PENTAX Cameras Explained
PENTAX
After a brief period under Hoya, Ricoh acquired the Pentax camera division in 2011 and has managed all Pentax-branded cameras and lenses ever since. Ricoh also produces its own cameras, while Pentax still maintains its own identity and product lines, especially its DSLR-focused approach.
Unlike most camera manufacturers that shifted heavily toward mirrorless systems in the late 2010s, Pentax continued to focus exclusively on DSLRs, making it the only major camera brand that never transitioned to mirrorless. Pentax believes traditional DSLRs provide unique advantages, such as optical viewfinders, longer battery life, robust build quality and superior ergonomics. They’ve focused on serving a smaller but loyal user base that prefers DSLR shooting, rather than competing directly in the crowded mirrorless market dominated by larger brands.
However, the DSLR market has been steadily declining since around 2020 and Pentax has been affected as well. The company hasn’t released a fully new camera model in 4 years and the models they currently offer are considered outdated compared to modern mirrorless systems and even compared to discontinued DSLR lines like Canon EF and Nikon F.
Pentax K Series - DSLRs
Pentax DSLR cameras – often referred to as the K series – use the Pentax K-mount, which was introduced in 1975 on the film SLRs K2, KX and KM, replacing the older M42 screw mount. Today Pentax’s DSLR lineup is small. These are the most recent models:
Pentax K-1 II (2018) is a full-frame DSLR featuring roughly 36 MP, a rugged magnesium-alloy body, 5-axis in-body stabilization, dual SD card slots and a tilting LCD screen. It doesn’t record 4K video, it only supports Full HD recording at up to 60 fps.
Pentax K-3 III (2021) is a high-end APS-C model with a 26 MP BSI sensor, weather sealing, 4K video, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), Pixel Shift and advanced autofocus.
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome (2023) is a special variant of the K-3 III, replacing the color sensor with a dedicated 26 MP monochrome sensor for only black-and-white photography – delivering greater detail, higher contrast and cleaner high-ISO performance.
Pentax KF (2022) is an entry-level APS-C DSLR for beginners and hobbyists. It features an older 24 MP sensor, fully articulated LCD, in-body stabilization and weather sealing.
Pentax KP (2017) was a mid-range APS-C DSLR. It featured a 24 MP sensor, 5-axis IBIS, interchangeable grip options, weather-sealing and a tilting LCD. It offered solid high-ISO performance and stills capabilities.
| K-1 II | K-1 | K-3 III | K-3 III Mono | KF | KP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2018 | 2016 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2017 |
| Sensor Resolution | 36.4 MP | 36.4 MP | 25.7 MP | 25.7 MP | 24 MP | 24.3 MP |
| Sensor Size | Full Frame | Full Frame | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C |
| IBIS | 5-axis | 5-axis | 5-axis | 5-axis | In-body SR | 5-axis |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Type | Tilting | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Articulated | Tilting |
| LCD Resolution | 1.62M | 1.04M | 1.62M | 1.62M | 1.04M | 921k |
| Card Slots | Dual SD | Dual SD | Dual SD | Dual SD | 1× SD | 1× SD |
| Continuous Shooting | 4.4 fps | 4.4 fps | 12 fps | 12 fps | 6 fps | 7 fps |
| Max Video Recording | 1080 60p | 1080 30p | 4K 30p | 4K 30p | 1080 60p | 1080 30p |