Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera Review

The Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera is a sports camera that’s been made to shoot excellent quality pictures under even the roughest circumstances.

With an exterior and lens that have been made to endure varying weather conditions, you won’t have to pray for the best when you leave home. Even fog and rainy weather can’t put a stop to the artistic mission of this camera.

The sturdy design means you can pack it in a backpack or leave it hanging from your belt as you go about your hobbies.

Of course, there are downsides to every camera. To ensure you won’t have to invest in various upgrades, this camera comes packed to the brim with different shooting modes.

However, all those features have to go somewhere and the overall weight of this camera goes to show that there are downsides to this approach.

Perhaps because of this increased weight, you’ll find that this is a very durable DSLR camera. But is this weight the straw that will break the photographer’s back, or does this camera have enough redeeming qualities to become your traveling companion?

We found out and are excited to share the results with you, so be sure to read on and discover what’s amazing about the Pentax K-70.

Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 2 lbs.
• How many megapixels: 24MP APS-C.
• Flash Type: 6 different flash types, including flash on, red-eye reduction, slow speed sync, slow speed sync + red-eye reduction, slow speed trailing curtain sync / trailing curtain sync (depending on model), and manual flash discharge.
• Display Size: 3 inches.
• Display Resolution: 921,000 RGB dots.
• Optical Zoom: 1x.
• Viewfinder Type: Optical viewfinder.

Accessories

If you’re trying to be the best DSLR camera available for the adventuring photographer, you don’t want to hold down your users with plenty of accessories.

The accessories included with your camera might feel like it’s lacking, with just one Lithium-ion battery and a charger added in the box, but when that’s all you need, it’s pretty impressive.

Those ready to take on the world with a heavier camera are free to upgrade their Pentax K-70 with extra accessories, but you’ll find that taking high quality pictures is easy with just the basic model as well.

Features

Excellent Image Quality

With 24.2 M effective pixels, you know this camera is off to a good start. Thanks to the powerful accelerator, you’ll find that any noise when taking shots is canceled and your color comes out richer, even at a higher ISO.

If you want to be sure you’re getting the right kind of color at crucial moments, the color shift resolution takes four nearly identical shots and layers these, resulting in the best true color experience you could hope for.

Shake Reduction

When this camera is cited as a favorite during rock climbing trips or for a demanding bike ride, it comes as no surprise that certain features have been set in place to meet your demand for quality.

With the shake reduction, it’s easier to find stability in your pictures, especially when you’re dangling off a cliff side or casually taking a shot while walking.

This compensation is in play even when you’re zooming in, so be sure to take full advantage of this feature.

Weather Resistant DSLR

Further tuning in to its status as a camera for adventuring photographers, the Pentax K-70 Weather Sealed DSLR Camera is resistant to all sorts of weather.

No more fear in taking your camera outdoors, since this Pentax was made to take a walk on the wild side.

Whether you’re taking a stroll in a fine drizzle or camping in a storm that’s kicking up some grit, this camera can handle anything you throw at it.

It handles temperatures between 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t have to worry about operating your camera in extreme temperatures.

LCD Night Vision

This feature comes in handy especially for astrophotographers, or those looking to capture realistic images of the night.

The night-vision red light display function doesn’t interfere with your eyes or your surroundings, allowing you to capture the perfect nighttime photo.

High-Quality Video

While this camera is mostly geared towards adventure photography, it does have the capability to shoot in video. 4K video to be exact.

This is great for the photographer who occasionally wants to dabble between videography and photography, or for those looking for another way to capture memories along with photos.

Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera Review

The Positives

Compatible With External Microphone

An upgrade from earlier versions, the K-70 can connect to external microphones. This allows you to move beyond the usual (and overall less satisfying) sound of any built-in microphones and instead gives your videos a new depth of life.

While not the most useful aspect for those who aren’t into shooting video, it is a very nice bonus to have.

More for Less

A good DSLR is basically made to pick-up-and-start-shooting. Unlike SLR cameras, you’re not expected to switch out your lens for a new shot or to lug around extras.

Thanks to the many features the Pentax K-70 has to offer, you probably will never even wish for any extras.

This is especially convenient when you understand this is a real outdoors camera, suitable for anyone who loves to go rock climbing or exploring in areas where packing many accessories would be inconvenient.

No Discoloring

There may be some initial worry that the white casing might discolor after long handling, but even after intensive use, we’ve found there’s little to no discoloration.

Testers with more long-term experience back up our view. Using a moist wipe to get rid of any dirt is all you need when things start to look a bit grimy.

Wireless Connectivity

While having Wifi on your camera isn’t a necessity for taking great photos, it does offer quite a bit of added help, especially for the photographer who’s trying to lighten up on their overall load.

Instead of lugging around your laptop, or back-up memory cards, having Wifi built into your camera makes it easy to send photos right to your devices without having to wait until your back at home base, or having to stop your shoot to create more space.

The Wifi capabilities on the Pentax K-70 DSLR also allows users to operate the camera from their smart devices.

You’ll be able to see the viewfinder on the screen of your connected smart device, and you can adjust your shutter speed, ISO, and capture images without having to adjust your camera.

The Negatives

On the Heavier Side

Adding in all the extra modes and features does mean they have to go somewhere, and that translates to extra weight.

At around two pounds, this is one of the heavier DSLR cameras. While the trade-off is obvious – no need to haul around extra accessories that take up valuable space – there is something to be said for a lighter camera when traveling.

While it’s hard to argue with the overall durability of the K-70, the weight can make it a con for people who decide they don’t need most of the added features.

Limited Subject Tracking

It’s mostly intended for taking along on sport activities that you perform yourself, and not necessarily for sports that you’re capturing for others.

So, you’ll find that subject and motion tracking doesn’t come easily to this camera. If you’re interested in capturing views from exotic places or just nice sights along your local biking route, then this is still a pretty good camera.

However, if you’re more interested in capturing the grand finale of a race, this camera is likely to disappoint. Like many things in life, it will come down to what you really need this camera to do for you.

Wobbly Video

This camera may be able to shoot in high-quality video, but those looking to shoot some serious movie footage may be disappointed.

The Pentax K-70 is more suited for photographers who want to shoot the occasional movie since users found this camera to lack in focus when it comes to video shots, making their movies come out a bit wobbly.

While the quality is great, getting a proper focus on your subject (and keeping it that way) seems to be a challenge.

Not a big con for photographers, but could be a concern for those with a passion for filming too.

Overall Verdict

Few cameras have their target audience so well defined as the Pentax K-70 Weather Sealed DSLR Camera.

With its many features that work in tandem to provide the best quality in rough conditions, it’s no wonder the sporty photographer ends up taking this camera along.

The resistance to rough weather and stabilizing feature in particular make for a camera that’s ready for a rough tumble any day of the week.

In conclusion of our Pentax K-70 review, we can say that this camera is perfectly suited for the active photographer.

If you’re more interested in getting shots of people who are being active, this is likely not a match for you. In the same spirit, those who only need a very basic camera might not want to haul around two pounds of tech with them if it can be done with a lighter version.

Nonetheless, if you’re ready to get some great shots in special places, this is one camera that’s hard to beat.

Where to Buy the Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera

Pentax has been around for decades, and while other camera brands may be dominating the market with products geared to all levels of photographers, Pentax shows they know their customers by offering more fine-tuned options like the Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera.

Their products have received rave reviews from customers, photographers, and enthusiasts, and they’ve stayed true to their classic style while introducing modern features that aren’t too over-the-top.

Thanks to their success and popularity, cameras like the Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera can be found through retailers both in-store and online.

It’s usually best to check photography, tech, and department stores, or you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• BH Photo Video (from $594)
• Adorama (from $594)

And of course, you can also find this camera on Amazon.

That’s all for our Pentax K-70 review.  Adventurous enough to give it a go?