| Author: | | New Member Registered: February, 2023 Posts: 4 | | Review Date: February 7, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $535.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | It's a tank, WR put to the test, articulated screen | | Cons: | No battery grip, low usable ISO despite the high range | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 7
New or Used: New
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Before purchasing it, I did some research, looking for the best camera with the features I wanted. I started my photography journey with my father's Pentax ME Super, and I really enjoyed the brand. And looking from all brands and all cameras, here she came:
24MP, WR, high ISO, Shake Reduction, pentaPRISM, fully articulated screen.
All thoose feature in other brands were available only beyond some thousands money, and Pentax included all of them under 600 bucks with 18-55 (WR TOO) kit lens, WOW (maybe I also had the fortune to find the right deal in the right moment).
I brought her everywere, with sand, snow and heavy rain; and she didn't flinch even for a moment. With my 69.148 shots taken, in 3 years of usage, the monitor started to switch off even if not in closed position, and the rubber grip of the right hand got a little unstuck, and i think she deserve some SPA service in assistance.
It takes a while to understand your camera body, but when you know every button and small feature even blindfolded, you can reach the images you really want to take.
I think I got almost sentimental, talking about a piece of metal, glass and rubber, but the way I see the world now is only through her, and I really thank her.
 | | | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2022 Location: Centre Val de Loire Posts: 4
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 17, 2022 | Recommended | Price: $740.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Build Quality, User Interface, Features, Value, Image Quality | | Cons: | Heavy, Autofocus (depending on the lens) | | Years Owned: 0.5
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I bought the Pentax K-70 with the SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8.
Its image quality is incredible, overall this camera is excellent, even more so at this price.
The only downsides are that it's a little heavy (688g without lens) and the autofocus isn't perfect, some may have reported to miss some shots, it depends on the lens and the amount of light ; with the DA 55-300mm PLM and settings set to focus priority, autofocus cannot be faster and I rarely miss any shot.
Images are almost noise free under ISO3200 ; a much higher sensitivity may require a bit of denoising.
Everything else is perfect, it has more features than most of other brands (yes, still today in 2022). I love pixel shift resolution, especially on landscapes and stills. Astrotracer sounds great but I haven't the GPS unit.
I highly recommend this camera.
Here is what it's capable in astrophotography (with the 50 mm and untracked!):
Orion
Andromeda
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: November, 2019 Location: Kalymnos Posts: 2,944
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 24, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Ergonomics, features, value, built quality, size, image quality | | Cons: | loud shutter | | Years Owned: 1+
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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I bought the k-70/18-55wr kit with some extras. I tend to hold a perfect 10 for the absolute, so it's a 9 overall for the APS-C. I have been shooting everything outdoors, from landscapes to street , portraits , abstracts and of course architecture. Very little indoor photography and seldom flash.
The ergonomics are great, deep grip, small size for its weight, handling is fine, I often shoot with one hand and I found no issues. The articulating screen is perfect for outdoors. Dedicated buttons are a nice touch. Image quality is the highest I would opt for, at the price. I've tested competition, only Fuji comes close IMHO. SOOC jpegs are full of detail and color, a deep breath for beginners . Filters are fun to play with. Pixel shift is great. I've used it many times for landscapes and I am impressed. Noise is nearly absent up to the 3200iso point. A little grainy stuff upwards. You can barely expect something from 50000<
Autofocus is far from great. I miss a lot of shots, but it’s nice in full auto. If you’re patient it will bring the better photographer out of you. The WR is serving me well in harsh weather. I love the camera. It’s a heck of a body for less money than it actually could have cost. I strongly recommend it.
| | | | | Custom User Title Registered: January, 2016 Location: Alberta Posts: 6,456
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 6, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $625.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | feature rich compared to other brands at same price point | | Cons: | Still using SAFOX X | | Years Owned: 0.083
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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This camera was purchased to replace my burned out K-S2.
The features the K-70 has over the K-S2 are very exciting!
PixelShift II
4 more MP
14-bit RAW
Noise reduction accelerator unit
Extra stop of shake reduction
'hybrid' AF in live view and video
better buttons and grip
It's actually quite a step forward from the K-S2.
That said, it's unfortunate they have used the same solenoid that has plagued this lines reputation - I don't believe it will be an issue for me, but it's curious why they still use the piece.
Incredible initial offering to new Pentax shooters. It's an 'entry-level' camera that has advanced-level features for entry-level prices.
| | | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: April, 2011 Location: Oxford Posts: 241
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 12, 2020 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Feature rich, excellent sensor, outstanding value for money. | | Cons: | Audible shutter | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Between my partner and myself, we have gone through the K-X, K-R, K-30, K-50, K-S2 and have now settled on the excellent K-70 for our walkabout camera. Although not as 'Professional' as our K-3ii, it creates better image files (lower noise) with it's superior sensor, so has become our go to body for most situations. The adjustable rear screen offers more flexibility, it's less weight to carry around, is ergonomically better than the stylish KP and for approx half the price.
I traded in my K-S2 for the K-70, and although almost identical to look at, the K-70 is in so many respects a superior camera, not least in terms of image quality.
As far as I know, it is the most feature rich 'entry level' camera out there, and outstanding value for money. Coupled with the 0-GSP1, it leaves you wanting for nothing more. It's a brilliant camera!
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2013 Posts: 7
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 3, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | I love the sensor | | Cons: | Not a lot | | Years Owned: 0.5
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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In my defence, I have rated this camera based on the fact that it is Pentax' entry level DSLR and I got it for the price of a GoPro!
My first DSLR was a Pentax K-r and considering I paid more for that 10 years ago than I just did for my K-70 there is no comparison. Just as back then, the K-r was well ahead of other entry level DSLRs so it is with the K-70.
People have knocked the kit lens but I bought this "body only" and hopefully a relatively unoutstanding lens won't detract from my review of an excellent camera.
My workhorse for several years has been the K-5II and I miss the controls and top LCD of that camera but again it cost more than twice as much in the day.
I find the K-70 feels solid and comfortable to hold. The louder shutter is immediately noticeable but not in a jarring manner.
What finally made me pull the trigger on buying the K-70 was an excellent deal and the fact that I wanted an articulating screen to help with those awkward angle shots. I wasn't expecting an excellent improvement in high ISO noise. I have used pictures at 10000 ISO with little to grumble about. I don't know about you but I thought it remarkable.
As mentioned by others, the smaller capacity battery could be considered a problem but the most work my cameras have is a wedding day and because I use my K-5II, K10D and the K-70, battery life has not been an issue and I have spares.
I know the market might demand wide zoom ranges but I often think it would be a good idea to market these with the DA35 f2.4 as a kit option because I've never been a fan of slow, budget zooms and they could lead owners into thinking their new DSLR is poor?
I haven't even tried the pixel shift yet, it'll come, but for the time being I have been very impressed with my K-70.
I know it's a poor review, not my strong point, but imho this camera should be averaging in the 9's for an overall score.
I'm going to try and add a couple of sample pics but not sure how to do that, so fingers crossed. If they show up it was a dance recital performed by my daughter's dance school and I was right at the back using a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 (awesome lens btw)
 IMGP0924
 IMGP1070
 IMGP1128 | | | | | Forum Member Registered: April, 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 72
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 27, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | compact | | Cons: | loud shutter sound | | Years Owned: 2019
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 10
New or Used: New
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As suspected, K70 is a condensed of what Pentax is making today: high resolution sensor with magic colors rendering.
What else?
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: October, 2013 Posts: 94
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 19, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Features, weather sealing, lens compatibility, autofocus | | Cons: | Ergonomically flawed, horrible to handle, feels cheap, 1 year warranty | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 4
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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This is the first of a dozen or so Pentax DSLRs I've owned that I really don't like handling. The main 4-way control on the rear is nothing short of horrible to use. The camera is angular and very uncomfortable to hold. If this is the way Ricoh are going with the brand I can't see myself remaining a customer - however I am still a fan of older Pentax DSLRs and lenses.
The new 18-50mm kit lens is also horrible to handle. I just can't see the point of making such a complicated lens mechanism just to shorten it by a couple of cm. It feels cheap and nasty and liable to break at any time.
Image quality is good as you would expect of a camera in this price bracket, and with the kit lens autofocus is extremely rapid and accurate. High ISO images are remarkably noise-free. The feature list is long and I especially like the remote wifi control via the smartphone app - it's about time Pentax made such a feature available.
It's a very capable camera but the build quality is dubious and the 2-year warranty I've come to expect with Pentax has been cut to just one. I've used Pentax DSLRs for over 10 years and still believe them to be superior to the competition but I can't help feeling standards have been lowered with this model.
Three-frame composite with kit lens hand-held 1/25s,18mm, f9, ISO 200.
 | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: October, 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 212
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 6, 2019 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Pixel shift, Updated 24 MP Sensor, Increased ISO Sensitivity | | Cons: | Smaller Battery than K3, Loud shutter noise | | Years Owned: One Year
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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The K70 has been around for quite a while. I bought it for a backup to my K3 (4 yrs), replacing my K5iis. Having used it quite a bit (shutter count 1121), I can say it is a solid camera. The updated 24 MP sensor does show a minor improvement over the the K3 24 MP sensor. The plastic body is well made (doesn't feel like plastic), and I like the tilt screen.
The K70's higher ISO sensitivity gives me a slight edge over the the K3 in low light . The pixel shift super resolution in the K70 is a real plus. I am using it more often both hand held and tripod (preferred).
The negatives are obvious and they are: 11 point auto focus (I usually manual focus over auto focus with both my cameras), Noisy shutter and dust remover (takes me back to the K20), and D-LI109 battery (I have no less than 2 fully charged batteries on site).
Overall, this camera is a keeper, understanding it's pluses and minuses.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: June, 2014 Location: Springhill Nova Scotia Posts: 381
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 12, 2018 | Not Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 5 |
| Pros: | Takes good photos so no complaints in what it was made for. | | Cons: | Poor battery life, noisy shutter, uncomfortable grip, tilty screen, small rear LCD due to the flippy hinge. | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 4
Build Quality: 5
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 6
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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If you liked the K50 then this camera is right up your alley.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: January, 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 2,832
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 9, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $605.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | 24MPixel at a good price | | Cons: | Not much space to fit your right thumb without pressing something accidently! | | Years Owned: 0.1
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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Still getting to grips with the differences from my K-5, but the outstanding negative factor for me is the ease with which I can (and do) press one or more of the buttons on the back of the camera with my thumb when I simply pick the thing up or bring it to my eye in a hurry. It's really quite unnerving and so unnecessary! It's going to get worse in the winter with gloves on! The camera doesn't have to be that cramped!
I really do like the focus-peaking feature. I use quite a lot of older manual lenses, as much because new replacements are unavailable as anything.
I was really quite disappointed to find my long-serving cable release wouldn't fit my new camera ... I was even more disappointed to find that the "correct item" seems to have been discontinued, with only an infra-red control available, which only works from the front of the camera ... if I'd wanted to take selfies I'd have bought a smartphone!
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2013 Location: Rovaniemi, Finland Posts: 953
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 6, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $550.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Ergonomics, build quality, screen | | Cons: | Battery, maybe? | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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My fiance was getting frustrated with her K-x, specially it´s screen for live view so
i´ve been spending weeks for searching used upgrade. Bought a K-r from ´Bay but it was a hoax and never arrived.
We watched all the reviews from youtube and liked the K-30/50 very much. However she didn´t like the idea of paying 300+€ from used item so i tried to find the cheap, aperture issue ones but not much luck there.
One day i stumbled across a webstore with a "Pentax week" going on and boom, K-70 body for less than 500€ (about 550usd)!
Desision was made quick and the deal was done. Dealer was Finnish, so returning was no problem in the case she didn´t like the camera after all. Main concern was the size/weight, coming from K-x everything seems big.
Camera arrived, and after initial setting up i didn´t touch the camera but watched her playing around and kept telling that if you don´t like it, well send it back. Later that night she said the camera isn´t going anywhere... 
And wow, the thing is a thing of beauty! I use K-5 as my main camera and i´m not gonna loose it, but if i was needing a new one the K-70 would definetly be an option over K-3 and K-P. Love the articulating, sharp screen with focus peaking, it makes live view focusing easy, fun and invaluable in many situations because we mainly use vintage lenses.
Ergonomics, size, weight are all good. Pentax is doing great job with refining their products.
Shutter sound is pleasing, compared to K-x.
Noise control of high ISO is fantastic, low ISO images are sharp and crispy.
So, my fiance coming from K-x and me from K-5, the K-70 is a whole new world to us. I´m not giving my K-5 anywhere but i really enjoy using her new toy when ever i can!
Lot´s of it´s options are still unexplored and honestly, many are unnesessary, but one thing really stands up in my book: Being a modern, consumer grade camera with all the bells and whistles, Pentax has not forgotten what´s essential. All the controls of exposure are easy to reach, literally on your fingertips since they really keep thinking how things should be made.
Very nice camera! 
[IMG] Blueberry by Jani Fofonoff, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG] Family portrait by Jani Fofonoff, on Flickr[/IMG]
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: December, 2008 Location: RSM, CA Posts: 504
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 5, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $598.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Features, Price, Handling, Image Quality | | Cons: | Not many | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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This is a quick summary of my published review online.
The K70 represents Pentax's most well rounded DSLR for the money yet. It's highly capable, comfortable to use, compact, versatile, and weather sealed. It's image quality is the best I've yet tested or used for an APS-C DSLR to date (I have not tested the KP yet). Many high end features are included on the K70 that simply outclasses the competition. There is very little it cannot do, or features it is missing. Video is perhaps its biggest weakness but that's only comparing it to cameras of much higher cost, which really isn't fair.
All in all my favorite Pentax DSLR to date and they just keep on making me a new fan.
Carl
| | | | | New Member Registered: April, 2011 Location: Dorset , UK Posts: 6
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 19, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $560.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | handling , viewfinder , image quality | | Cons: | | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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used my refurbished K-70 for 5 weeks now and feel I`m qualified to do a little review here (-:
a quick note on my background : I`ve enjoyed photography , especially the actual taking of shots for 35 years and am known to change gear far too often. I rarely changed gear because it wasn`t good enough, but rather as I felt the need for a change (-:
So , I bought this K-70 after selling my Olympus Em-5 mark II because I did not like (I hated) the electronic viewfinder ! And I love the Pentax viewfinder, it is large (for crop sensor) and bright, wonderful !
Sensor image quality is very good, a tad better than Nikon D5500 and a tad less compared to Fuji X-T1, but all three are great in that respect.
I need the swivel screen for flower and insect shots and am happy with it`s implementation.
Also the body size, weight, grip etc is just about perfect for my smallish male hands. It feels solid, well made and robust.
Auto focus seems ok to me, depends a lot on the lens I reckon. I know Pentax has a bad reputation in that respect but it works ok for me (I don`t shoot sports or fast things).
Battery life could be better, but I have two spares and not needed more than one spare yet
I think this is about it, I like this camera and am happy to have bought it 
a few weeks later I like to add :
The shutter/mirror sound is rather loud even for a DSLR which might be an issue in sensitive places and situations.
Regarding the "non professional" single SD card slot : I have never ever had any problems with any camera with "just" one slot (and I remove the card to put into my laptop or card reader) so, personally, I don`t see it as a problem (-:
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2015 Location: USA Posts: 2,837
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 12, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Image Quality, Ergonomics, Tilt screen, Mic input, Bang for the buck | | Cons: | Loud shutter, only one SD card slot | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 7
New or Used: New
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I'm really liking the K-70. Previously I've owned the K3ii and the K3. While both are wonderful cameras, I believe that I just may end up liking the K-70 a bit more than these other cameras - mostly because of it's wonderful ergonomics (love the grip/buttons/weight).
The single SD memory card slot could be a concern to some. I've found that memory card slots are a weak link in digital cameras and can fail completely on their own at the most in-opportune times. But I've found a work around to that concern. I put a 64GB SD card in my K-70 and will never remove it. Instead of taking the SD card out of the K-70 to download it to my desktop, I instead use a cord to attach the K-70 to my computer. So, without the constant insertion and removal of the K-70s memory card, I'm hopeful that the single memory card slot in my new K-70 will last for a long time.
For those of you who shoot photos in the dark (paint with light, astro) you'll be pleased to hear that you can program one of the external buttons to turn all lights on the camera RED! This works great and will save your night vision while operating the camera. I periodically shoot and night and this feature just blew me away. Thanks Pentax, great idea!
I like its' video capability - it's surprising at this price point to get microphone input so I can record videos using my professional quality microphones.
24MP sensor, pixel shift, sensor based shake reduction what's not to like? The K-70 might just produce the best image quality in this price range of any camera on the market today!
Overall, an affordable and fun little camera that has all the features I need.
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