RANKING
42
Rank 42 out of 48 Summarized in this category
Rankings based on:
• Pros-to-cons ratio
• Number of reviews
• Category average
Pentax
KF
around $849
i
All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.
Image source:
86 Pros
64%
8 reviews (1h 13m)
48 Cons
The Pentax KF DSLR: A Photographer's Camera in a Mirrorless World The Pentax KF is a DSLR designed specifically for photographers who prioritize image quality and a tactile shooting experience. Built for rugged adventures, its weather-sealed, dustproof body can withstand challenging conditions down to -10°C. The compact, lightweight design incor...
76%
19 vs 6
Usability/Handling
64%
18 vs 10
Image Quality
14%
1 vs 6
Video Capabilities
65%
13 vs 7
Features
83%
5 vs 1
Autofocus System
Reviewer verdict
Across 8 YouTube reviews, the Pentax KF earns an Index score of 3.6/5, ranking #42 among DSLRs. Reviewers most often praise its usability/handling, image quality, build quality, while the most common criticisms concern value for money, image quality.
The KF is repeatedly praised for its photographer-focused handling and ergonomics, with many reviewers (19 mentions) highlighting the articulating, vari-angle LCD, intuitive controls, a pentaprism optical viewfinder and overall user-friendly layout that appeals to longtime Pentax users and beginners. Image quality is a frequent compliment (18 mentions), with reviewers noting sharp centers, pleasing rendering and film-like character from the sensor and lenses, plus good dynamic range and low-light capability helped by 4.5 stops of in-body stabilization. Build and weather sealing also earn strong agreement (16 mentions), with multiple reviewers calling the body rugged, well-built, weather/dust resistant and suitable for outdoor or cold conditions. Reviewers additionally appreciate feature compatibility with older Pentax lenses, useful modern features like IBIS, interval shooting and modest affordability relative to expectations (multiple mentions across features and value).
Critics repeatedly question the KF’s value proposition (11 mentions), saying it feels too similar to older Pentax models and is pricey given only modest updates, which many found underwhelming. Image quality criticisms appear as well (10 mentions), with several reviewers pointing out softer corners, a characterful rather than clinical lens rendering, and occasional flare or vignetting that may not suit those seeking analytic sharpness. Feature gaps and video limitations are also recurring complaints (7 and 6 mentions respectively), such as an older 24MP sensor, single SD slot, dated connectivity and lack of 4K/video robustness. A smaller number of reviewers noted handling quibbles (6 mentions) like non-touch LCD and some ergonomics issues, plus limited gains in autofocus and buffer/battery performance compared with expectations.
Analysis based on 8 YouTube reviews (1h 13m of video) with 86 pros and 48 cons extracted.
Pros (86)
Usability/Handling (19)
- articulating screen ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 2:30
- very easy to use also the lens in manual focus ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 9:02
- viewfinder is capable of giving you 100 field of view and nearly 0.95 times magnification ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 1:31
- LCD display is improved now it now has 1.04 million dollars whereas the k70 had 921k ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 3:26
- pentaprism, not a cheaper pentamirror ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:34
- proper pentaprism ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 3:27
- designed for photographers ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:15
- optical viewfinder is using the same Optics and coding as the higher end models ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 1:22
- LCD screen has been updated from 921,000 dots to just over a million dots ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 0:50
- another great thing this lens still have is the the little green Notch here to align the lens with the bionet of the of the camera in the dark ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 9:18
- monitor is outdoor friendly brightness level can be instantly adjusted to the lighting level of the shooting location ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 3:35
- non-touch LCD screen also features a red lighter monitor display system function which helps the photographer to take better shots in a dark location or during astronomical photography ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 3:42
- the focus ring is nice to use ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 9:13
- no CD in the Box ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:06
- familiarity breeds comfort and the Pentax KF feels like home for longtime Pentax users ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 0:35
- Vari angle display for flexible shooting ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:12
- intuitive controls and thoughtful layout ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 2:36
- user friendly experience for beginners ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 0:46
- pentaprism type Optical finder ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 2:22
Image Quality (18)
- good for landscape work and outdoor shots ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 0:49
- this lens is absolutely abely a good lens ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 15:00
- this lens really is as a kind of unique look it gives a unique look to the photographs ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 1:52
- I think this lens is absolutely perfect if you like black and white uh and if you like to do black and white photography this lens is absolutely absolutely fantastic ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 17:11
- the fact that uh at wide aperture you have these soft borders it's fantastic for example for Ambiance portrait if you want to give the focus or street photography or something like that where you want the focus of the image to be in the center uh that gives you a fantastic point of Attraction for the ice and gives you a nice autofocus areas on the borders ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 8:04
- a lens with a lot of personality ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 1:45
- the center of the image is always great all apertures uh the center of the image is absolutely sharp and is absolutely great ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 6:46
- I think this lens on the film camera is absolutely great and outstanding very very great results ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 9:54
- 24 megapixel APS-C sensor with no AA filter ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 2:09
- I really like this lens ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 1:42
- very very nice focal line that I like and 1.8 is a very good aperture also for low light situation ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 1:03
- if you have the sun inside the flare is absolutely corrected and mean it's a flare that is working around the highlights so around for example the sun if is in the Shen giving that smooth transition between the very highlights and uh let's say the places where there are some information in the pixels but it leaves uh without problems the darker areas so it's a it's very nice nice flare ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 14:28
- this lens gives that look it's just absolutely a fantastic lens ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 7:21
- absolutely uh round the the aperture is absolutely round and so gives a bucket that is very very nice ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 8:40
- excellent image quality rivaling higher-end models ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:04
- despite its lower price point the KF holds its ground producing images that are nothing short of breathtaking ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 1:11
- 4.5 stops of compensation lowlight photography has never been easier ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 2:30
- impressive dynamic range and vibrant colors ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:16
Build Quality (16)
- body has over 100 seals throughout the body for protection and you can get a good grip even if you're using gloves ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 3:10
- a very well built weather ceiling body ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 0:52
- three grams lighter ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 0:48
- body is the same dust proof with the resistance which is good for rugged outdoor photography ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 3:05
- changes however make the body program lighter ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 4:27
- magnesium alloy construction ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 3:25
- where the Pentax KF really stands out is its rugged weather sealed design it's waterproof dustproof and even functional in subfreezing temperatures down to 14° F - 10° C making it a Dependable choice for outdoor Shooters ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 2:49
- good thing about this lens construction I said lens capap it's kind of very good the lens hood is inserted in the in the lens and uh is doing yes uh a good job ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 13:20
- complete dust proof and weather resistant construction ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 0:36
- weather sealing ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 3:23
- the construction it's very solid it's very metallic it's very it's heavy but is a good heavy is uh really uh solid construction ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 8:51
- rugged weather-sealed body ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:39
- designed and built with classic Pentax steadfastness the Pentax KF is tough and weather sealed with with water and dust proofing and provides Dependable coldproof performance down to as low as 14° Fus 10° C ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 6:25
- perfect balance between compactness and power ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 1:52
- weather resistant and dustproof materials ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 1:56
- Compact and weather resistant ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:07
Features (13)
- Mount compatibility for using superb older lenses ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 0:40
- not even mirrorless ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:31
- sensor is designed to tilt in all directions so you can do a lot of Handy shooting functions like the Astro Tracer ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 2:14
- three new film simulation modes: satobia (nostalgic film simulation), cross process look and a bleach bypass look ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 0:55
- built-in flash ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 2:24
- three new Custom Image modes bleach bypass cross processing and satobi ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 3:53
- without a lens you've got all your lenses from the previous Pentax Cameras ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:34
- combining a hybrid autofocus and live view with 4.5 stops of image stabilization a built-in flash bulb mode and an articulating screen this is a very versatile photography first camera ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 6:13
- if you're not quite ready to switch to mirrorless but still want a modern DSLR the Pentax KF is pretty much your only option ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 1:45
- this lens has still all the connection the mechanical connection for the Apper so you can use this lens on a film camera ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 9:42
- versatility ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 1:38
- dust removal system and self-timer ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:20
- interval shooting and wireless connectivity ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:18
Performance (9)
- 4.5 stops of inbody stabilization ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 2:21
- 4.5 stop stabilization ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 1:10
- body that has IBIS ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 3:21
- compact lightweight design was built in Shake reduction ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 0:57
- astrophotography accessory with shake reduction for star trails/blur prevention ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 3:28
- in body shake reduction system called pixel shift resolution ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 1:51
- top-notch performance ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 1:38
- embody image stabilization ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 2:25
- In Body Image stabilization ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:09
Value for Money (5)
- cost under a thousand dollars ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:32
- around 799 dollars and that's a bargain to buy a camera these days for that price ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:40
- mid-range model aimed at enthus as photographers the Pentax KF ticks all the right boxes ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 6:01
- affordability ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 1:35
- affordable familiar and userfriendly design ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:02
Autofocus System (5)
- hybrid AF system ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 2:17
- hybrid autofocus system also enables high-speed autofocus operation during live view shooting ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 2:21
- the autofocus areas are really really great with this lens ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 8:30
- Swift and accurate autofocus capability ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 0:53
- fast and accurate autofocus ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:14
Video Capabilities (1)
- doesn't do video ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:28
Cons (48)
Value for Money (11)
- after six years they're coming out with such a camera so similar to the k70 that you would not notice any difference if there was no branding in the body ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 0:54
- DSLR in 2022 ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:59
- Black Friday during U.S Thanksgiving the best time to announce this ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 0:50
- quite a bit more expensive ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 3:12
- expensive for 1080p video and standard 11 point autofocus ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 3:58
- with only a couple of minor changes such as a higher resolution LCD screen and a marginally lower weight ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 6:01
- Pricey camera bodies ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 4:24
- confusing to understand why pentax is bringing out a camera that's basically six years old there's literally nothing new all the components are changing ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 4:07
- DSLR are in 2023 ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 4:01
- expensive ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 2:46
- 849 dollars body only, 949 with 18-55 kit lens (100-150 more than other entry level DSLRs) ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 3:07
Image Quality (10)
- if you are looking for that analytic lens with everything perfectly sharp the same cut with the ax and uh this is not the lens for you ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 6:12
- not a perfect lens in the modern sense of analytic lenses ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 6:07
- the kind of lens you can love or hate ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 15:07
- the first uh photographs I took with this lens I was kind of ah disappointed ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 15:32
- on the border of the images you can see that there are some softer areas uh until you arrive at the .8 in that case it's perfect also for precise landscape but these uh limits I can call them of the lens ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 6:54
- something that this lens have is uh some flare when there's the sun coming directly there's the light coming directly in the lens uh there's an angle where you can see kind of color reflection and artifacts inside but it's just uh a little bit angle if you move just a little bit ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 14:07
- it's a great lens but it's not that precise ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 6:38
- this lens as as every wi angles a little viting on the corner and at the larger aper but that disappear when you close down the the aperture ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 11:58
- I see some people online that are complaining because this lens is not that analytic sharp lens we are used to ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 15:09
- something that I have to add about these lenses uh postprocessing when you use these kind of lenses is not um that standard if you use a software that automatically add a lot of sharpness and you cannot take it away like for example Lightroom does that ▶ Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited @ 10:05
Features (7)
- UHS one speed ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:46
- features the old 24 megapixel aps-c CMOS sensor ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 1:07
- for the bleach bypass and cross processing modes you need the correct limited lenses ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 4:01
- didn't have the ability to use MTF curve priority ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 2:41
- doesn't have composition adjust (reframing by moving the sensor) ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 2:51
- one single SD card slot ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:43
- lacks some features of higher-end models ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:24
Video Capabilities (6)
- video capability is still 1080p 60 or 30 FPS and 720p 60fps recording time is limited to 25 minutes or 4 gigabyte size ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 2:28
- there isn't a single video capability in this camera ▶ Pentax Launch: Do You Care? @ 3:28
- terrible video cameras ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 2:34
- camera temperature rises up to the point that video recording will automatically stop ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 2:37
- though the 1080p output is good enough for online use ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 2:41
- lack of 4K video recording feels like a missed opportunity ▶ Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? @ 2:37
Usability/Handling (6)
- viewfinder optics are a couple of years old ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 1:24
- never really liked the grip ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:27
- K3 Mark III new menu system not brought over ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:57
- inconvenient placement of trash live view button ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:26
- inconvenient placement of the trash live view button ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 2:43
- not a touchscreen display ▶ Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordab @ 3:22
Connectivity (3)
- camera body is still using the USB type B Port ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 2:44
- micro USB ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 1:49
- same video cable as the k70 (which was bad) ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 2:26
Build Quality (2)
- much thicker than mirrorless cameras ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 13:46
- lighter body is "not really noticeable" ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 4:29
Autofocus System (1)
- autofocus system didn't change/improve much ▶ If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are s @ 4:18
Performance (1)
- no deeper buffer ▶ Pentax KF announcement reactions @ 2:04
Battery Life (1)
- battery life is the same as the k70 as KF is still using the same battery therefore all day long shoots like some latest cameras are not possible ▶ Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! @ 2:55
Review sources
- Full review: HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited by Luigi Barbano — 19 pros, 10 cons
- Pentax KF Review 2024: Reimagining a Classic DSLR - Affordable New 24MP APS-C DSLR by BuyRightProducts — 22 pros, 4 cons
- Pentax KF - Literally Nothing New | Disappointment Alert ! by Camera Zone — 15 pros, 10 cons
- Pentax KF announcement reactions by DPReview TV — 11 pros, 11 cons
- If you want a Pentax DSLR camera and on a budget, here are some options! by Scott J. Waldron — 4 pros, 6 cons
- Pentax Launch: Do You Care? by Ordinary Filmmaker — 6 pros, 4 cons
- Best DSLR Cameras 2025: Which One Should YOU Choose? by ReviewSet — 6 pros, 2 cons
- Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 Buying Guide) by Grip Things — 3 pros, 1 cons
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pentax KF worth buying?
Based on 8 independent YouTube reviews, the Pentax KF scores 3.6/5 with 86 positive and 48 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #42 in the DSLRs category.
What do reviewers like most about the Pentax KF?
The most praised aspects are usability/handling, image quality, build quality — Usability/Handling (19 mentions), Image Quality (18 mentions), Build Quality (16 mentions).
What are the most common complaints about the Pentax KF?
Reviewers most frequently criticize value for money, image quality — Value for Money (11 mentions), Image Quality (10 mentions).
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