The Pentax K-70 is the Ranulph Fiennes of DSLR cameras
Perfect if you're planning an arctic expedition
There’s tough, and then there’s Pentax K-70 tough. This hardy digital SLR is purpose built to withstand the elements, without leaving your wallet out in the cold.
You’d normally have to splash out on a top-end Nikon or Canon to get true weatherproofing, but dust and water seals come as standard on more mid-range cameras from Pentax.
The K-70 will keep shooting down to -10°C too, so freezing conditions don’t mean putting your camera away. The hand grip, chunky mode dial and larger than usual buttons let you snap away while you’re wearing gloves, too, so you don’t have to risk frostbite to get that perfect pic.
Bright sunshine is as much a problem on top of mountains as it is in the desert, which is why you can boost the brightness of the flip-out LCD so you can actually see what you’re pointing the lens at.
Even if you don’t plan on risking hypothermia for your holiday albums, the K-70 looks pretty capable for everyday photographers.
The 24.2MP sensor can hit a huge maximum 102,400 ISO, so you’re covered in pretty much all lightning conditions, and it’s paired with a hybrid AF system – a first for Pentax. Mixing phase- and contrast detection should make focusing super-fast, so you don’t miss a moment.
Continuous AF when recording videos is another first, one that should keep budding Spielbergs happy. There’s no 4K recording, only 1080p, but you do get built-in Wi-Fi and an optical viewfinder for when the LCD screen just isn’t cutting it.
You’ll be able to pick one up for your travel bag soon: an official launch date will be announced next month, but you can start saving right now. A body-only model will set you back £560 or you can get a versatile 18-135mm kit lens bundle for £800.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor 
