DSLRs aren’t quite dead yet – Leaked photos show a new upcoming Pentax KF
Nov 8, 2022
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Pentax’s prediction of users flocking back to DSLRs within a couple of years of mirrorless hype hasn’t really happened. But true to their word, it looks like Pentax really is sticking with DSLRs. New photos, along with prices of an upcoming Pentax KF have leaked online. It appears to be very similar in design to the Pentax K-70 DSLR released in 2016 – a midrange APS-C DSLR with a 24.2MP sensor.
There are no specs available for the new camera yet, although photos show that it will be available in three colours. There’s the standard black, along with two limited edition versions in Crystal White and Crystal Blue – each limited to 700 units.
When you see the Pentax KF (left, above) vs the Pentax K-70 (right, above), the design similarities between the two bodies is obvious. This has led to speculation that the KF is going to essentially become the K-70 successor instead of a “K-70 Mark II”. So, I think we can possibly expect the KF to hold a similar mid-range DSLR position in the camera landscape. Exactly what the specs of the new camera will be and how it will actually differ from the K-70 are currently unknown.
What we do know – at least according to the leak – is that it will be available in three colours. You’ve got the standard black but there will also be Crystal Blue and Crystal White versions. Only 700 of each of the Crystal colour versions will be released, though, so if you want to get your hands on one, you’ll probably have to be pretty quick once the announcement is official. It’ll come in two kits, either body only or in a kit containing the 18-55mm WR lens.
It’s expected to be officially released on November 25th and as for prices, the body will cost 119,800 yen in Japan while the kit containing the 18-55mm will cost 139,800 yen. Those prices equate to about $818 and $955 respectively. Whether those are the prices they’ll be when they hit the USA is unknown but I’d say it’s probably a safe bet to assume they’ll be somewhere around the $899 and $999 marks.
[via Digicame-Info]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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18 responses to “DSLRs aren’t quite dead yet – Leaked photos show a new upcoming Pentax KF”
Pentax makes great cameras en lenses. I do sorta wish they would embrace mirrorless. I would switch back.
I hope it doesn’t have the same aperture control block defect that plagued the K-70 and K-500. But I’m happy Pentax is not jumping on the mirrorless bandwagon. I had the chance to take a Nikon Z8 out for a test drive, and while it was a good overall camera, I don’t think the EVFs will ever replace optical viewfinders. It couldn’t cope with a pan movement.
long live Pentax, long live traditional DSLRs. even if 9o% will use milc, its good to know that the oldschool is still there.
mirrors aren’t needed anymore
Pentax is not sticking to DSLRS, it’s just 15 years behind.
Pen who?
2 out of those 5 people in the world who still use Pentax might buy it 🤷🏽♂️
Bring back the K-1000 with an FX sensor in it
Let me guess… all the same specs as one of their previous cameras in a body that is clearly a previously released model with a new name and a couple of new colours and a cheaper kit lens that somehow manages to beat cannons kit lens…
Pentax stopped being an innovator a long time ago.
So at the end of the day, what are you actually getting?? Perhaps a new proprietary battery? Maybe an upgraded USB port? Perhaps a higher memory card capacity? Maybe a software tweak or two but Pentax doesn’t innovate anymore.
Fro Knows Photo 🤣🤣🤣
is it because they have problems producing a mirrorless? sounds like beating a dead horse
I like Pentax, but they’d probably make more money selling new film K1000 35mm SLRs!
Nice to see Pentax doesn’t have a herd mentality.
I mean dslr’s aren’t close to dead….I’d switch to mirrorless if I could afford to but that’s a long ways in the future. It’s not just a clean body switch
Not bad if the would bring back the pentax 67ii ❤️
It’s called finding your niche
I love Pentax. Used them all my Pro life.
But I do wish they would look into mirrorless just to save my shoulders 😁🤷♂️🤣
The shocking thing is not that there is a new DSLR coming, the real revelation here is that people still shoot with Pentax. (kidding)