• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-70 advantages over Sony HX99

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Fast startup
    ~1.00 vs 2.3 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.13 vs 0.25 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.50x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs None
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony HX99 advantages over Pentax K-70

  • Less expensive
    $473* vs $797
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    35 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    6 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 6.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    103 vs 47 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.0 fps vs 6.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    50 vs 11 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-70

Review Excerpt

  • Huge bang for the buck; Great image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast autofocus; Good burst frame rate with deep buffer; Pentaprism viewfinder; Twin control dials; Articulated LCD; Comprehensive weather-sealing and freeze-proofing; Unbelievable wealth of rare to unique (yet very useful) features

  • Wi-Fi wireless communication is slow, clumsy and unintuitive; Video autofocus is prone to hunting or racking focus; Slow buffer clearing; Rather heavy for an entry-level DSLR; Autofocus and metering systems are a bit dated; Below average battery life

The Competition

Compared to Canon T6s

Pentax K-70
Canon T6s
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC
Sony HX99
Canon T6s
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony HX90V

Pentax K-70
Sony HX90V
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Sony HX99
Sony HX90V
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Sony HX80

Pentax K-70
Sony HX80
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Sony HX99
Sony HX80
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon 77D

Pentax K-70
Canon 77D
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Sony HX99
Canon 77D
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D7500

Pentax K-70
Nikon D7500
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $797
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Sony HX99
Nikon D7500
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $797
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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