The Pentax K-70 is an advanced entry-level DSLR that sits between the entry-level K-S2 and the mid-range K-3 II.
However, the K-70 has features that some mid-range DSLR models of other brands lack. For instance, the K-70 might be of plastic construction but it is dust-, splash- and cold-resistant down to temperatures of -10°C.
The rubberised grip accommodated all my fingers and allowed for a good grasp of the camera.
It feels more like a mid-range and professional DSLR camera grip than that of an entry-level DSLR camera.
camera.In addition, it has a tiltable 3-inch screen that can rotate 270 degrees. Thus, you can easily take selfies with it or compose your shots from low angles.
Furthermore, the screen brightness can be quickly adjusted within two button presses to suit the lighting level of the environment.
To beginners, the number of buttons on the body may seem daunting. However, the button layout is well thought out.
There is a mode dial on the top right of the camera. The video recording button and the exposure compensation button are sited behind the shutter release, with the power lever around it.
The rear directional buttons double as shortcut buttons for the ISO, white balance, shooting speed and flash settings.
On the left of the lens mount, there is a RAW/Fx1 button - pressing and holding it will quickly toggle between shooting JPEG and RAW. Below the RAW/Fx1 button, there is a lever to toggle between auto-focusing (AF) and manual focusing (MF).
Unlike many entry-level DSLR cameras that have only one command dial, the K-70 has two - one in front of the shutter release and the other at the rear where your thumb rests. This allows you to quickly change aperture and shutter speed in manual mode.
For an advanced entry-level DSLR, the handling of the K-70 is outstanding.
This article was first published on September 14, 2016.
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