Pentax K-70 Review
Versus Other Bodies
Having trouble deciding between the K-70 and other options from Pentax, like the K-S2 or K-3 II? Here’s what you need to know.
K-70 vs. K-S2
This one’s pretty easy, since the K-70 offers pretty much everything the K-S2 offers, and then some. It hasn’t lost any of the K-S2’s major features, and it has improved on it in several key areas.
- + Higher-resolution 24-megapixel sensor
- + Higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 102,400)
- + Slightly faster burst shooting
- + Pixel Shift “super-resolution” mode
- + Customizable control panel
- + On-sensor PDAF points (video only)
- + Continuous autofocus during video recording
- + Outdoor View / Night Vision LCD settings
- + Larger, reprofiled front grip
- (-) No NFC
Since the K-70 (body-only) is currently selling for just $100 more than the K-S2, we think its improved image quality alone makes it a no-brainer. Of course, as the K-S2 goes out of stock at more stores, the choice will be made for you. If you already own a K-S2 and are satisfied with its performance, however, you should probably hold station until a more significant upgrade arrives.
Learn more in our Pentax K-S2 review
K-70 vs. K-3 II
The K-3 II is superior in many ways to the K-70—from autofocus, to ergonomics, to professional features—but the K-70 hangs tough in terms of image quality, and may even outdo the older APS-C flagship in certain ways.
- + Articulating LCD
- + In-camera clarity enhancement
- + Customizable control panel
- + Motion Compensation in Pixel Shift mode
- + Higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 102,400)
- + Built-in WiFi
- + Updated menu system
- + On-sensor PDAF points (video only)
- + Continuous autofocus during video recording
- + Outdoor View / Night Vision LCD settings
- (-) Slower burst shooting
- (-) Fewer AF points
- (-) Less advanced metering sensor
- (-) Smaller LCD
- (-) Shorter battery life
- (-) Plastic body shell
Arriving a full year plus after the K-3 II, the K-70 enjoys some obvious benefits thanks purely to the ceaseless march of time. These include the updated menu system and nifty new features like the outdoor/night vision LCD settings. The other advantage it has is the new sensor, which may outperform the K-3 II’s in certain situations. But for more advanced users, there’s little question that the K-3 II’s added battery life, tougher build, superior ergonomics, more plentiful physical controls, and more advanced autofocus system will make it the obvious choice.
