Table of Contents
amazon Pentax K-70 reviews
Introduction
Through the epoch of digital cameras, Pentax has somehow kept many DSLR market segments alive. The flagship is represented by the K-3 II, termed semi-pro, having high speed and almost high-end features, being Full Frame in design but APS-C in implementation. Another segment is represented by the K-S1 Pentax camera, focused on new students to the DSLR, a simpler design with fewer complex options. The midrange segment, aimed mostly towards home use, is represented by the K-50, K-S2 and now K-70.
More than a camera for the semi-pros, it does, however, have casual confidence to act as a camera for the beginner-lens segment. Rather than labeling this or that, it does make quite a punch with 24-MP APS-C sensor; another ‘K’ of the K-3 II and K-1 series, so powerful and full of details. A camera for anyone with an interest in photography that won’t compromise or raise the banner for the top dog; K-70 is about mobility and soooo much potential.
Not much debt the K-70 cannot spare: it enjoys quite some privileges for a mid-range camera. Besides those designs (peculiar to low-entry ranges of Pentax) like dual-wheel steering and extensively high-resolution translate-rotative LCD can be powered on in its absence for quad-pixel image-upsampling, 14-bit color depth RAW shooting, and -first for Pentax- phase-locked autofocus in video.
Features and specifications
The Pentax K-70 midrange DSLR packs tricks from the state-of-the-art K-3 II DSLR, as well as some advanced features first introduced in the K-1 full-frame model. These “oversized shirts” are bound to bring special advantages to their segment competitors.
24-megapixel sensor, no anti-aliasing filter
The 24-megapixel DSLR signifies Pentax’s first-ever mid-range camera with an APS-C sensor ever capable of realizing that amount of resolution – quite a leap from the 20.2-megapixel sensor of the K-S2. Higher resolution allows for extreme cropping of images and larger prints with ease, having no need to remove the “AA” anti-aliasing filter for best possible image quality. Nevertheless, when needed, the anti-aliasing filter simulator will help reduce the moire.
The so-called super-resolution pixel shift mode has been implemented in the K-70, just like in the Pentax K-3 II and K-1, to enhance sensor image quality. In this mode, the camera shoots about four “stills” in a single image, using an anti-vibration mechanism to help physically displace the sensor slightly so that each pixel can be signaled by four separate images. The image signals are then combined into one. The final image will exhibit more sharpness and color saturation than one taken in the conventional manner.
However, taking data from four different spots makes it less suitable for general photography, with the exception of cases where the subject has some movement; that is where this feature is not really a good choice.
To put it plainly, the K-70 does not inherit full K-1 capabilities: it is often marked “Motion Correction” in “Pixel Shift.” When you turn this option on, it automatically somewhat corrects the motion of the subject between the 04 original images. But don’t expect any miracles when it comes to manually using Pixel Shift for moving subjects.
Like the K-1, the “Motion Correction” can be manipulated after the take in the software supporting the Pentax Digital Camera Utility by interpolating to account for the motion.
Phase-based AF sensor system
The K-70 is Pentax’s first DSLR camera – indeed, the first Pentax camera to use phase-matching AF technology for live view and movie shooting. Theoretically, this technology helps in obtaining fast and accurate focus, particularly for moving subjects, but in real practical usage this new system has somehow let us down.
Weather Resistance
You can count on dozens of Pentax cameras with weather resistant seals at various levels; the K-70 is no exception. Coupled with 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AF [IF] DC WR lens, this syncs up to give bad weather-proof resistance; take your shots freely in rain, wind, or snow.
Two-Wheel Controls
Two wheel controls are a must for any photographer, and the K-70 does just that. Like the Pentax K-3 II and Pentax K-S2, fully customizable front and rear, you can adjust your speed, aperture, ISO, and other settings without going deep into the menu. The second dial wheel makes it easier to operate during review or while setting advanced parameters in the menu.
These two wheel controls come in handy on P mode for dialing in your speed or aperture and back out without having to change modes.
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In-body anti-vibration
With the in-body anti-vibration system, all lenses, including handheld and third-party autofocus lenses, become stabilized. This system controls movement of the sensor across three axes and is able to counteract vibrations up to 4.5 stops. Just a bit better than the Pentax K-S2, we did not see any noticeable difference under practical situations.
This effectively means that you can take manual shots with your still camera in very low lighting without having to invest on anti-vibration lenses.
Flip screen
Bad weather does not affect the screen. Rather it can be pushed into four different positions; it rotates at 180 degrees away from the camera body, can fold in or rotate forward toward the photographer. (Of course, it is great for “self-portrait” shots although the camera lacks a specific self-timer such as in the K-S2).
Built-in Wi-Fi
The K-70 along with the Ricoh Image Sync app (for iOS and Android) turns the “smartphone” into a live view screen, a remote command for capturing pictures, and an upload source for photos to be sent to the phone. Along with the K-1 and K-S2, the K-70 is also one of the first Pentax cameras to come with built-in wifi instead of utilizing Flucard as its predecessors.
Hi-fi sound and Micro port
The competent microphone port of the Pentax K-70 records sound quality and has a built-in microphone jack. Coupled with improved video recording features such as autofocus and customizable shooting light, it almost doubles as HD in sound quality.
Wide compatibility of any and all types of lenses
The usage of the K-70 is therefore not strictly limited to those with K-mounts (genuine or others) since any type of K-mount lens can be used on it. The M42 lenses can also use a minor switch here. This demonstrates that it (K-70) can handle thousands of different lenses have been manufactured on it over few decades, many of these with great value.
Lenses from the A series and autofocus (F and FA series) lenses do not require restrictions for usage. Hand-held lenses will also be metered and supported for focus and light.