Canon EOS 700D vs. Pentax K-S2: A Comprehensive Comparison of Lenses and Performance

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options in the market. If you’re looking for a versatile camera that can capture a wide range of subjects, the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Pentax K-S2 with Pentax HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE are excellent contenders. Both cameras offer a blend of affordability, ease of use, and decent image quality, making them popular choices for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
This in-depth comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, exploring their key features, image quality, performance, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camera best suits your needs and budget.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D is a popular DSLR that was released in 2013. It features an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor, a 9-point autofocus system, and a 3-inch LCD screen. It’s known for its user-friendly design and reliable performance.
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This versatile lens offers a wide zoom range, making it suitable for various photography genres, from landscapes to portraits to everyday snapshots. It also features image stabilization and a stepping motor for smooth and silent autofocus.
Pentax K-S2: The Pentax K-S2 is a weather-sealed DSLR released in 2015. It boasts a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, a 11-point autofocus system, and a 3-inch tilting LCD screen. It’s known for its rugged build and advanced features, including in-body image stabilization.
Pentax HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE: This kit lens is a compact and lightweight option that offers a decent zoom range. It features weather resistance and a smooth autofocus system, making it suitable for everyday photography.

Key Features: A Detailed Comparison

Sensor and Image Quality:

• Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D utilizes an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor, which delivers good image quality with decent dynamic range and low light performance. While it may not be as advanced as newer models, it still produces pleasing results for everyday photography and prints.
• Pentax K-S2: The Pentax K-S2 boasts a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, offering slightly higher resolution than the Canon EOS 700D. It also has a wider dynamic range and better low light performance, allowing you to capture more detail in shadows and highlights.

Autofocus System:

• Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D features a 9-point autofocus system, which is adequate for general photography but may struggle in some situations, especially low light or fast-moving subjects.
• Pentax K-S2: The Pentax K-S2 offers a 11-point autofocus system, providing slightly better performance than the Canon EOS 700D. It also includes a dedicated AF point for center-weighted focusing, which can be helpful for portraits.

Video Capabilities:

• Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D can capture 1080p video at 30fps, offering decent video quality for casual use. It also features a built-in microphone for recording audio.
• Pentax K-S2: The Pentax K-S2 also captures 1080p video at 30fps, but it offers a wider range of frame rates, including 60fps and 24fps. It also features a stereo microphone for better audio recording.

Design and Ergonomics:

• Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D is known for its comfortable grip, well-placed controls, and intuitive menu system. The design is classic and familiar to Canon users.
• Pentax K-S2: The Pentax K-S2 features a more modern and compact design with a textured grip for a secure hold. It also offers a customizable control layout and a tilting LCD screen for easier viewing.

Other Features:

• Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D offers built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control.
• Pentax K-S2: The Pentax K-S2 features in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness, especially in low light conditions. It also has a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging images.

Performance: Real-World Considerations

Autofocus Performance:
In real-world use, the Canon EOS 700D’s autofocus system can be a bit slow and inconsistent, especially in low light conditions. The Pentax K-S2’s autofocus system is generally faster and more reliable, especially with its dedicated center AF point.
Image Stabilization:
The Pentax K-S2’s in-body image stabilization system is a significant advantage, offering noticeable improvement in image sharpness, particularly when shooting handheld in low light or with longer focal lengths. The Canon EOS 700D relies on lens-based image stabilization, which is less effective compared to in-body stabilization.
Battery Life:
Both cameras offer decent battery life, but the Pentax K-S2 generally lasts longer on a single charge, especially when using the in-body image stabilization.
Weather Sealing:
The Pentax K-S2 is weather-sealed, making it more durable and reliable in challenging weather conditions. The Canon EOS 700D lacks weather sealing, limiting its use in rain or dust.

Lens Options: Expanding Your Creative Possibilities

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This versatile lens offers a wide zoom range, making it suitable for a variety of photography genres. Its image stabilization and stepping motor contribute to smooth and silent autofocus. However, it’s not known for its sharpness or low light performance.
Pentax HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE: This kit lens is compact and lightweight, offering a decent zoom range and weather resistance. It provides good image quality for everyday photography but lacks the sharpness and low light performance of more advanced lenses.
Third-Party Lens Options:
Both Canon and Pentax offer a wide range of third-party lenses, providing more affordable alternatives and specialized options for specific photography genres.

Which Camera Wins?

Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Pentax K-S2 with Pentax HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Affordable, user-friendly, reliable performance, decent image quality, good lens selection.
• Cons: Older model, limited autofocus performance, lacks weather sealing, no in-body image stabilization.

Pentax K-S2:

• Pros: Modern design, weather-sealed, in-body image stabilization, better autofocus performance, wider dynamic range, more video options.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive, smaller lens selection, less user-friendly interface.

In Conclusion: Deciding Your Path
If you prioritize affordability, ease of use, and a wide lens selection, the Canon EOS 700D is a solid choice. However, if you value weather sealing, in-body image stabilization, better autofocus performance, and a more modern design, the Pentax K-S2 is the better option.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are beginner-friendly, but the Canon EOS 700D’s user-friendly interface and classic design might be more intuitive for new photographers.
Q: Which camera is better for low light photography?
A: The Pentax K-S2 offers better low light performance due to its larger sensor and in-body image stabilization.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Pentax K-S2’s weather sealing and in-body image stabilization make it a more reliable option for travel photography, especially in unpredictable conditions.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: Both cameras are capable of capturing wildlife, but the Pentax K-S2’s faster autofocus system and better low light performance would be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Q: Which camera offers more creative control?
A: The Pentax K-S2 offers more creative control with its customizable settings, advanced features, and wider range of shooting modes.