Pentax K-70 vs Sony A35: A Deep Dive into Two Entry-Level DSLRs for Enthusiasts

In the arena of entry-level DSLRs, both the Pentax K-70 and the Sony A35 present compelling options for photographers stepping up from compact cameras or smartphones. While both models cater to enthusiasts looking to explore respiratory photography with solid performance and accessible controls, their divergent technological approaches and feature sets mean each camera appeals distinctly depending on user priorities.

Having rigorously tested both cameras through varied shooting scenarios - from low-light portraits and fast-paced sports to intricate macro work and landscape vistas - this article provides a meticulous, side-by-side comparison designed to clarify practical performance differences, technical nuances, and value propositions. Our aim is to empower informed purchases grounded in hands-on experience and industry-standard evaluation criteria.

Physical Size and Ergonomics: Comparing the Pentax K-70 (left) and Sony A35 (right)

Design Philosophy and Ergonomics: Handling Matters

At a glance (and feel), the Pentax K-70 immediately stands out as the more robustly constructed camera. With dimensions of 126 x 93 x 74 mm and a heft of 688 grams, it offers a solid, confident grip that conveys durability and stability, ideal for extended handling in outdoor or challenging environments. Its thoroughly weather-sealed body construction - including dust, moisture, and cold resistance - extends usability to rugged shooting conditions, such as hiking or landscape expeditions in inclement weather.

By contrast, the Sony A35 is more compact and lightweight (124 x 92 x 85 mm, weighing just 415 grams), which benefits portability but sacrifices some tactile assurance. The absence of official weather sealing and a more plasticky chassis reflects its 2011-era design modesty, prioritizing compactness over protection. Users needing a camera easy to carry for street or travel photography might find the A35 preferable, while landscape photographers facing rough conditions will appreciate the K-70’s more durable profile.

Ergonomically, both cameras feature intuitive layouts. The K-70 opts for a traditional DSLR control setup with prominent buttons and dials for quick access to exposure modes (including shutter/aperture priority), ISO, and drive settings. The Sony A35's top controls follow a simpler scheme, with fewer dedicated buttons but still accommodate rapid changes via the control wheel.

Top View and Controls: K-70’s classic DSLR layout vs. A35’s streamlined approach

Sensor and Image Quality: Evolution Matters

Both cameras house APS-C-sized CMOS sensors identical in physical dimensions (23.5 x 15.6 mm sensor area). However, the Pentax K-70 sports a notably higher resolution 24MP sensor compared to 16MP for the Sony A35, a difference that significantly affects image detail and printing flexibility.

The K-70's sensor omits an anti-aliasing (AA) filter, boosting sharpness by minimizing the smoothing effect often introduced to reduce moiré. This technical choice is a double-edged sword - while fine detail pops brilliantly, certain fabrics or repetitive patterns can produce interference artifacts, but this can be controlled via in-camera processing or post-capture sharpening techniques.

In contrast, the Sony A35 maintains an AA filter to balance sharpness and moiré suppression, resulting in less maximum resolution but generally more gentler rendering on challenging textures.

Pentax’s sensor also shines in high ISO performance, boasting an impressive extended ISO range up to 102,400 (native max 51,200), compared to Sony’s max ISO of 25,600. While shooting beyond ISO 6400 becomes increasingly noisy in both cameras, the Pentax’s PRIME MII image processor provides superior noise reduction resilience - a marked advantage for night and astrophotography or dimly lit interiors.

Sony’s sensor, paired with the Bionz processor, still provides clean captures up to ISO 1600–3200 but exhibits noticeably more grain above ISO 6400 compared to the K-70.

APS-C Sensor Size Parity with Resolution and ISO Performance Differentiation

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Under Pressure

When evaluating autofocus (AF) efficacy, the K-70 offers an 11-point phase-detect AF system with nine cross-type sensors, supporting continuous AF tracking with face detection in live view. Despite the relatively modest number of AF points, each is highly sensitive and accurate, especially for still subjects including portraits and landscapes. Pentax’s in-body Shake Reduction also enhances autofocus stability.

The Sony A35 features a slightly denser AF system with 15 phase-detection points, though only 3 are cross-type - offering nuanced coverage and decent precision. However, unlike the K-70, it lacks continuous AF tracking capability, reducing effectiveness for sports and wildlife photography where focus maintenance on erratically moving subjects is critical.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF during live view, with Pentax’s implementation showing slightly faster and more reliable focusing in this mode.

In real-world autofocus performance testing:

• Pentax K-70 continuously tracked subject movement much more effectively, especially for moving wildlife and sports scenarios, owing to its continuous AF and refined algorithms.
• Sony A35 occasionally struggled with erratic focus hunting under low contrast or fast movements, limiting its suitability for fast action photography.

Viewfinder and Screen: Optical Versus Electronic Experience

The K-70 boasts a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.63x, delivering a bright, natural image with zero lag - a decisive advantage for image composition in bright sunlight or dynamic shooting.

Conversely, the A35 uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 1150k dots and 0.73x magnification. While this EVF provides WYSIWYG feedback including live exposure and histogram overlays, it can feel laggy in low light and consume additional power. Still, for tech-savvy users wishing for exposure previews and electronic overlays, the A35's EVF is more flexible.

Screen-wise, the Pentax K-70 incorporates a 3-inch fully articulated LCD screen with 921k-dot resolution, greatly enhancing compositional flexibility - especially beneficial for macro photography, street photography, and unusual angles. The articulating screen also facilitates live view shooting and makes video framing easier.

The Sony A35 only offers a fixed, non-articulated 3-inch LCD of the same resolution, somewhat limiting for creative framing and less adaptable for video work.

Back Screen: Articulated Versus Fixed LCDs Affecting Shooting Flexibility

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ruggedness Wins for Pentax

A major differentiator lies in the K-70’s weather sealing, which significantly enhances resistance against dust, moisture, and cold temperatures down to -10°C - features rarely found in entry-level DSLRs and invaluable for outdoor and travel photographers who cannot always shield their equipment.

In contrast, the Sony A35 lacks any such seals, requiring more cautious handling and limiting use in adverse conditions.

While neither camera is shockproof or freeze-proof, the robust chassis and ergonomic grip of the K-70 inspire more confidence for demanding use over time, making it the more professional-feeling tool in this category.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Legacy and Modern Options

Pentax’s KAF2 mount supports a broad catalog of over 150 Pentax lenses, including legendary primes, modern weather-sealed lenses, and compact zooms. Pentax’s commitment to backward compatibility means the K-70 can even operate many legacy screw-mount lenses via adapters - a treasure for vintage lens enthusiasts.

Sony’s Alpha mount (Minolta A-mount) spans roughly 143 lenses, encompassing Minolta’s heritage lenses and newer Sony-branded optics. However, since Sony’s mirrorless line dominates the modern ecosystem, A-mount lens production and innovation are more limited, potentially restricting future upgrades and specialized glass availability.

Photographers valuing extensive lens choice, especially for niches like macro and ultrawide landscapes, will find the Pentax KAF2 mount a more extensible platform.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth: Capturing Action

Both cameras offer a top continuous shooting speed of 6 frames per second (fps), which is respectable for entry-level DSLRs.

The K-70 benefits from a modern image processor and larger buffer, comfortably enabling continuous JPEG shooting up to 100 frames at 6 fps, and around 20 RAW frames before buffering slows capture. This is essential for sports or wildlife photographers needing rapid-fire bursts without interruption.

The Sony A35’s buffer, constrained by its older Bionz processor, can sustain only roughly 10 RAW frames at 6 fps before slowing, limiting its usefulness in fast-paced shoots.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Flexibility for Hybrid Shooters

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video, but the Pentax K-70 is the better-rounded video tool.

The K-70 offers 1080p at up to 60i (interlaced) and 30p (progressive), variable frame rates, in both MPEG-4 and H.264 encodings. It features a microphone input for improved audio capture and has sensor-based image stabilization to smooth handheld footage. Notably, it supports interval time-lapse recording, catering to videographers and creative content creators.

Sony’s A35 outputs 1080p at fixed 60fps and 30fps rates, offering AVCHD alongside MPEG4/H.264 formats. While it also sports a microphone input, video autofocus is less reliable, owing to the lacking continuous AF tracking and limited stabilization (none in-body).

Thus, the Pentax K-70 is more flexible and forgiving for video use at this price point.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

The K-70 uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery producing approximately 410 shots per charge (CIPA standard), which aligns well with DSLR norms and supports lengthy outdoor shoots without frequent swapping.

Sony’s A35 slightly edges this with 440 shots per charge, owing in part to its lighter EVF usage and simpler electronics.

In wireless connectivity, the K-70 includes built-in Wi-Fi, enabling easy image transfers to mobile devices and remote camera control - highly valuable in modern workflows. The A35 lacks any wireless capabilities, necessitating manual wired transfers.

Both cameras offer HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, but neither features Bluetooth or NFC for contemporary seamless integration.

Pentax K 70 front Pentax K 70 screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back

Real-World Photography Applications: Strengths and Use Cases

Portrait Photography

For portrait shooters prioritizing accurate skin tones, natural bokeh, and dependable eye detection autofocus, the Pentax K-70’s higher resolution sensor and refined AF system provide noticeably sharper, more nuanced images. Eye detection is particularly helpful during live view composition.

Sony’s lower resolution and limited AF tracking reduce portrait shoot efficiency, but the camera still produces pleasant results in controlled environments.

Landscape Photography

The Pentax K-70’s superior dynamic range and weather sealing make it the clear favorite for landscapes, enabling crisp shots with preserved shadows/getting detail in highlights under varied lighting conditions. Its fully articulated screen aids composing from unconventional angles, vital when working on the ground or over ledges.

Sony’s lightweight design makes weekend hikes easier but compromises on durability and dynamic range limit serious landscape ambitions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, autofocus speed and continuous tracking dominate requirements. The K-70 outperforms with reliable continuous AF, a higher buffer for burst shots, and sturdier handling.

Sony’s autofocus limitations and smaller buffer make it less ideal for fast action; however, lightweight and compactness might appeal for casual wildlife or sports capture.

Street Photography

A compact body and quiet shooting are crucial. Sony A35’s smaller size and electronic viewfinder to preview exposure silently simplify candid moments. However, the lack of articulating screen and weatherproofing remain a drawback.

Pentax K-70’s articulating screen and solid grip benefit street photographers willing to carry extra weight.

Macro Photography

Precision autofocusing and image stabilization accelerate macro success. Both cameras have sensor-based stabilization, but Pentax’s articulate screen and more sensitive AF edges it as the better option for tight close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Pentax’s expanded ISO range and superior noise reduction place the K-70 well ahead, especially for faint star fields and low-light cityscapes. Sony’s sensor may be too grainy for prolonged exposures at high ISO.

Video Work

Video enthusiasts will appreciate Pentax’s microphone input, interval recording, and smoother handheld stabilization. Sony’s video performance, while adequate, lags in autofocus sophistication.

Travel Photography

Sony’s compact and lightweight form factor suits travelers who prioritize minimal gear weight.

Pentax balances versatility with size and durability, favoring adventurous travelers expecting diverse shooting conditions.

Professional Use

Pentax K-70 delivers superior file flexibility, RAW support, robust construction, and wireless capabilities suited for professional backup work or secondary body.

Sony A35, now somewhat dated, functions best as an affordable entry-level starter rather than a professional tool.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Pentax K-70 if you:

• Desire a rugged, weather-sealed DSLR for outdoor, landscape, and travel photography.
• Value high resolution and excellent high ISO image quality for portrait, night, and astro shooting.
• Need reliable continuous autofocus tracking for wildlife and sports.
• Require an articulating screen and advanced video options.
• Want built-in Wi-Fi and solid battery life for versatile, connected workflows.
• Are willing to carry a slightly heavier camera for improved handling and robustness.

Choose the Sony A35 if you:

• Prioritize a lightweight, compact camera for street, casual travel, or everyday snapshots.
• Prefer an electronic viewfinder with real-time exposure feedback.
• Seek a lower-cost entry point into DSLR photography with decent image quality.
• Have a lens collection from Sony/Minolta or plan to use legacy optics.
• Can accept limitations in continuous autofocus and weather resistance.
• Are mostly shooting static subjects or video in controlled environments.

Closing Thoughts

While both the Pentax K-70 and Sony A35 are categorized as entry-level DSLRs, they serve quite different user profiles and photographic goals. The Pentax K-70, introduced five years after the A35, benefits from technological advances delivering superior sensor resolution, autofocus tracking, and environmental resilience, making it a more versatile and future-proof investment, especially for enthusiasts committed to rugged, multi-genre photography.

The Sony A35, a product of its time, remains a competent option for photographers valuing lightweight portability and an electronic viewfinder, although it increasingly feels eclipsed by newer cameras, both in features and performance.

With real-world experience testing and comparing these cameras across diverse disciplines, it is clear that the Pentax K-70 stands out as the better-rounded and more capable DSLR for most serious users, while the Sony A35 caters well to newcomers prioritizing size and simplicity. Your choice should align with your photographic ambitions, shooting environments, and ergonomic preferences to maximize satisfaction and creative growth.

This comparison is based on hands-on evaluations, bench tests, and field use by a seasoned reviewer with over 15 years of expert camera testing experience. The insights aim to provide photographers with actionable, honest guidance beyond marketing claims and spec sheets.