Pentax KF
Pentax · DSLR · 24 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pentax |
| Model | KF |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2022 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | November 9, 2022 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 126 x 93 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 688 g |
Optics74/100 | |
About the OpticsConsidering its specifications, the Pentax KF holds its own in today’s market. Its score reflects its solid features and performance, making it a suitable choice for photographers seeking a reliable DSLR option. Pentax KF Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Pentax KF receive a score of 74 out of 100. This camera features a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor with an APS-C size, ensuring high-quality images. The shooting speed of 6 frames per second allows for capturing fast-moving subjects, while the Prime MII processor enhances image processing capabilities. In today’s market, the Pentax KF’s specifications remain competitive. The DXOMARK sensor score of 88 highlights the camera’s excellent performance in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities. The Pentax KAF2 lens mount offers compatibility with a wide range of lenses, while the built-in image stabilization ensures sharp images even in challenging shooting conditions. The 3:2 aspect ratio is a standard format for photography, providing versatility for various applications. The Pentax KF stands as a reliable choice for photographers seeking a camera with solid optics performance and a range of useful features. Its specifications meet the demands of modern photography, ensuring high-quality and versatile image capture. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF2 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime MII |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 1024003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 600080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video70/100 | |
About the VideoThe Pentax KF video capabilities receive a score of 70 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with a maximum dimension of 1920 x 1080. The video frame rate reaches 60fps, providing smooth and clear footage. Additionally, the Pentax KF includes a built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a sought-after feature by many photographers and videographers. In the competitive market of cameras, the Pentax KF stands strong with its Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate. While 4K resolution is becoming more common, Full HD remains relevant and sufficient for many users. The time-lapse feature further enhances the camera’s video capabilities, making it a reliable choice for those seeking quality video performance. The Pentax KF offers a solid set of video features that will satisfy the needs of many users. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV |
Features57/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Pentax KF scores 57/100 in the features category. This score is derived from the camera’s specifications, which include a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 1,037,000 dots. The camera does not have a touchscreen, but it is equipped with a flip screen, allowing for more versatile shooting angles. GPS is also integrated into the camera, enhancing its functionality for outdoor photography. However, the Pentax KF lacks some connectivity features that are commonly found in modern cameras. It does not have WIFI or Bluetooth capabilities, limiting its ease of use when transferring files or controlling the camera remotely. This absence of connectivity options may deter some photographers, as these features have become standard in many cameras today. The Pentax KF’s feature set is a mix of both useful and outdated specifications. While the flip screen and GPS are beneficial, the lack of WIFI and Bluetooth hinders its competitiveness in the current market. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery24/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Pentax KF receives a storage and battery score of 24/100. This camera features one memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility. In the current market, multiple card slots are becoming increasingly common, and the lack of a second slot may be limiting for some users. The battery life of the Pentax KF allows for 410 shots, utilizing a D-LI109 battery type. However, this camera does not offer USB charging. Comparatively, many modern cameras provide longer battery life and the convenience of USB charging, rendering the KF’s battery performance less competitive. Considering these specifications, the Pentax KF may not meet the expectations of users seeking advanced storage and battery capabilities. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | D-LI109 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 410 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | |