By Tati Taylor 8 days ago, Cameras & Lenses
Top Pentax cameras for amateur and professional photographers.
If you want to purchase the best Pentax camera but don’t know which option to choose, make sure to decide which specifications matter the most. While Pentax devices are not as popular as Canon and Nikon products, they will be perfect for budget-conscious users.
If you value high quality and don’t have a lot of cash lying around, take a look at these Pentax cameras to choose the option that is perfectly suitable for your needs.
To make your decision easier, I have reviewed the best Pentax options on the market. Those who want to create high-quality content can choose any camera from this review depending on their personal preferences.
Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 23.5x15.6 mm | Resolution: 24.3MP | Lens: not included | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: 3" LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7 fps
⊕ Dustproof, perfect for unfavorable weather conditions
⊕ An LCD monitor can be used vertically
⊕ Pixel shift high-resolution mode
⊕ A built-in Wi-Fi module
⊖ Unimpressive battery capacity
⊖ Insufficient RAW buffer
This camera will be appreciated by those who need a device with the solid build quality. The body is fully waterproof so you won’t have to worry about protecting your camera on a rainy day.
The electronic shutter speed reaches 1/24000 whether you use an optical viewfinder or not.
Thanks to the 5-axis stabilization, you can take sharp pictures even when you move. This feature ensures a better resolution. This newest Pentax camera boasts an impressive three-dial design.
For better usability, the camera comes with a 3-inch LCD monitor with a 921,000 dots resolution. As it can be tilted, you can record videos from extreme angles.
Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 35.9x24.0 mm | Resolution: 36MP | Lens: not included | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: 3.2" LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 4.4 fps (6.4 fps in APS-C crop mode)
⊕ Stunning image quality
⊕ Pprotected from poor weather conditions
⊕ Pixel shift resolution for hand-held use
⊕ Comes with GPS and Wi-Fi support
⊖ Basic video features
⊖ Insufficient burst shooting speed
The 36MP sensor delivers fantastic image resolution while the Pixel shift feature allows for stunning picture quality and sharpness. If you enjoy taking photos on the go, you will appreciate the auto-focus option that allows tracking up to 33 AF points.
The 5-axis sensor-based stabilizer contributes to the overall image quality. The 3.2-inch LCD screen offers a million dots resolution which accounts for better brightness and saturation.
You can tilt the screen of this Pentax DSLR camera to use it either in a horizontal or in a vertical format. What’s more, you can remotely control the device thanks to Wi-Fi support and preview your photos or videos.
Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 43.8x32.8 mm | Resolution: 51.4MP | Lens: not included | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: 3.2" LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 3 fps
⊕ Huge sensor with high pixel count
⊕ Real time scene analysis
⊕ An LCD panel can be tilted
⊕ Weatherproof body
⊖ Too big, weighs too much
⊖ High price
This best Pentax camera delivers impressive resolution and a stunning level of detail as it is equipped with a 51.4MP sensor. The Pentax 645z offers great speed and the response time of 3 fps which is perfect for continuous shooting.
You can also quickly preview your images and copy them to other devices. The build quality is at the top-notch level.
Besides, the camera is weatherproof. One of the main advantages of this best Pentax for video is its LCD panel that is located at the top of the camera.
Its 2 SD card slots can be used simultaneously. Battery capacity is impressive as well. You can take up to 1230 shots between charges.
Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 23.5x15.6 mm | Resolution: 24.2MP | Lens: not included | Viewfinder: Optical | Screen type: 3" LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 6 fps
⊕ Weatherproof build
⊕ Pixel shift resolution
⊕ Easy-to-use controls
⊕ Wi-Fi support
⊖ Poor lens range
⊖ Buffer can’t be cleared quickly
The Pentax K-70 is a 24.2MP single-lens reflex camera that works perfectly even in poor lighting conditions. Besides impressive build quality, it’s fully weatherproof.
This best Pentax camera comes with a 3-inch LCD panel that boasts a 921k-dot resolution. Besides, it can be tilted and swiveled for user convenience.
Thanks to the fast lens, this camera delivers decent performance even when lighting is dim.
All the images are perfectly stabilized – you will hardly notice any signs of blur. Fans of astrophotography are bound to enjoy the Astrotracer feature that allows tracking star movements and auto-adjusting the sensor.
Thanks to it, any user can take a long-exposure picture of the stars with a great level of clarity. Photographers looking to expand their capabilities will appreciate the wide selection of compatible Pentax lenses, further enhancing the camera's versatility and creative potential.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Pentax KP
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
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Pentax K-1 Mark II
Full Frame |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Pentax 645z
For Video |
CHECK PRICE → |
If you are thinking which camera to purchase, make sure to read Pentax camera reviews and pay attention to a set of features a device of your choice comes with. Then, you can decide which type of camera suits you more:
Many users tend to disregard the weight of a device. However, if you need to take photos handheld, your muscles risk getting strained unless you use a Pentax compact camera. It’s vital to choose a device that weighs less. It will ensure that you won’t get tired during a photoshoot or when you wear a camera around your neck.
There is a widespread misconception regarding the importance of megapixels. However, even if your camera comes with a high-megapixel lens, the image quality might be still insufficient. High resolution accounts for a great level of detail. If you don’t want to see any signs of noise, a high-megapixel device will suit you perfectly. To sum up, if your camera has 8MP or better lens, it can deliver great picture quality.
When it comes to Pentax cameras, it’s vital to pay attention to the image processor. It accounts for color accuracy and overall image clarity. If a Pentax video camera has a decent image processor, you can apply a wide variety of effects and record state-of-art footage.
Besides, the image processor is important for your camera’s performance and its speed. You need to pay close attention to a processor if you want to purchase a pro-level device.
If you take a lot of photos outside, you will benefit from purchasing a weather-proof camera. This will allow you to use it on rainy days or in other harsh weather conditions without risking your equipment.
Another key point to consider is a sensor your camera comes with. If it’s rather big, it will be easier for you to take high-quality photos. Most Pentax DSLR devices have great sensors that allow taking detailed pictures.
However, some DSLR devices come with small APS-C sensors that are also featured in mirrorless cameras. Occasionally, you might find a mirrorless camera with a Micro Four Third sensor.
Pentax cameras deservedly enjoy the reputation of reliable and durable devices. However, Pentax is significantly less famous than Canon and Nikon as this company started to make digital cameras later.
In 2008, Pentax was merged with Hoya. Three years later, the company was sold to Ricoh. After that, Pentax became known as a digital camera brand. It is famous for its DSLR and lens cameras that don’t weigh much and can be carried around easily.
The newest Pentax DSLR models can be used with SDM lenses. Beware, though, that the DA* 55mm, DA 17-70mm, and DA 18-135mm can’t be used with some old DSLR cameras made by Pentax, for instance, the K110D, K100D, and previous versions. However, they are perfectly compatible with the K100D Super that comes with updated firmware.
If you need to buy the best camera that supports a 35-mm format for full-frame photos, take a look at the Pentax K1-II. It comes with a 36MP CMOS sensor and has great image stabilization features. Thanks to 33-point autofocus, your pictures will be quite sharp. As its body is weather-protected, you can use the camera in poor weather conditions.
Pentax offers entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that are great for beginners. They are user-friendly and cost-effective, making them a good starting point for aspiring photographers.
Pentax's in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a highlight. It allows any lens attached to the camera to benefit from stabilization, which is a major plus for low-light photography and telephoto shots.
Yes, Pentax has maintained lens compatibility across generations. You can use vintage Pentax K-mount lenses on modern Pentax cameras without adapters.
