The best Pentax cameras are ideal for those who like to keep things old-school. While most manufacturers are focusing on their mirrorless ranges, Pentax is still flying the flag for DSLRs. So if you prefer cameras with optical viewfinders and a bit of heft to them, you'll be right at home.
I've focused mostly on DSLRs, but Pentax does have a few more offerings in its stable. The Pentax WG range of tough, waterproof compacts are ideal for family holidays and adventurous shoots, so I've included the best model in the series.
Pentax's range of new, in-production cameras is pretty small and quite expensive, so I've also included second-hand options to give you plenty of choice. These older cameras offer excellent value and are well worth considering. Remember that for the DSLRs, you'll need to pair them with the best Pentax K-mount lenses. I've ranked everything by quality, features and value for money, to help you find the right Pentax camera for you.
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. With several years of experience as a photographer and videographer, shooting for some household names, he has learned a thing or two about cameras and the photography industry.
The Quick List
A classic DSLR option for those looking for the best Pentax digital camera to buy, the K-1 Mark II packs in a lot of features while handling in a familiar manner for photo enthusiasts. A full-frame DSLR capable of producing excellent imagery, it's expensive, but a sound buy in my view.
Eagle-eyed Pentax watchers will notice similarities between the older Pentax K-70 and the later Pentax KF, with only minor changes such as a higher-resolution LCD screen and a marginally lower weight.
The top camera in Pentax's range of ultra-tough waterproof compacts, the WG-8 benefits from a generous optical zoom lens and a selection of fun macro-shooting modes. It's tougher than your phone, but its image quality isn't much better.
Pentax's mid-range DSLR with an APS-C sensor, the K-3 Mark III is an solid choice for enthusiasts, with two card slots, 5.5-stop in-body stabilisation and impressive high-ISO performance. Much more tempting now the price has come down.
With a monochrome-only sensor, this specialized version of the K-3 Mark III produces B&W images with brilliant detail. It's also both cheaper and more versatile than its rivals from Leica, making it a winning choice for B&W lovers.
Best Pentax cameras
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The best Pentax camera overall
✅ You want a high-resolution, full-frame sensor: The K-1 II has 36MP at its disposal, and quality can be pushed further with Pixel-Shift modes.
✅ You want tactile physical controls: The larger body of the K-1 II supports plenty of physical control dials for satisfying handling.
❌ You're shooting fast-moving subjects: It has a fairly pedestrian burst rate and no phase-detection AF – there are faster options on this list.
❌ You want 4K video: No such luck here (though, truthfully, if video is a high priority, Pentax isn't the brand to choose).
A classic DSLR option for those looking for the best Pentax digital camera to buy, the K-1 Mark II packs in a lot of features while handling in a familiar manner for photo enthusiasts.
This being a Pentax, we get built-in shake-reduction (something you'll see a fair amount on this list, but the real selling point here is the full frame sensor with its 36.4 million pixel resolution. Something else we found impressive when we reviewed the camera was the ‘scissor action’ articulating rear screen and extended exposure modes, along with two SD card slots.
It’s not all great news; the camera offers only a modest 4.4 fps maximum burst speed when shooting in full frame, which, while adequate, won’t impress sports or action photographers. There’s also no hybrid phase-detection AF system for its live view mode and ‘only’ Full HD video capability rather than 4K, but we are blessed by the same accurate and well-performing 33-point AF system as its predecessor.
Ultimately though, excellent image quality at an affordable price is what you’ll be buying this flagship Pentax DSLR for, and that makes it our top pick for the majority of photographers.
Read more: Pentax K-1 Mark II review
The best Pentax camera for beginners
✅ You want a relatively small, light DSLR: This is one of Pentax's smaller camera designs (though still chunky compared to mirrorless.)
✅ You want a flip-out vari-angle screen: The versatile high-res LCD expands your compositional options.
❌ You own a K-70, or find one going cheap: This is a very similar camera to the older K-70, which you may find cheaper second-hand.
Eagle-eyed Pentax watchers will notice a lot of similarities between the older Pentax K-70 and the latest Pentax KF with only a couple of minor changes such as a higher-resolution LCD screen and a marginally lower weight.
As a mid-range model aimed at enthusiast photographers, the Pentax KF ticks all the right boxes without setting the world on fire. Combining a Hybrid AF in 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.
Designed and built with classic Pentax steadfastness, the Pentax KF is tough and weather-sealed with water and dustproofing and provides dependable cold-proof performance down to as low as 14°F (-10°C). As far as APS-C Pentax DSLRs go, it's one of the most affordable you'll be able to buy new – however, as mentioned, it's a very, very similar proposition to the older Pentax K-70 (featured further down), which you may be able to find for a good price second-hand.
Read more: Pentax KF review
Best compact camera
✅ You want a camera that can take some punishment: Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, crushproof
✅ You want something easy to use: The WG-8 keeps its controls neat and simple, and features Scene Modes for different shooting situations.
❌ You want much better image quality than your phone: The small sensor of the WG-8 limits its image quality.
❌ You want a camera that connects to your phone: The lack of built-in Wi-Fi means you can't connect the WG-8 to your phone to download images.
As well as its DSLR range, Pentax also produces a line of tough compact cameras. Encased in hard plastic shells that are waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof and crushproof, these little cameras are designed to withstand some serious punishment, and are ideal for taking on rough-and-ready trips to capture your adventures.
At the top of the range is currently the Pentax WG-8. Equipped with a 20MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens that carries an equivalent range of 28-135mm, it's designed to be useful in a broad range of shooting situations. It's completely capable of shooting underwater, rated to depths of up to 20m for continuous periods of up to two hours.
It's also something of a macro specialist. As Matthew noted in his full review of the camera, the WG's ‘microscope’ mode allows you to get up close and personal with your subjects, producing images with impressive levels of detail. And what's more, the WG-8 comes supplied with a ‘macro stand’ – essentially a step-up ring, this is a threaded ring that screws onto the front of the lens, allowing it to be rested directly on top of objects for extreme close-ups. And if you're wondering where the light comes from in that situation – that's where the WG-8's 6-LED lamp array surrounding its lens comes in.
However, for all these enticing extra features, it should be noted that the image quality from the Pentax WG-8 is pretty middling and unexceptional. A 1/2.3" is just not going to give you that much, and in poor light or high-contrast situations, detail suffers considerably. While it can go places and handle situations that your phone can't, its image quality is no better.
This is the best of Pentax's waterproof compacts but also the most expensive. If your budget is smaller, consider the Pentax WG-90, which has a lower-resolution 16MP sensor, shoots video in Full HD rather than 4K, and has a smaller 2.7-inch screen. Or for an even cheaper option, there's the Pentax WG-1000, which has a shorter 4x optical zoom lens.
Read more: Pentax WG-8 review
Best Pentax APS-C camera
✅ You prioritize low-light shooting: It has a high ISO ceiling and effective stabilization that enables slower shutter speeds handheld.
✅ You want fast-paced shooting: The 12fps burst rate of the K-3 III is top-tier for Pentax cameras.
❌ You want something cheap: The K-3 III was bewilderingly overpriced at launch, and while things have calmed down, it's still pricey for APS-C.
Launched in March 2021, the Pentax K-3 III provided more proof, if proof were needed, that Ricoh is sticking to its word of not making the switch to mirrorless cameras. The camera is equipped with a sensor that pushes up the resolution very slightly from the previous K-3 model, going from 24MP to 25.7MP – and this is powered by a processor that offers an impressively high ISO rating of 1,600,000. The in-body image stabilization promises 5.5 stops of shake compensation – and there are two SD memory card slots (one of which is UHS-II compatible).
This is the first K-series camera to feature a touch-sensitive screen – but unlike that of some of its siblings, said screen is fixed and can not be swung or rotated. It is also the first Pentax DSLR to offer 4K video shooting.
On first review, we were distinctly unimpressed with the launch price of the Pentax K-3 Mark III, which was set at a decidedly ambitious $2,000/£1,900. This is pretty ludicrous for an APS-C DSLR, so we're pleased to see it has generally come down even in the relatively short time since the camera's release.
Read more: Pentax K-3 Mark III review
Best monochrome Pentax camera
✅ You only shoot in black and white: By removing its color filter array, this DSLR delivers monochrome images with superior detail.
✅ You can't afford a Leica: While Leica's "Monochrom" cameras are stunning exemplars of the form, they're out of reach for most people.
❌ You're on a budget: "Cheaper than Leica" does not mean "cheap", and this is even more expensive than the overpriced K-3 Mark III.
❌ You might ever, even once, want to shoot a color image: Because it can't.
If you're someone whose primary interest is black-and-white photography, it makes sense to look at dedicated monochrome cameras like the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome. It's essentially the same proposition as the Pentax K-3 Mark III featured above, with the same APS-C sensor – only the crucial difference is that the color filter array has been removed.
With no interpolation process required to make the final image, the camera is able to capture photographs with sharper detail, lower noise, better low-light performance, and smoother tonal transitions.
This follows in the footsteps of popular Leica cameras like the Leica Q2 Monochrom and the Leica M11 Monochrom. However, as these are respectively a fixed-lens compact and a manual-focus rangefinder, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome still marks itself out as a unique prospect by virtue of being a DSLR with autofocus. Plus, it's about half the price (though still on the expensive side for an APS-C DSLR).
Producing sumptuously detailed and expressive images, this is one of the most accessible cameras on the market for monochrome enthusiasts.
See our full Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review and read our guide to the best cameras for black and white photography
How to choose the best Pentax camera
Choosing your ideal Pentax camera is a little easier than with other brands, as Pentax's lineup is limited by comparison. Pentax also only makes DSLR cameras, so you don't have the DSLR vs Mirrorless question hanging over your decision-making.
Picking the perfect Pentax camera depends on what you love to capture. If you enjoy taking landscapes or portraits, then a bigger sensor with a higher megapixel count is the way to go. If you take a lot of sports and wildlife, then a high shutter speed and an APS-C sensor with its increased reach might be a better solution for you.
Looking for a Pentax camera as a videographer? You might not have picked the best brand, and although some of the Pentax cameras above are capable of video, you might be best looking at the best camera for video.
And let's not forget the budget! From the beginner-friendly Pentax K-70 to the pro-level Pentax K-1 Mark II, the best Pentax camera is the one that suits both your finances and shooting style.
How we test Pentax cameras
In our evaluation process, we thoroughly examine Pentax DSLR cameras through a combination of real-life usage scenarios and meticulous lab assessments.
With our controlled lab settings, we gauge various factors such as resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. To measure resolution, we employ ISO resolution charts, while our analysis of dynamic range involves specialized equipment like the DxO Analyzer. Additionally, for noise analysis spanning the camera's ISO range, we rely on the DxO Analyzer as well.
In our practical field tests we take cameras out and put them through their paces in real-world shooting situations, examining how the camera handles, how easy it is to use, and overall our impressions of the image and video quality.
We combine all this data into the review to give a comprehensive overview of each and every camera we test.
FAQs
Are Pentax cameras good for video?
Not really. If you are looking for the best camera for video, your best bet would be to look at mirrorless cameras from other brands. While Pentax's DSLR cameras can shoot video, they are not up to Sony, Panasonic, and co's standards. You'll get better value elsewhere.
Is Pentax still good?
We'd say yes – though of course it depends on your needs as a photographer. If you prefer the DSLR experience of using an optical viewfinder and are happy to compromise on some of the cutting-edge technology only available in the best mirrorless cameras, then you will be very happy with your choice of a Pentax.
Do old Pentax lenses work on new cameras?
Yes, as long as they're K-mount. Pentax has been using the old K-mount on its SLRs since the 1970s, and any lens made for the mount will fit any corresponding camera – though if it's an old lens, you won't get electronic features like autofocus. However, older Pentax DSLRs used the M42 mount, and lenses made for this mount won't fit newer bodies without an adapter.
