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Pentax K-70 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Pentax K-70

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    Main Features

    • 24MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
    • ISO 100 - 102400
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
    • 6.0 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 688g. 126 x 93 x 74 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Pentax K-70 Overview

    First introduced in June 2016 , Pentax K-70 is a 24.0MP Entry-Level DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization , Fully articulated screen and Pentax KAF2 lens mount.

    Pentax K-70 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Pentax K-70 has an Overall Score of 76/100 and ranked #26 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #82 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Pentax K-70 Physical Specs
    Pentax K-70 weighs 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz) and has external dimensions of 126 x 93 x 74 mm (4.94 x 3.66 x 2.91″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 74mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K-70
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    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K-70
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    Here is the front and top view image of Pentax K-70 with the dimensions:

    Pentax K-70 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax K-70 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax K-70, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Pentax K-70 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Pentax K-70 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Pentax K-70 with its main competitors:

    Pentax K-70 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs K-70 Thickness vs K-70
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax KP
    Compare
    703g 15g heavier 76mm 2mm thicker
    Pentax K-70 Camera Nikon D5600
    Compare
    465g 223g lighter 70mm 4mm thinner
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-S2
    Compare
    678g 10g lighter 73mm 1mm thinner
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-3 II
    Compare
    800g 112g heavier 77mm 3mm thicker
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-3
    Compare
    800g 112g heavier 77mm 3mm thicker
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    650g 38g lighter 71mm 3mm thinner
    Pentax K-70 Camera Nikon D7500
    Compare
    720g 32g heavier 73mm 1mm thinner
    Pentax K-70 Camera Nikon D3500
    Compare
    365g 323g lighter 70mm 4mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Pentax K-70 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Pentax K-70 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Pentax K-70 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Pentax K-70 Sensor and Photography Features

    Pentax K-70 has a 24.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features PRIME MII processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. K-70 has a native ISO range of 100 - 102400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Pentax K-70 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax K-70 vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    High Resolution Mode

    Pentax K-70 has a special High Resolution mode where the camera takes multiple images of a scene while moving its sensor using the sensor shift image stabilization system and combine them automatically to create a much higher resolution image. This feature works best with static scenes and using a tripod is a must to minimize stitching artifacts.

    Anti-Aliasing Filter

    Another important feature about Pentax K-70's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes. But wait! K-70 takes care of this problem for you. It has a unique and adjustable Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator mode which can create the effects of a Low Pass filter electronically when you want to avoid moire.

    Let's look at how the size of the Pentax K-70's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Pentax K-70 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Pentax K-70 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Pentax K-70 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Pentax K-70 has a Pentax KAF2 lens mount and currently there are 151 native lenses available for this mount. Pentax K mount has backward compatibility for all the K mount lenses produced since 1975 so Pentax users has access to a large selection of manual era native lenses in addition to the modern AF lenses.

    K-70 also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on K-70. Pentax claims that the image stabilization of K-70 is effective up to 4.5 stops. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 24 lenses with weather sealing for K-70 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Pentax K-70 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses for Pentax K-70
    Model Focal Length on K-70 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 Lens Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4
    75mm 35mm FF 220gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD Pentax  DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 466gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
    27-75mm APS-C / DX 158gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Lens HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
    36-105mm 35mm FF 787gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW Lens Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW
    105-300mm 35mm FF 1755gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 471gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc DA 50mm F1.8 Lens Pentax smc DA 50mm F1.8
    75mm 35mm FF 122gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM
    27-405mm APS-C / DX 453gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Pentax K-70 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Pentax K-70 LCD and Viewfinder

    Pentax K-70 has a Fully Articulated 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Pentax K-70 back view and LCD

    For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Pentax K-70 will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of K-70's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.


    K-70 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.63x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Pentax K-70 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Pentax K-70 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our K-70. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect K-70 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Pentax K-70 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 410 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Pentax K-70 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend K-70 owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K-70
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Pentax K-x with its 1900shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax K-70 vs Pentax K-x or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Pentax K-70 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax KP
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 390shots Yes No No
    Pentax K-70 Camera Nikon D5600
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 820shots Yes Yes Yes
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-S2
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots Yes No Yes
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-3 II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 720shots No No No
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-3
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 560shots No No No
    Pentax K-70 Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots No No No
    Pentax K-70 Camera Nikon D7500
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 950shots Yes Yes No
    Pentax K-70 Camera Nikon D3500
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1550shots No Yes No

    Pentax K-70 Video Features

    With Pentax K-70, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60i,50i,30p,25p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Pentax K-70 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    K-70 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Pentax K-70 also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Pentax K-70 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Pentax K-70 can shoot continuously at max speed of 6.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/6000 sec.

    Flash

    K-70 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Pentax K-70 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 11 focus points and 9 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

    Pentax K-70 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Astro Tracer

    Pentax K-70 has a creative Astro Tracer mode where the camera utilizes its GPS and sensor shift mechanism to track the motion of the stars and creates a long exposure image without visible star trails. This makes K-70 one of the best equipped camera for Astrophotography.

    Pentax K-70 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax K-70 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    Full HD Video
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    24.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    102.400 Max ISO
    11 Focus Points
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    1/6000s High Shutter Speed
    6.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    External Microphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    9 Cross Type Focus Points
    Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV
    Flash Sync Port
    Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen
    Sensor Shift High Resolution Mode
    Anti Alias Filter Simulator
    Astro Tracer feature for Astrophotography
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Compatible with fast UHS-I cards
    Report a correction

    Buy Pentax K-70 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Touch Screen
    Low Battery Life: 410 shots
    Heavy Body: 688g
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Pentax K-70 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Pentax K-70 in 5 different photography areas.

    Pentax K-70 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K-70 has a score of 70 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-70 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K-70 for Street Photography

    Pentax K-70 has a score of 88 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Fully Articulated LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-70 for Street Photography

    Pentax K-70 for Sports Photography

    Pentax K-70 has a score of 84 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/6000s
    9 Cross Type Focus sensors
    11 Focus Points
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-70 for Sports Photography

    Pentax K-70 for Daily Photography

    Pentax K-70 has a score of 71 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    688g
    Body Thickness 74mm

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-70 for Daily Photography

    Pentax K-70 for Landscape Photography

    Pentax K-70 has a score of 47 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-70 for Landscape Photography
    Pentax K-70 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Pentax K-70 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax K-70 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Pentax K-70

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax K-70 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Pentax KP
    Pentax KP
    Compare
    Nikon D5600
    Nikon D5600
    Compare
    Pentax K-S2
    Pentax K-S2
    Compare
    Pentax K-3 II
    Pentax K-3 II
    Compare
    Pentax K-3
    Pentax K-3
    Compare
    Pentax K-50
    Pentax K-50
    Compare
    Nikon D7500
    Nikon D7500
    Compare
    Nikon D3500
    Nikon D3500
    Compare

    Pentax K-70 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Pentax K-70 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Pentax K-70's price range.

    Sony A7R
    Sony A7R
    Compare
    Canon M50 II
    Canon M50 II
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T200
    Fujifilm X-T200
    Compare
    Canon M50
    Canon M50
    Compare
    Panasonic G85
    Panasonic G85
    Compare
    Sony A7
    Sony A7
    Compare
    Panasonic GX8
    Panasonic GX8
    Compare
    Olympus E-M5 II
    Olympus E-M5 II
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax K-70
    Does the Pentax K-70 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Pentax K-70 have RAW support?
    Does the Pentax K-70 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Pentax K-70 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Pentax K-70?
    What is the Sensor Size of Pentax K-70?
    is the Pentax K-70 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Pentax K-70 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Pentax K-70 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax K-70?
    What is the Weight of Pentax K-70?
    What are the Dimensions of Pentax K-70?
    Pentax K-70 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Pentax
    Model Pentax K-70
    Announced 2016-06-08
    Body Type Compact SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Pentax KAF2
    Number of Lenses 151
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/6000s
    Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
    Flash Modes Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on, flash + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 366.60mm2
    Sensor Resolution 24 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000
    Max Native ISO 102,400
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 11
    Number of Cross Focus Points 9
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 688g
    Physical Dimensions 126 x 93 x 74mm
    Battery Life 410 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 secs, continuous)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Optional
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
    Storage Slots 1


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