Why a ks|2? What changed?

 The K-5.ii series was my ideal camera at the time. At that time dSLRs ruled, it was the adolescent years for µ43, Sony renamed the NEX system as αlphα thereby abusing its own A-mount users, and Fujifilm was introducing the X system. Not to mention. . . . -Oops: start again-

The K-5.ii /.iiS was my ideal camera at the time. The K-5 was quite amazing, but the II series added an AF system with accuracy to EV-3 and 'stickiness' to AF point selection in continuous AF. The gapless screen on the back really improved the view. The AstroTracer on the K-5 bodies was also quite cool! And for what it's worth, the dXo score of 82 is the highest Pentax aps/c mark yet (though the K3/3 will probably claim that crown soon).

Future developments brought the K-3: it was a bit larger, annoyed purists with the "RICOH" logo on the back, and bumped up resolution.  A few cool features dropped in like composite modes (and later PixelShift in the 3.ii model). The AF switch became a switch and button, but no massive changes to its workings.

Developments also brought the K-S1: it was tiny, with a 'tweener 20Mpx chip - and dropped most everything Pentax dSLRs were known for (weather seals, two control dials.. even auto image rotation!). I bought one (OK maybe two) but could not manage the differences. I sure wanted to like it though, as the 20Mpx sensor impressed me and the new multi-WB feature sounded intriguing.

The K-3 series continues to this day, but the KS series made one more move (the KS|2) before restoring Pentax numerical tradition with the K70 (rendering the KS bodies as K∙60 stand-ins). Pentax referred to the S series as special/experimental/tech demo - so consider the K70 as the fruit of the KS labors.

Now - what makes the K70 a bump from the K62 -er KS|2? It got the 24Mpx sensor, more memory for image buffer and fps boost, and added a couple of features like the red night-view screen & an extra (unuseable but available) stop to iso 102400. Ah, it has 14-bit raw* instead of mere 12-bit depth on the K62.. important but not a deal-break for such as me. AF, VF, battery and battery life - all the same.

So is the K62 a loser? 

Not at all - it's the only NFC-enabled Pentax, for one. And the only 20Mpx with wx seals - claimed as the smallest and lightest sealed dSLR, though the K70 isn't behind by much there. And the earliest K-body with clarity adjustment in-camera!

In other words: it's the full* K-5iis imaging feature-set plus newer-tech composites and components. and a flip screen. It uses the smaller Li-109 battery not the Li90 so a second battery will be needed. Sounds good enough for me.

If it can be tarred with any brush, that would be for the cheap capacitor used for aperture actuation. Since failure of that part has been an issue with every K# body from 30 to 70 it's the biggest stain in Pentax' collection and shared by many. When the time comes, my soldering iron will be ready.

The K-S2 is a rare item in the Pentax stable: something I haven't owned before! Let me count the ways (as a mercy to myself I'll not be counting dup/triplicates - APS.c bodies with SR only).

Power flickers.. resume via tablet!

from Wikipedia listing (less K-1 series):

Pentax K100D (2006–2007)

Pentax K10D (2006–2008)

Pentax K100D Super (2007–2008)

Pentax K200D (2008–2009)

Pentax K20D (2008–2009)

Pentax K2000 (in U.S.) (2008–2009)

Pentax K-7 (2009–2010)

Pentax K-x (2009–2011)

Pentax K-r (2010–2012)

Pentax K-5 (2010–2012)

Pentax K-01 (2012–2013) .. not a dSLR but I still had.. 3? wow :√/

Pentax K-30 (2012–2013)

Pentax K-5 II (2012–2014)

Pentax K-5 IIs (2012–2014)

Pentax K-50 (2013–2016)

Pentax K-500 (2013–2014)

Pentax K-3 (2013–2015)

Pentax K-S1 (2014–2016)

Pentax K-S2 (2015–present)

Pentax K-3 II (2015–2018)

Pentax K-70 (2016–present)

Pentax KP (2017–present)

Pentax K-3 III (2021–)

So clearly it's about time I tried one!

*yes, the 14-bit raw file. I'll need to examine some samples to be properly impressed. Other fine features such as 3-way AF switch and top data panel are useful but not quite part of the imaging.

Swapping out the xT100 for a K-S2

what changes?

definite big gains:

• weather seals 
• internal IS
• no AA filter
• familiar control dials (front+back, not both in back set 90° apart)
• has nearly all of the K-5ii 'bonus features'
• green button for quick manual metering
• overall speed / performance
• budget: far cheaper than xT3 or xH1 for WR, int.IS

decent gains:

• TAv and Sv options
• true compatibility with the 50/85/135 not just adapted
• regained AstroTracer feature (option)
• flip screen only loses to KP and K-1
• better grip than my flat xT100

.. consider a draw?

• microphone input, AF, viewfinder
• dXo sensor scores (+xT by 4 or 5 pts)
• battery life (425 for xT - 410 w/half flash 480 w/o)
• pixel count (+xT - but 20Mpx sensor =no AA!)
• WiFi.. perhaps (nfc vs BT)

noteworthy losses:

• tilt screen is now a multi flip - not my fave
• no in-body charging
• no 4k photo extraction
• silent mode, fast eShutter speeds
• overall size/weight