Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.
The four rival cameras we chose for this comparison are the Nikon D3300, Canon 700D and Panasonic G6.
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.
JPEG dynamic range
Analysis: The Pentax falls roughly in the middle of the group for JPEG dynamic range, though it's worth noting that it does have an opitonal 200% dynamic range option which works alongside the ISO adjustment.
RAW (converted to TIFF) dynamic range
Analysis: The raw dynamic range results are more impressive, placing the Pentax K-S1 right at the top of the group, closely matching the results of the Canon 700D.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
Analysis: The Pentax shows very good noise control in JPEG images, beating both the Nikon D3300 and Canon 700D and closely matching the Panasonic G6.
RAW (converted to TIFF) signal to noise ratio
Analysis: The Pentax's signal to noise ratio is equally impressive in its raw files. It's at the top of the charts again, this time matched by the Canon 700D.
