Pentax cameras give you power, reliability, and consistently high performance. Pentax doesn’t have the biggest catalog of cameras to choose from. They focus on quality over quantity. And all their cameras deliver for amateurs and professionals alike.
The Pentax K1 Mark II is the best Pentax camera. It’s the latest in their flagship K1 range. And it defines the Pentax approach to photography. It’s a rugged DSLR with powerful image production capabilities. It has image stabilization and a reliable autofocus system.
The Best Pentax Cameras
Pentax is a specialist camera brand that makes DSLR cameras. They have cameras for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals. And all their models are tough and reliable. They aren’t big in the hybrid camera market. But their cameras are adored by photography purists.
Here’s a quick overview of our best Pentax camera list. We’ll go into more detail on each Pentax camera in the section below. You can also see our list of the best Pentax lenses by clicking on the link.
- Powerful full frame sensor with a 36 MP resolution
- Reliable shake reduction system for sharper images
- Pixel Shift Resolution mode gives you enhanced image quality
- Thoroughly weather-sealed and durable camera body
- Excellent image quality with natural color tones
- Noise-free images at high ISO settings
- Built-in shake reduction system gives you sharp images
- Powerful 26 MP APS-C sensor
- Ultra-wide ISO range and little digital noise throughout range
- 12 fps continuous shooting speed for action
- Fantastic image quality with vibrant color and detail
- Pixel Shift Resolution gives you enhanced image quality
- Built-in shake reduction system for more exposure control
- Brilliant images from the 36.4 MP full frame sensor
- Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
- Shake reduction system gives you 5.5 stops of compensation
- Staggering 51.4 MP image resolution
- Weather-sealed and durable camera body for outdoor photography
- Live View mode with the vari-angle LCD screen
1. Pentax K1 Mark II
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
 DSLR |
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
36 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
33 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
4.4 fps |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
819,200 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 Full HD |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Serious professional who need power, performance, and reliability from their camera
|
The Pentax K1 Mark II is a professional-grade DSLR for serious photographers. It has powerful image production capabilities. And it has thorough weather sealing for photography in all conditions. The K1 Mark II is rugged and reliable. It’s ideal for pro photographers who work outdoors.
The full frame sensor has a resolution of 36 MP. That gives you incredibly detailed images. And the true-to-life colors are ideal for natural photography subjects like landscapes. The dynamic range is excellent and brings out detail in all areas of the shot. And the low-light performance is also strong.
If the 36 MP resolution isn’t enough, you have the Pixel Shift Resolution mode for more power. It compiles four images into one, increasing color vitality and sharpness. You can use this mode when shooting from hand, so there’s no need for a tripod.
The K1 Mark II also has an Engine Accelerometer. It’s a built-in feature that reduces noise and increases focus speed and sharpness.
All photographers will appreciate Pentax’s Shake Reduction system. It’s a built-in image stabilizer that reduces signs of camera shake. It allows you to use slower shutter speeds. And it increases sharpness when shooting in low light.
The internal GPS is ideal for adventurous photographers. It embeds location data into every photo so you can organize them later. The Wi-Fi connectivity also makes it easy to share photos with other devices.
2. Pentax K-70
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
DSLR |
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
11 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
6 fps |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
102,400 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
Full HD |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners looking for a durable camera for outdoor photography
|
The Pentax K-70 is a fantastic entry-level DSRL. The photography specs are excellent. And the results will have new photographers excited to go out shooting. It has brilliant features for learning photography. It’s the best Pentax camera for beginners. And experienced shooters will also appreciate the results.
The K-70 has an APS-C sensor with a 24.2 MP resolution. The image results are impressive for a camera at this level. The details are fantastic. And the color rendering gives you beautiful natural tones.
The low-light performance is exceptional for a camera at any level. It has a wide ISO range, topping out at 204,800. That gives you plenty of wiggle room when light is low. And the images remain noise-free until you reach the highest ISO settings.
The Pentax K-70 has the Pixel Shift Resolution mode for high res images. It compiles four images into one, giving you a sharper, more intense photo. This mode also has motion correction, so you can shoot from hand.
Shake reduction is something you rarely see in an entry-level camera. But the K-70 has a fantastic shake reduction system built-in. It keeps your photos sharp. And it allows you to use slower shutter speeds without the risk of camera shake.
The LCD screen tilts and rotates to give you more shooting options. And it has a night vision mode for low-light photography. The Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to transfer images. And the body is completely weather sealed for outdoor photography.
3. Pentax K3 Mark III
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
DSLR |
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
101 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
12 fps |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
1,600,000 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Intermediates and professionals looking for a compact DSLR with plenty of power. Excellent for low light photography
|
The Pentax K3 Mark III is a heavy-duty APS-C camera. It’s one of the most durable DSLRs on the market. And while it’s built like a brick house, it still gives you stunning photos. The advanced photography features make it a good option for serious photographers.
The K3 Mark III is a tough and durable DSLR. It’s shockproof and thoroughly weather sealed for outdoor photography. And you can use it in sub-zero temperatures. Despite all this protection, having an APS-C sensor means the camera body is still compact.
The APS-C sensor has a 26 MP resolution. The picture quality is fabulous, with rich and detailed imagery. The dynamic range is good for an APS-C camera. And the low-light performance is incredible. The top ISO setting is 1,600,000. And the images stay noise-free until the last few stops.
The shake reduction mechanism is another top feature. It gives you 5.5 stops of shake reduction, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds. It gives you blur-free images and more control in low light.
The K3 Mark III has one of the best AF systems of any Pentax camera. It uses 101 focus points for responsive focusing. It also tracks moving subjects and works well in low light.
This camera also has the fastest burst of any Pentax camera. It gives you a continuous shooting speed of 12 fps. That’ll please wildlife and sports photographers. Many photographers will like the classic pentaprism viewfinder. And dual card slots are always a bonus for busy photographers.
4. Pentax KP
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
DSLR |
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
27 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
819,200 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
Full HD |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Intermediates and beginners who want a classic DSLR that's built to last
|
The Pentax KP remains a top DSLR for beginners and intermediates. The build quality is fantastic, which includes complete weather sealing. And the advanced features give you stunning photography results.
With an APS-C sensor, the camera body is compact and lightweight. It also gives you a healthy resolution of 24.3 MP. You get rich and vibrant images. And you won’t be complaining about the low-light performance.
The Pentax KP also has the Pixel Shift Resolution mode. By combining four images into one, you get images with a higher resolution. Colors have more life and details have more clarity. It’s ideal if you enlarge or print your photos.
The built-in shake reduction system keeps your image crisp and clear. It reduces camera shake. And it gives you more exposure control when working in darker conditions.
The classic pentaprism viewfinder is excellent, helping you find the perfect composition. And there’s a decent 7 fps burst mode for action photography. There’s a built-in flash. And Wi-Fi connectivity is another handy feature for photographers at all levels.
5. Pentax K1
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
DSLR |
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
36.4 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
33 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
4.4 fps |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
204,800 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
Full HD |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professionals who need a powerful and reliable camera for outdoor photography
|
The Pentax K1 was a landmark camera. While we now have the K1 Mark II, the original model is still an outstanding DSLR camera. Despite its age, it remains one of the best Pentax cameras. The photography specs are great. And it’s as tough as old boots.
The K1 has a powerful full frame sensor. That means it’s bigger than the K-70 and KP models. But you also get a higher megapixel count. This sensor has a 36.4 MP resolution. That gives you deliciously rich images.
The larger sensor gives you an improved dynamic range. The camera gives you sharp details in light and dark areas. And the low-light performance is also exceptional. The ISO range tops out at 204,800. And you won’t experience much digital noise until you’re at the top of the scale.
Pentax’s shake reduction system gives you increased sharpness. It reduces signs of camera shake. And it allows you to go 5.5 stops slower with your shutter speed. It keeps the images sharp and gives you more exposure options.
The Pentax K1 is perfect for astrophotography. With help from the built-in GPS and Astro Tracer, the K1 can track astronomical objects. That saves you a lot of calculations and post-production work.
Pentax cameras aren’t known for their video features. But the K1 has lovely Full HD video recording. And the 60 fps frame rate gives you super-smooth footage.
Old-school photographers love the optical viewfinder. And the tilting and rotating LCD screen helps you compose those trickier shots. The built-in Wi-Fi also helps you transfer images easily.
6. Pentax 645Z
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
DSLR |
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Medium Format |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
51.4 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
27 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3 fps |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
204,800 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
Full HD |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professionals in need of a rugged medium format camera
|
The Pentax 645Z is the best medium camera for all conditions. It has a powerful sensor that produces stunning images. And that’s protected in a dust and shockproof, weather-sealed camera body. It’s one of the best Pentax cameras for professionals.
The medium format sensor is bigger than an APS-C and full frame sensor. That means it can house more megapixels for a higher resolution. The 645Z has a staggering 51.4 MP resolution. And the images will knock your socks off. It’s ideal for landscape photographers.
The camera has a beautiful pentaprism viewfinder. And you also have a Live View mode with the bright LCD screen. It tilts and rotates, making it easier to snap those difficult shots.
Medium format cameras aren’t made for action photography. But the Pentax 645Z does have a 3 fps burst. It certainly isn’t the quickest burst out there. But it’s a handy feature for food, product, and fashion photography.
Conclusion
If you need a rugged and reliable DSLR, you can’t go wrong with a Pentax camera. Tough DSLRs are their bread and butter. They don’t have a big camera catalog. But every camera on this list has fantastic photography specs and a tough camera body.
The Pentax K1 Mark II is the best Pentax camera. The powerful sensor gives you glorious images. And the sensor is backed up by advanced features like the pixel shift resolution mode and shake reduction system.
