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Pentax KF

Ergonomics 
 10.0
Build Quality 
 10.0
User Interface 
 10.0
Autofocus 
 10.0
Features 
 10.0
Value 
 8.0
Image Quality 
 10.0
Noise 
 10.0
Reviews Views Date of last review
1 13,484 Sat April 8, 2023
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $736.00 10.00
Pentax KF

Pentax KF
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Pentax KF
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Pentax KF
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Pentax KF
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Pentax KF
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Pentax KF
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Description:

The Pentax KF was announced in November 2022 as a replacement for the K-70. The KF is a very advanced 24MP APS-C DSLR for its price point in that it includes several features otherwise only found on high end bodies. Like the K-70 the KF can use lenses with electronic control of the aperture, a feature that videographers will benefit from because it allows precise exposure adjustment during video recording, and it is also inherits the hybrid phase detect/contrast detect autofocus system in live view and for video recording.

Key features:

  • 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with phase detect AF capability
  • Hybrid phase detect/contrast detect autofocus in video mode
  • Continuous autofocus during video recording with select lenses
  • Focus peaking
  • Pixel shift super resolution
  • No AA filter
  • AA filter simulator
  • Sensitivity up to ISO 102,400
  • Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage
  • 6 FPS continuous shooting
  • Vari-angle LCD monitor
  • Dust & weather sealed and cold proof to -10C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Full HD video recording at 60p
  • 4K interval movie
  • Star stream movie
  • In-body shake reduction. Works with all lenses, old as new
  • Shake reduction can be used when panning
  • Compatible with the optional O-GPS2 unit including support for astrotracing
  • Three new custom image modes (SATOBI, KYUSHU, and KATEN)

The pixel shift capability will attempt to correct artifacts stemming from moving objects.

The KF has no anti-alias filter in front of the sensor. Should moiré be an issue the camera includes the unique Pentax feature of an AA filter simulator that works by vibrating the sensor ever so slightly during exposure thereby reducing or eliminating moiré. An AA simulator bracketing mode is available (off - weak filter - strong filter).

The included battery charger D-BC186 is powered via a USB cable connection. A traditional battery charger powered by household current can be purchased separately (K-AC168).

The Digital Camera Utility (DCU) software which used to be included on a CD is now in the camera, from where it can be uploaded to your computer.

Until we get to test the KF you can consult our in-depth review of the K-70 here since the two cameras are almost identical.

Features subsequently added through firmware updates:

  • None at this time

By installing the most recent update you also get the contents of all previous updates.

Camera Manuals:


Pentax KF
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Year Introduced
2022
In Production
Yes
Current US Price
$696
In-Depth Review
Click to Read
Sensor
Sensor Format
APS-C
Sensor Type
CMOS
Megapixels
24.24
Resolution
4000 x 6000 pixels
AA Filter
No (AA filter simulator)
Super Resolution
Yes
Bit Depth
14
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
102400
ISO Range
100 - 102,400
Imaging
Exposure Modes
Auto (green), Scene, HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, B, User(3)
Program Modes
Normal
Maximum FPS
6
Continuous Shooting
Hi: 6 fps up to 40 frames (JPG), 10 frames (RAW), Lo: 3 fps up to 100 frames (JPEG), 16 frames (RAW)
Shutter Speeds (Auto)
30s - 1/6000s (stepless)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)
B, 30s - 1/6000s, Up to 20 minutes in Timed Bulb mode. Up to 300s in Astrotracer mode
Shutter Life
Exposure compensation
+/-5 EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)
Auto bracketing
Exposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing, AA filter (3 frames)
Expanded dynamic range
Highlight (auto, on, off), Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Exposure lock
Yes
Self timer
2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s
Metering Sensor
77-Segment
Meter range
0 to 22 EV
Meter pattern
Multi-Segment,Center Weighted,Spot
Mirror lock-up
Yes
Interval shooting
Up to 2000 frames, 2 sec to 24 hours interval
HDR mode
Yes
Multiple exposures
Yes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 2000 shots
Pixel mapping
Yes
Scene Modes
20: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR (JPG only), Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum
Restrictions
Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)
Lens Mount
Mount
KAF2 (no aperture coupler)
Composition Adjustment
No
Stabilization
Yes (sensor-shift SR)
Power zoom
Not supported
Supported Lenses
All Pentax K-mount lenses. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses). M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters: green button stop down metering and manual focus only.
Lens correction
Distortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,Diffraction
Focusing
Autofocus (viewfinder)
Yes (SAFOX X, 11 focus points (9 cross type))
AF Points
11
Autofocus sensitivity
-3 EV
Front/back focus correction
Yes (adjustments for up to 20 lenses)
Autofocus with SDM
Yes
Autofocus assist
Dedicated LED
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder
0.95x, 100%
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism
Diopter adjustment
-2.5 to +1.5
AF Points in viewfinder
Yes
Exchangeable screen
Yes
Depth of field preview
Yes
Digital preview
Yes (with image magnificaion)
Live View
Yes
Top LCD
No
Focus Peaking
Yes
Back LCD
3 in. 1,037,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio, vari-angle, red light night mode
Body
Weather resistant
Yes
Control wheels
2
Battery grip
No
Card slots
1
Dust removal
Yes, Sensor Shake DR
Dust alert
No
Memory card type
SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I Compatible)
Size (W x H x D)
125.5 x 93 x 74 mm (4.9 x 3.7 x 2.9 in.)
Weight
625 g (684 g with battery and SD card)
File format
PEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOV
Battery life
460 frames (without flash)
Battery
D-LI109 lithium-ion rechargeable
Flash
Built-in flash
Yes, GN 12 (ISO 100/m)
Sync speed
1/180s
P-TTL flash
Yes
Flash functions
Auto discharge*, On (leading curtain sync)*, Redeye reduction*, Slow-speed sync*, Trailing curtain sync*, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless**, Contrast control**
* Requires an external flash
** Requires two (or more) external flashes
TTL flash
No
Flash exposure comp
-2 to 1 EV
Video
Resolution / Framerates
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p,
1280x720 (16:9) at 60p, 50p
MPEG4 AVC/H.264
Interval Movie (4K, Full HD, HD)
Star Stream
Exposure Modes
P, Av, TAv, Tv, M
Movie mode restrictions
Clips up to 4GB or 25 minutes
AF During Recording
Continuous (with compatible lenses) and On-demand
Sound in Movie mode
Stereo (external mic), Stereo (built-in mic). Adjustable sound level
Interfacing
GPS
Via Accessory
Tethering
Via built-in Wi-Fi
Connectivity
USB 2.0, HDMI out, Stereo mic, Wi-Fi
Latest Firmware
Link to download page
Notes
User reviews
In-depth review
Astrotracer functionality requires optional O-GPS accessory, Electronic Aperture Control, Electronic Level, Embed copyright information in EXIF, High ISO NR can be customized for each major ISO value, Image plane indicator, In-camera RAW development, Moiré suppression via SR mechanism, Moiré suppression bracketing, Multilayer digital filters, Night vision LCD display, Save last JPG as RAW, The RAW button is customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing
Special Editions

Standard variant: black

Limited quantity variants: white and blue (2022), olive and stone (2023)


Megapixels: 24
ISO Range: 100-102,400
Weight: 625g
FPS: 6
LCD: 3 inch, 1,037,000 dots
In Production: Buy This Item



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Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-1 of 1
Senior Member

Registered: May, 2012
Location: North Coast, NSW, Australia
Posts: 142

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 8, 2023 Recommended | Price: $736.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: 24MP, Fold-Away LCD screen, Form-Factor, Comfortable grip, Balance, Gr8 ViewFinder, Power-On light around "On-Off" switch
Cons: LiveView still lags the competitors, traditional narrow carry-strap
Years Owned: weeks    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 8    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

Well,
Here goes, in at the Deep-End . . . . Never done one of these before.
This is a "First-Impressions".
In giving my "Ratings", i am keeping in mind the fact that this is an ENTRY-Level / Mid-Range DSLR, this is not a "Pro-Level" Camera. For example, the "SCN" Mode, for all of us "Holiday-Happy-Snappers", not present in my old K-5, or my K-p, or my Son's K-1(ii). Those cameras would be assessed differently to this K-F camera.

I will be adding and editing as time goes by.
I have added 3 photos, of various "kit-options" . . . . . now, can i attach them to this little story ?

Here goes . . . .

If the photos successfully appear here ;
Photo #1 is my "Basic" kit
The carry-strap is actually from my K-p, as i have a 3rd-party "Retro" camera carry-strap on my K-p.

K-F with D-FA 28-105 "on-camera" walkabout lens,
DA 16-85 for Wide-Angle
D-FA 70-210 f/4 for long reach (yes, that IS the Tamron tripod-collar attached to the lens) (also 1.4x Rear Converter, for 300mm, if desired). AND, this lens is BOTH internal-zoom, and internal-focus, so the length remains constant, and the balance never changes. F4, with modern cameras, is PLENTY wide enough for any average "happy-snapper" . . . . . Pixel-Peepers feel free to disagree, but then, i don't care much for the extremist opinions of pixel-peepers.
By using Full-Frame lenses, any corner/side weaknesses fall outside the sensor, so i never see them . . . modern cameras have much improved "light-boxes", improved anti-reflection, and modern lenses have superior rear-lens coatings, all adding up to eliminate "ghosting".
.
Photo #2 is the "Big-Ma" Long-Reach addition :
on-camera is DA* 55mm f/1.4 (useful for macro)
D-FA 150-450mm Lens (more on this BEAUTY in the appropriate "Lens-Thread", in due course).
.
Photo #3 is my "Lazy-Walk-Around", single-lens option :
Sigma 18-300 (Contemporary) series lens, with a basic "macro" capability.
.
First impressions, coming from 35mm film, 1970's screw-mount, 1980's 'bayonet-mount' (Ooohhh, Nice), 1990's Auto-Focus (WOW), K-x (AA-batteries, Digital not so bad), K-50, K-70 . . . . . i found it totally seamless picking up the K-F, initialising date-time etc, updating FirmWare, testing a couple of FA series lenses . . . (photos coming later) . . . First Impressions . . . . SO HAPPY I BOUGHT THIS BLUE GEM !!!!!!
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