I have to admit to having a soft spot for Pentax DSLRs; I've used them on and off for almost a decade, and have always found them capable and pleasant to shoot with. But one thing I really don't understand is their naming convention.

Effective in-body image stabilisation that works with every lens; Large; bright viewfinder is the best in class; Good contingent of external controls makes it easy to change settings

Relatively slow and clunky live view; In-camera JPEG processing needs a lot of twekaing for the best results; LCD screen isn't touch sensitive

The Pentax K-70 is a new mid-range 24.24-megapixel DSLR camera. Key features include a 24 megapixel APS-C sensor with an anti-aliasing simulator rather than an optical anti-aliasing filter, a vari-angle LCD screen, 11-point SAFOX X Hybrid AF system, weather-resistant construction, ISO range of...

If like me you enjoy a good manual then this unit should make you happy. The manual I saw was in PDF format – sadly not something to read in the bath – and it is 156 pages with 144 pages before the safety and warranty pages, bliss.

The K-70 is Pentax' newest SLR camera with a 24MP APS-C sized image sensor. It is a heavy camera (body: 1.5 lbs; 2.4 lbs including the kit lens), yet is quite compact. It has a splash-proof body and can be used in inclement weather conditions.

After using smartphone cameras and a bridge camera (Sony H400) I decided I wanted to get a DSLR, so far my experience has been good with this camera. The weight of the camera is fine and seems balanced, but was a shock when I first held it as I wasn't quite expecting it.

Comfortable Controls; Easy To Use; Great Image Quality; Strong Construction

Loud

It has some lovely pluses, the weather sealing, the tilt/twist screen is a boon for those who like low level macro shots, and it is nice and light. Oh and of course it has the same sensor as the K-3 so the image quality is fantastic!

Same sensor as the K-3, weather sealing, flip/tilt/twist screen; Size

only 11 AF points, cheaper shutter system which is noisier; strange shape behind the grip

Disappointing kit lens aside, the Pentax K-70 is a compact, solid and very well specified camera for enthusiasts that also delivers good value for money. It's packed with innovative features, and there's enough here to keep novices and even more experienced photographers occupied for a long time to...

Compact and rugged; Hybrid live view autofocus; Innovative anti-shake tech

Poor kit lens performance; Relatively few autofocus points; Reliance on interactive display

When picturing a high end DSLR camera we don't usually see wind, dust, rain and snow, however for those shooting outdoors or even just travelling, it's flagrantly obvious how important durability is. You don't want to be carefully nursing a vulnerable piece of technology.

If like me you enjoy a good manual then this unit should make you happy. The manual I saw was in PDF format – sadly not something to read in the bath – and it is 156 pages with 144 pages before the safety and warranty pages, bliss.

Pentax elbows its way into the enthusiast digital SLR market with a tough outdoor camera. PENTAX is pitching the dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant K-70 at the outdoor photography market. However, the K-70's specs suggest it's an all-rounder suited to a much wider range of subjects.