Pentax Pentax KF DSLR Camera , Black Review
The Pentax KF's excellent image stabilization can't save it from its ancient autofocus and 1080p video. It's a camera for Pentax loyalists only.
Overview
The Pentax KF is a DSLR that feels like a time capsule. It's got a solid 24.2MP APS-C sensor and in-body stabilization that's genuinely great, landing in the 90th percentile. But everything else about it is stuck in the past, especially its ancient 11-point autofocus system.
If you're a Pentax fan who loves the optical viewfinder and wants a modern-ish sensor in an old-school body, this is your camera. For literally anyone else, there are better options. It's a niche product for a very specific kind of photographer.
Performance
The image quality from that sensor is good, and the IBIS is fantastic for keeping shots steady. But that's where the good news ends. The autofocus is in the 1st percentile, which means it's basically the worst you can buy today. It's slow and hunts in low light. The 6fps burst is okay, but the AF can't keep up with moving subjects. Video is a non-starter at 1080p, putting it in the bottom third of cameras.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent in-body image stabilization. 100th
- Solid 24MP APS-C sensor delivers good image quality. 96th
- Great connectivity options, including Wi-Fi. 89th
- Comes with two versatile kit lenses. 88th
Cons
- Autofocus system is painfully outdated and slow. 1th
- Video quality is limited to 1080p. 29th
- The fixed rear screen is not touch-sensitive.
- It's not weather-sealed, which is odd for Pentax.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | 23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C) CMOS |
| Size | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 24.78 |
| ISO Range | 100 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 11 |
| AF Type | PhotoPhase Detection: 11 (9 Cross-Type) |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 6 |
| Max Shutter | 1/6000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 1080p |
| 10-bit | No |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 1037000 |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.4 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| USB | USB-2.0 |
| HDMI | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
Prices are all over the place, from $697 to $1144. At the very low end, it's a curiosity. For anything over $800, it's a hard sell. You're paying for a camera that's severely behind in two critical areas: autofocus and video. The included 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses add value, but they don't make up for the core weaknesses.
vs Competition
Stacked against its rivals, the KF struggles. The Fujifilm X-S20 or Sony a6400 run circles around it with modern autofocus, 4K video, and lighter bodies. Even Pentax's own K-3 Mark III is a far more capable DSLR, though it costs more. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is in a different league entirely. The KF only makes sense if you're deeply invested in Pentax lenses and refuse to switch systems.
| Spec | Pentax Pentax KF DSLR Camera , Black | Nikon Z9 Nikon Z 9 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body | Sony Alpha 7 Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm | Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body | OM System OM-1 OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera | Fujifilm X-H2 Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera, Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | DSLR | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | 24.8MP APS-C | 45.7MP Full Frame | 33MP Full Frame | 24.2MP Full Frame | 22.9MP Micro Four Thirds | 40.2MP APS-C |
| AF Points | 11 | — | 759 | 1000 | 1053 | — |
| Burst FPS | 6 | 30 | 10 | 40 | 120 | 20 |
| Video | 1080p | 8K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 624 | 1338 | 635 | 590 | 62 | 590 |
Verdict
Buy this only if you are a dedicated Pentax shooter who wants a simple, stills-focused DSLR and doesn't care about autofocus or video. For product photography, its good sensor and IBIS can work, but the AF might frustrate you. For everyone else—streamers, vloggers, hybrid shooters, or anyone who needs reliable focus—look at the Fujifilm X-S20 or a used Sony a6400 instead.