The Pentax K-70 is dustproof, weatherproof and cold-proof down to -10 degrees Centigrade. PENTAX is pitching the dustproof,
weather-resistant and cold-resistant K-70 at the outdoor photography market.
However, the K-70’s specs suggest it’s an all-rounder suited to a much wider range of subjects.
Its 24-megapixel APS-C sensor has no anti-aliasing filter,but an AA Filter Simulator that applies microscopic vibrations to
imitate the effect of a physical filter. This is made possible by Pentax’s five-axis Sensor Shift system. This can cut camera
shake and is used for a Pixel Shift Resolution mode for better colour and definition in ultra-fine detail. Pentax has also added hybrid contrast and phase detection autofocus in Live View mode.
The PENTAX K-70 features a new accelerator unit, which has been designed to optimize the newly developed, high-performance noise-processing technology. In combination with the PRIME MII imaging engine, this unit effectively reduces noise to a minimum, even during super-high sensitivity shooting at ISO 102400 (standard output sensitivity). This combination not only improves image quality at more commonly used sensitivities, but also delivers beautifully depicted images at higher sensitivities by minimizing graininess. As the result, it expands the boundaries of low-illumination photography.
The K-70’s square body and square-shaped grip are purely functional: it’s compact, easy to grip and the controls are all in the
right places, but it’s not really a thing of beauty. The twin control dials make it handy for experts who want to make adjustments quickly and the mode dial’s Sv (Sensitivity Priority) and TAv (Shutter and Aperture Priority) effectively bring
the ISO setting into the ‘exposure triangle’ on the main mode dial.
The kit lens has a long focal range, is weather-resistant and has a non-rotating front element, so it’s perfect for use with filters. It’s also relatively fast, smooth and quiet.
Our lab results show that the Pentax K-70 is clearly capable of good results,but the 18-135mm kit lens has poor edge definition throughout the zoom and aperture range. K-70 buyers might be better off purchasing it in body-only form and then investing
in more expensive glassware.The default multi-pattern exposure metering does a reliable job and the auto white balance system
strikes a good balance between correcting colour casts and preserving the atmosphere.
Sensor APS-C CMOS sensor,
23.5 x 15.6mm, 24.2MP
Lenses Pentax KAF2
Memory SD/SDHC/SDXC, UHS-I
Viewfinder Optical pentaprism,
0.95x, 100%
Max video resolution 1,920 x 1,080
ISO range 100-102,400
Autofocus points 11 (9 cross-type)
Max burst rate 6fps
Screen 3-inch vari-angle, 921,000 dots
Shutter speeds 1/6,000 sec to
30 sec, Bulb
Weight 688g
Dimensions 126 x 93 x 74mm
(body only)
Power supply D-LI109 lithium-ion
battery, 410 shots
