Pentax KM
Pentax · DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pentax |
| Model | KM |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 22, 2008 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 123 x 92 x 68 mm |
| Camera weight | 590 g |
Optics48/100 | |
About the OpticsComparing the Pentax KM to today’s market, it has dated specifications. However, it still holds value for those seeking a compact and lightweight DSLR. While not the top choice for modern photography, the Pentax KM serves as a reliable option for beginners or those on a tight budget. Pentax KM Overview and OpticsThe Pentax KM receives a score of 48 out of 100 for its optics. With a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, this camera has a DXOMARK score of 64 for the sensor. The APS-C sensor size and Pentax KAF lens mount are standard features in today’s market. Additionally, the camera has a shooting speed of 3.5 frames per second, image stabilization, and a 3:2 aspect ratio. In the current market, the Pentax KM’s optics specifications are considered average. Cameras with higher megapixels and faster shooting speeds are available, providing improved image quality and performance. The Prime processor, while reliable, is not the most advanced option in today’s technology landscape. The Pentax KM’s optics specifications, while not groundbreaking, offer a satisfactory performance for casual photographers. However, those seeking top-of-the-line image quality and speed may want to explore other options. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 10.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 3872 x 2592 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 16 x 24 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3.5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 12530200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Pentax KM lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses solely on photography. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features21/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Pentax KM has a feature score of 21 out of 100. This camera comes with a 2.7-inch screen, offering a screen resolution of 230,000 dots. However, it does not have touchscreen capabilities, a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth. When comparing the Pentax KM to other cameras on the market, its features are quite basic. The lack of modern connectivity options, such as WIFI and Bluetooth, makes it less convenient for users who want to transfer their photos wirelessly. Additionally, the absence of a touchscreen and flip screen limits the ease of use and flexibility when composing shots. Considering the specifications of the Pentax KM, it is evident that this camera may not be the best choice for users seeking advanced features and connectivity options. The camera’s basic offerings may suit those who prefer simpler functionality, but it may not be ideal for photographers looking for more versatile and modern features in their camera. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | No |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery51/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Pentax KM receives a storage and battery score of 51 out of 100. This camera has a single memory card slot, accepting SD and SDHC cards. With a battery life of 1,800 shots, the Pentax KM operates on 4 AA batteries. However, there is no USB charging option. In today’s market, the Pentax KM’s storage and battery specifications may not meet the expectations of some users. The limited memory card slot and lack of USB charging may be inconvenient for those who require more flexibility in their photography experience. Despite these limitations, the camera’s battery life is still quite impressive, offering ample shooting time for various photography situations. The Pentax KM’s storage and battery capabilities may not be the most advanced, but its battery life makes it a reliable choice for those who value longevity in their photography sessions. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | 4 x AA batteries |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1800 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |