprism viewfinder; 1/6,000-second shutter
Slow video AF; Shallow handgrip; Small continuous shooting buffer; Lacks in-camera Wi-Fi; No microphone input; Pricey