Pentax KF Camera Review | Should You Buy One?

Are you looking for a new camera to capture your favorite moments and take stunning photos? Check out our in-depth review of the Pentax KF camera, which is known for its impressive features and high-quality images. We'll discuss all its pros and cons, and help you decide if it's worth investing in this top-rated camera.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax KF article cover photo

Key Features

Nov 09 2022

Announced

24 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight684g
MSRP$850USD

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Overview of the KF

With so many cameras on the market, it's hard to know which one to choose. But if you're in search of a camera that delivers excellent image quality, ease of use, and advanced features, the Pentax KF camera may be just what you need. In today's blog post, we'll take a closer look at this camera and explore its features, specifications, and capabilities. Whether you're a professional or an amateur photographer, this camera has something to offer. So, let's dive in and see if it lives up to the hype.

Pentax KF Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax KF camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Exceptional image quality
Weather-sealed body
Wide range of compatible lenses
In-body image stabilization
Accurate auto-focus system
Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi
High-speed continuous shooting capability
4K video recording
Affordable price point

Cons

Limited camera accessories available
Bulky and heavy design
Backward interface compared to other DSLRs
Smaller user base compared to Canon and Nikon
Slow live view focus speed
Complex menu system
Limited battery life
No touch screen functionality
Limited availability in certain regions.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax KF

Weather sealed
Dimensions126 x 93 x 74mm
Weight684g
Thickness74mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Pentax KF camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the KF is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,040k dots
Body typeCompact SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,040k dots. This makes the Pentax KF very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

KF includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.63x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax KF has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Pentax KF has a native ISO range of 100 - 102400 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Nov 09 2022

Announced

100 - 102400

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution6000 x 4000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax KF camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the KF is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1.5x

Full frame equivalent

36mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Battery Life410 shots
Battery ModelD-LI109
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax KF supports SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Pentax KF uses the D-LI109 model of battery pack. This is rated for 410 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Pentax KF has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Pentax KF boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/6000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Pentax KF includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 11 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Pentax KF?

The Pentax KF features a CMOS sensor

Is the Pentax KF weather sealed?

Yes the KF does have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax KF announced?

The Pentax KF was announced on Nov 09 2022

Does the Pentax KF have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the KF does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Pentax KF?

The KF has a native ISO range of 100-102400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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