Blog Pentax X70 Camera Review: Is This the Ideal Camera for Your Photography Needs?

Whether you're a professional or an amateur photographer, having a reliable camera that can capture stunning photos is essential. In this blog post, we review the Pentax X70 camera, highlighting its features, specifications, and performance. We also provide insights into how this camera holds up in different shooting scenarios, making it easier for you to determine if it’s the right fit for your photography needs.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax X70 article cover photo

Key Features

Mar 02 2009

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight410g
MSRP$399USD

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Overview of the X70

If you are in search of an all-purpose camera that can help you take impressive shots, then the Pentax X70 camera might be an ideal choice. This camera is packed with exciting features that make capturing beautiful photos an enjoyable experience. From its 12-megapixel CMOS sensor to its 24x optical zoom and image stabilization, the Pentax X70 camera has a lot to offer. In this review, we'll dive into the details of this camera's features and performance and help you decide if it's the perfect fit for your photography needs.

Pentax X70 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax X70 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

Excellent zoom range (24-624mm)
Low noise at high ISO
Great image stabilization
Good macro capability
Affordable price
Solid build quality
Good battery life
Flexible shooting modes
Easy-to-use menu system
In-camera RAW processing

Cons

Limited zoom control (no manual zoom)
Slow autofocus
No viewfinder
LCD screen not fully articulating
No external flash sync port
No touch screen
Limited video recording features
Average image quality at high ISO
Limited dynamic range
Heavy and bulky design

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax X70

Weather sealed
Dimensions110 x 83 x 90mm
Weight410g
Thickness90mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Pentax X70 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Pentax X70 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

X70 includes a electronic viewfinder with n/a of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax X70 has a 12MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Pentax X70 has a native ISO range of 50 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Mar 02 2009

Announced

50 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 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 X70 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 X70 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

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelD-LI92
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax X70 supports SD/SDHC, Internal 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 X70 uses the D-LI92 model of undefined. This is rated for undefined 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 X70 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Pentax X70 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, 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 X70 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with 9 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 X70?

The Pentax X70 features a CCD sensor

Is the Pentax X70 weather sealed?

No the X70 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax X70 announced?

The Pentax X70 was announced on Mar 02 2009

Does the Pentax X70 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the X70 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 X70?

The X70 has a native ISO range of 50-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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