Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-S2: We compare two Entry-Level DSLRs. The Nikon D5500 and the Pentax K-S2. Both cameras feature an APS-C sensor. However, Nikon’s D5500 has 24 megapixels while Pentax’s K-S2 features a 20-megapixel sensor. Which camera is better for your needs? Let’s look at the main specifications before we go into more detail.
Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-S2 Specs
Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-S2 – Comparison
Specifications |
Nikon D5500 |
Pentax K-S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.2 | 20.1 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Format | APS-C (DX) | APS-C |
| Crop Factor | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| AA Filter | None | On/Off |
| Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 5472 x 3648 |
| Body Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Lens Mount | Nikon FX/DX | Pentax K |
| ISO | 100 – 25,600 | 100 – 51,200 |
| Expanded ISO | No | None |
| AF Points | 39 | 11 |
| Cross-type AF Points | 9 | 9 |
| Continuous Mode | 5fps | 5fps |
| LCD | 3.2″ – Fully Articulated | 3.0″ – Fully Articulated |
| LCD Resolution | 1,036,800 dots | 921,600 dots |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Focus Peaking | No | Yes |
| Top LCD Display | No | No |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | Optical |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.82x | 0.95x |
| Video Resolution | 1920×1080 (60/50/30/25/24p) | 1920×1080 (30/25/24p) |
| 1280×720 (60/50p) | 1280×720 (60/50p) | |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Memory Card Type | SD | SD |
| Dual Card Slots | No | No |
| SD UHS Support | UHS-I | UHS-I |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/6000 |
| Slowest Shutter Speed | 30″ | 30″ |
| Bulb Mode | Yes | Yes |
| JPEG Buffer Size | 100 | 28 |
| RAW Buffer Size | 7 | 9 |
| Time Lapse | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Max Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/180 |
| Startup Time | 0.4s | 1.0s |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Built-in NFC | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB Type | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Environmentally Sealed | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 820 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Included | Yes (EN-EL14a) | Yes (D-LI109) |
| Weight | 14.8 oz (420g) | 24.3 oz (688g) |
| Size | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8″ | 4.8 x 3.6 x 2.6″ |
| Price | Amazon | Amazon |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2015 |
Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-S2 Common Features
| Wireless Connection | Yes vs Yes | Better connectivity |
| Articulating Screen | Yes vs Yes | Flexible shooting positions |
| Built-in Flash | Yes vs Yes | Useful in low-light |
| External Flash Shoe | Yes vs Yes | Better for flash photography |
| Viewfinder | Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical) | Better framing and control |
| RAW Support | Yes vs Yes | Better image quality |
| Face Detection Focus | Yes vs Yes | Useful for portraits |
| Max Resolution | 24 MP vs 20 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0fps vs 5.4fps | Fast shooting speeds |
| Microphone Port | Yes vs Yes | High-quality audio recording option |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes vs Yes | Creative shooting |
| AE Bracketing | Yes vs Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Selfie Friendly LCD | Yes vs Yes | Rotate LCD for taking Selfies |
Size Comparison
As far as size goes, the Pentax K-S2 is 1mm narrower and 6mm shorter than the Nikon D5500. However, it is also 3mm thicker. Despite the size difference, the Nikon D5500 is significantly lighter. It weighs 258g less than the Pentax K-S2.
Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-S2 – Comparison
Sensor Comparison
The Nikon D5500 has a 24.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features an Expeed 4 processor. Meanwhile, the Pentax K-S2 has a 20.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features the PRIME MII processor.
What both sensors have in common, outside of the APS-C, is that both the Pentax K-S2 and Nikon D5500 sensors lack anti-alias (Low-Pass) filters. Moreover, they provide the same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.
However, since the Pentax K-S2 has a 20% larger pixel area (18.37µm2 vs 15.28µm2) compared to the Nikon D5500, it has the potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
Why You Should Choose The Nikon D5500
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Max Sensor Resolution | 24 MP vs 20 MP | 19% more pixels |
| Number of Focus Points | 39 vs 11 | 28 more focus points |
| LCD Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2 inches larger display |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 1.037k dots vs 921k dots | 12% higher resolution screen |
| Battery Life | 820 shots vs 410 shots | 410 more frames with a single charge |
| Weight | 420 g vs 678 g | 258 g lighter |
Advantages of the Nikon D5500 Over Pentax K-S2
- Megapixels – 4.1 more megapixels. For printing big and cropping, the Nikon D5500 is a much better choice.
- AF Points – 39 vs 11.
- LCD – 3.2″ vs 3.0″.
- LCD Resolution – Higher resolution
- Touchscreen Support
- JPEG Buffer Size – 100 vs 28.
- Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/200 vs 1/180.
- Battery Life – 820 shots vs 410 shots.
- Weight – The Nikon D5500 weighs 268g less.
Video: Nikon D5500 Hands-on Review
Why You Should Choose The Pentax K-S2
| Built-in Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift vs None | All the lenses are stabilized |
| Max ISO | 51.200 vs 25.600 | 100% higher Max ISO |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% vs 95% | More accurate viewfinder |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/6000s vs 1/4000s | Faster shutter speed |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.4fps vs 5.0fps | 0.4 fps faster |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Sensor Pixel Area | 18.37µm2 vs 15.28µm2 | 20% larger pixel area |
| Price | $597 vs $700 | $103 cheaper |
| AE Bracketing Range | ±5 EV vs ±2 EV | Wide Bracketing range is useful for HDR |
| Optical Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism vs Pentamirror | Pentaprism Viewfinders are brighter than Pentamirror type |
| NFC Connection | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
| AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune) | Yes vs No | Adjust each lens for more accurate focusing |
| Anti Alias Filter Simulator | Yes vs No | Turn on Anti Alias filter effect to minimise Moire |
| Smartphone_remote control | Yes vs No | Remote control your camera with a smartphone |
Advantages of the Pentax K-S2 Over the Nikon D5500
- AA Filter – You can turn it on and off.
- Body Image Stabilization – The Pentax K-S2 has built-in body stabilization for photos and videos, which is an excellent feature for traveling and shooting in low light.
- ISO – 51,200 vs 25,600. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.
- Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).
- Viewfinder Coverage – 100% vs 95%.
- Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.
- Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/6000 vs 1/4000.
- Built-in NFC
- Environmentally Sealed – The Pentax K-S2 is much better for shooting outdoors in difficult terrain and bad weather conditions.