The Ultimate Pentax Camera Guide 2025: DSLRs, Film Comebacks & Adventure-Ready Compacts

Key Facts

• Pentax Bets on DSLRs in a Mirrorless World: Ricoh’s Pentax is now the only major brand still focused on new DSLR cameras in 2025, catering to photographers who prefer optical viewfinders and rugged, traditional bodies.
• Diverse DSLR Lineup – From Full-Frame to Monochrome: Current Pentax DSLRs range from the 36MP full-frame Pentax K-1 Mark II (a weather-sealed workhorse) to the APS-C flagship Pentax K-3 Mark III (also offered in a unique Monochrome edition for black-and-white purists) and the mid-range Pentax KF (a 24MP starter DSLR). All feature in-body stabilization and Pentax’s famed outdoor-ready construction.
• Reviving Film Photography: Pentax made headlines by re-entering the film camera market. In summer 2024 it launched the Pentax 17, a half-frame 35mm film camera – the first new Pentax film camera in ~19 years. With manual winding, a fixed 37mm-equivalent lens, and retro operation, it’s designed to give a new generation “the genuine experience of using a classic film camera”.
• Tough Compact Cameras for Adventure: Pentax continues to offer waterproof “WG” point-and-shoots. The latest flagship Pentax WG-8 is a 20MP rugged compact (20m waterproof, shockproof, 4K video), while the entry-level Pentax WG-1000 uses a 16MP sensor and is rated to 15m depth (1080p video). An older mid-tier model (Pentax WG-90/WG-80) remains available for casual outdoor use. All WG cameras prioritize durability over sheer image quality, lacking RAW support but surviving conditions that would kill a smartphone.
• Pentax Stays the Course – and Thinks Different: Ricoh Imaging (Pentax’s parent) has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to DSLRs over mirrorless tech. In 2024, the company doubled down on niche enthusiast offerings – from a monochrome-only DSLR to a new film camera – marching to the beat of its own drum. This strategy has earned Pentax a devoted fan base, even as competitors pivot to mirrorless systems.
• What’s Next – Rumors and Roadmap: Enthusiasts anticipate a Pentax K-1 Mark III DSLR on the horizon. Reliable reports suggest a new full-frame Pentax (successor to the K-1 II) is in development with a 61MP backside-illuminated sensor, updated SAFOX 14 autofocus system, dual CFexpress slots, and other modern upgrades. On the film front, Pentax hints that if the 17 succeeds, a more advanced film camera – possibly even a 35mm SLR – could follow in the future. For now, Pentax is gathering feedback from the film community before committing to additional analog models.

Pentax DSLR Lineup: Robust Performance for Every Shooter

Pentax has carved a unique identity by sticking with DSLRs that emphasize rugged build, in-body stabilization, and optical viewfinder excellence. The current lineup covers full-frame and APS-C formats, each appealing to different users:

• Pentax K-1 Mark II (Full-Frame): This 36.4 MP full-frame DSLR is Pentax’s pro-tier flagship (launched 2018, still the latest FF model). The K-1 II’s strengths are superb image quality (the high-resolution sensor has no anti-alias filter), class-leading weather sealing, and specialty tools for landscape and night photography. It features Pixel Shift Resolution for ultra-detailed composite shots and a built-in GPS with Astrotracer, which rotates the sensor to track stars – a boon for astrophotographers. Reviewers note the K-1 II “remains popular today thanks to its great image quality and rugged design”. With a sturdy magnesium alloy body and articulating LED-lit LCD, the K-1 II is aimed at advanced enthusiasts and professionals (think landscape, architecture, and astro shooters). At around $1,900 USD (body-only) new, it’s a relatively affordable entry into full-frame for what it offers. However, its 33-point AF system and 4.4 fps burst rate reflect its age – action shooters may find it sluggish compared to modern sports cameras. Pentaxians are eagerly awaiting the rumored K-1 Mark III, which is expected to leap forward with a 61MP BSI sensor and much faster shooting and autofocus.
• Pentax K-3 Mark III (APS-C): Released 2021, the K-3 III is Pentax’s APS-C flagship DSLR – essentially a “mini K-1” in build and features. It offers a 25.7 MP APS-C sensor, up to 12 fps burst, and the best optical viewfinder in any APS-C DSLR (1.05× magnification, nearly 100% field of view). Pentax developed a new 101-point SAFOX 13 AF module for the K-3 III, greatly improving tracking and low-light focus over its predecessors dpreview.com. Combined with 5-axis in-body shake reduction and 4K video capability, the K-3 III is versatile enough for wildlife or fast action, while still excelling at landscapes (it even supports Pixel Shift hi-res mode like the K-1). Reviewers describe it as “a high-end DSLR for high-end DSLR users” – appealing to those who love a deep grip, extensive physical controls, and the classic shooting experience dpreview.com. At launch it cost ~$2,000 (body), on par with pro mirrorless cameras; as one commenter put it, “at this price I don’t see what would entice someone not already a Pentax user,” implying the K-3 III mainly targets devoted Pentaxians who have K-mount lenses and value the OVF-centric workflow reddit.com. For those users, it’s a dream upgrade. The camera’s only weakness is that its autofocus, while much improved, still lags the subject-tracking prowess of similarly priced mirrorless models. Yet in real-world use, many find it “more than adequate,” even in dim conditions, especially when paired with Pentax’s newer PLM lenses for faster focusing dpreview.com. Overall, the K-3 Mark III is a rugged APS-C workhorse ideal for outdoor photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who prizes a DSLR’s immediacy.
• Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome: In April 2023, Pentax surprised the industry by launching a black-and-white-only version of the K-3 III. This variant has a monochrome-specific sensor (no Bayer color filter), yielding sharper B&W images with film-like tonality. It’s otherwise the same robust camera as the K-3 III, even sporting a stealthy all-black design with monochrome interface icons. The Monochrome edition struck a chord with enthusiasts: it sold out immediately in Japan – Pentax had to halt orders because demand far exceeded supply on launch. As the only dedicated monochrome DSLR on the market, the K-3 III Monochrome appeals to a niche of purists. “Clearly, the company’s latest DSLR is extremely popular,” PetaPixel noted when pre-orders flooded in beyond initial expectations. Priced around $2,200, it’s a specialty tool (and arguably a collector’s item) for black-and-white photography lovers. The success of this model showed that Pentax isn’t afraid to embrace unique concepts – and that a market, however small, exists for such products in 2023/2024.
• Pentax KF (APS-C, mid-range): For budding photographers or those on a tighter budget, Pentax introduced the KF in late 2022. The KF is essentially a refreshed Pentax K-70 (the 24 MP APS-C mid-range DSLR from 2016) with a few component updates. Ricoh launched the KF because certain parts for the K-70 became unavailable, forcing a reboot of that model with minor improvements. The changes were modest – e.g. a higher-res vari-angle LCD (+12% dots), a slightly lighter body, USB-C support, and new in-camera image-finishing presets (Pentax added special “Custom Image” profiles like nostalgic SATOBI and cross-processed looks). Essentially, the KF offers the same core specs as the K-70: a 24.2 MP sensor with ISO up to 102,400, 5 fps burst, 11-point AF, built-in shake reduction, and full HD 1080/60p video. Crucially, it inherits Pentax’s signature weather-sealing and prism optical viewfinder (100% field, 0.95× magnification) – rare features at its ~$900 price point. In fact, the KF is one of the very few weatherproof DSLRs in the sub-$1,000 segment in 2025. It’s marketed as “a compact digital SLR camera featuring dustproof, weather-resistant construction perfect for outdoor photography” pentax.eu. This makes it ideal for hobbyists, hikers, or students who want a tough step-up camera without breaking the bank. Performance-wise, the KF is not a “notable upgrade” over the K-70 – it’s more a continuation. But that also means it delivers excellent value, with an advanced feature set (like Pixel Shift, Astrotracer support via optional GPS unit, etc.) for an “entry” DSLR. The KF comes in black or limited-run blue/white bodies, adding a bit of style. Overall, the Pentax KF suits beginners and enthusiasts entering the Pentax system, and ensures Pentax has an offering in the critical mid-tier DSLR market.

Lens and Accessory Ecosystem: All Pentax DSLRs use the decades-old K-mount, so they natively support a huge catalog of Pentax lenses (modern HD coatings as well as legacy glass dating back to film). Pentax continues to release K-mount lenses – recent additions include refreshed limited primes and star-series lenses – ensuring system viability. The company even released a new AF180FG flash in 2024, a compact automatic strobe compatible with Pentax DSLRs and the Ricoh GR compacts. This odd little product (guide number ~18) shows Pentax’s continued commitment to supporting accessories for its users. In short, Pentax DSLRs in 2025 offer a full system: bodies ranging from affordable to specialized, a rich lens lineup (especially strong in primes), and unique accessories for creative shooting (from astro trackers to flashes). For photographers who cherish the DSLR experience, Pentax delivers a blend of old-school solidity and up-to-date imaging capabilities – a combo that’s increasingly rare in the industry.

Pentax Point-and-Shoot Cameras: Waterproof Warriors (WG Series)

While Pentax’s interchangeable-lens cameras grab most headlines, the brand also caters to compact camera fans – specifically those who need a tough, all-weather camera. The Pentax WG-series are rugged point-and-shoots purpose-built for underwater, outdoor, and industrial use. In 2024, Pentax refreshed this lineup with two new models, marking the first WG series update in years:

• Pentax WG-8 (Flagship Rugged Compact): The WG-8 is described as the “top-of-the-line” adventure camera in Pentax’s range. It replaces the older WG-6 and boasts serious durability specs. The WG-8 is waterproof down to 20 meters (65.6 ft) for up to 2 hours – equivalent to IPX8, among the deepest in class. It’s also shockproof from 2.1 m (7 ft) drops, crushproof to 100 kgf, and freeze-proof to –10 °C. In terms of imaging, it uses a 20 MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor and a 5× optical zoom lens (28–140mm equivalent, f/3.5-5.5). That lens is surrounded by a ring of 6 LED macro lights – a signature WG feature – great for close-ups of insects, plants or underwater macro subjects. Notably, the WG-8 can record 4K video (30p) and even doubles as a USB webcam, which is an upgrade over its predecessor (the WG-6 topped out at 1080p). It also has built-in GPS and compass for geotagging your adventures. One quirk: despite the modern features, it has no Wi-Fi – wireless transfers require using a FlashAir SD card, a carryover from earlier models. The WG-8’s design includes a 3-inch 1.04M-dot LCD and a tough body available in black or green. Priced around $399 USD (approx €519 in Europe) at launch, it targets hikers, divers, climbers, and anyone needing a “seriously tough” camera off the beaten path. Reviewers have noted that while its image quality (with a small sensor) won’t rival larger cameras, the WG-8 fills a niche: “it’s a seriously tough camera and great for outdoor adventurers,” offering capabilities (macro ring light, extreme waterproofing) that smartphones lack.
• Pentax WG-1000 (Entry-Level Rugged Compact): Launched alongside the WG-8, the WG-1000 is positioned as an affordable, beginner-friendly waterproof camera. In Pentax’s words, it’s “designed for casual underwater photography” to 15 m depth (49 ft) for up to an hour. The WG-1000 has a 16 MP 1/2.3″ sensor and a 4× zoom lens (27–108mm equiv., f/3.0-6.6) – a slightly shorter zoom range but with a brighter wide end than the WG-8. It forgoes 4K; max video is 1080p at 30 fps. The rear screen is smaller and lower-res (2.7-inch, 230k dots). It’s a bit less tank-like too: waterproof to 15m, shockproof to 2m drops, and no crushproof rating given (likely less robust overall than the WG-8). Notably, the WG-1000 also omits the GPS/compass module of the higher model. However, it retains core toughness and even introduces an interesting feature for professional environments: the WG-1000’s body can be sterilized with ethanol or hypochlorite solution without damage. This suggests Pentax had uses like construction sites, hospitals, or labs in mind (where you might want to disinfect the camera). It ships with a removable protective “jacket” skin and a carabiner strap for easy carrying. At $229 USD launch price, the WG-1000 is one of the most affordable waterproof cameras on the market – undercutting rivals like Olympus’s Tough series. It comes in olive green or gray, appealing to campers and kids at summer pool parties alike. While its spec sheet is modest, the WG-1000 covers the basics for casual snorkelers, beach vacations, and everyday rough use where you wouldn’t risk a phone.
• (Pentax WG-90 / WG-80): In some regions, Pentax also lists a model called WG-90 (similar to the earlier WG-80). This appears to be a carry-over model using a 16 MP sensor and 5× zoom, offered perhaps as a mid-tier option between the new cameras. In practice, the WG-90’s specs align closely with the WG-1000, but it may have a slightly different body design or accessory kit. For instance, Pentax Europe mentions “with its slim design, the WG‑80 / WG-90 fits in the pockets of your work clothes,” suggesting the WG-90 is essentially the 15m-rated camera in a worksite-friendly form. If available, it provides an alternative for those who want a proven model – but with the WG-1000 hitting a lower price, the WG-90 is arguably redundant in 2025. (It’s worth noting Ricoh sometimes brands these cameras as “Ricoh G” series for industrial use – e.g. the orange Ricoh G900 is akin to a WG with internal memory and chemical resistance. In 2024, Ricoh even introduced G900 II variants for enterprise, which are basically WG-8s without the Pentax label. But for the general public under the Pentax name, the WG-8 and WG-1000 cover most needs.)

In summary, Pentax’s point-and-shoot lineup serves adventurers, snorkelers, and field professionals who need a camera that can go places and survive conditions where a smartphone or standard camera wouldn’t. They aren’t meant to compete on pure image specs; a review candidly noted the 1/2.3″ sensor is a compromise “that must be made for a rugged underwater camera that costs $400”. But features like the macro ring light, extreme waterproofing, and even sterilizability make the WG series valuable tools. With these releases, Pentax has shown it’s not abandoning compacts – instead, doubling down on the hardiest niche of compacts where it can stand out. If you need a camera for skiing, diving, caving, or job-site documentation, the Pentax WG models are built for exactly that purpose.

Pentax’s Film Comeback: From Legacy to the Future

Perhaps the boldest move by Pentax/Ricoh in recent years is the launch of the Pentax Film Camera Project. At a time when most brands have long left film cameras behind, Pentax sensed an opportunity in the analog resurgence. In late 2022, Ricoh announced it was researching new film products, citing a “rebirth in interest in film cameras” and the desire to involve camera fans in development. Fast-forward to 2024, and that idea materialized as a tangible product: the Pentax 17.

Pentax 17 – Half-Frame Fun in 35mm

The Pentax 17 (named after the half-frame format of 17×24mm) is a compact 35mm film camera with fixed lens, introduced in summer 2024. This is the first Pentax-branded film camera released in nearly twenty years. It’s a totally new design, yet deliberately retro in operation. Key features include: a fixed 26.6mm f/6.7 lens (equivalent to ~37mm in full-frame terms), manual zone focusing (with simple distance icons to select focus range), and a hand-cranked film advance and rewind – yes, you wind the film manually with a lever, just like the old days. Notably, the Pentax 17 uses the half-frame format: it exposes only half of a standard 35mm frame for each photo, meaning you get 72 shots on a 36-exp roll (or 48 on a 24-exp roll). This is an unusual choice (half-frame hasn’t been mainstream since the 1960s), but it allows the camera to be very compact and makes each roll of film go twice as far. Pentax likely chose half-frame to target casual snapshooters and experimenters who value quantity and a fun aesthetic over ultimate resolution.

Despite its toy-like concept, the build quality is high. Pentax emphasized a “high-quality body with meticulous attention to detail,” and the camera indeed has a solid, premium feel (it weighs about 400g). It includes conveniences like a built-in flash and even multiple exposure modes: the Pentax 17 has seven shooting modes (likely scene presets that adjust aperture/shutter combinations) to help novices get good exposures. It’s not fully manual – rather, it’s designed to be easy and fun. There’s a clear bright-frame optical viewfinder for composing. Essentially, Pentax aimed to balance accessibility (for newcomers to film) with authenticity (the tactile joy of analog). Chris Niccolls of DPReview TV tried the camera and wrote: “What the Pentax 17 does so well is give first-time film users the genuine experience of using a classic film camera and at the same time also give a seasoned film photographer that feeling of joy that they may have misplaced along the way.” This sentiment captures the 17’s dual appeal: it’s both a learning tool and a nostalgia machine.

The Pentax 17 hit the market at around $499 USD / €549 – not cheap, but priced on par with premium point-and-shoot film cameras (and far less than rare vintage half-frames often cost now). Despite some skepticism initially, the 17 has been quite well received. It was one of the most anticipated camera releases of 2024 in enthusiast circles, and early adopters praised it for its fun factor. In fact, the design has even won awards; Pentax proudly notes the Pentax 17 won three major design prizes (iF, Red Dot, and Good Design) for its retro-modern styling and concept.

Pentax’s Strategy: Listening to Film Photographers

Crucially, Pentax doesn’t see the 17 as a one-and-done. It’s the first step in a broader film roadmap – but a cautious one. Ricoh Imaging has stated that they are “continuing to evaluate the Pentax 17’s reception” before finalizing any new film models. The project lead, Takeo Suzuki (known as TKO), was a veteran designer who spearheaded the 17’s development. He retired in March 2025, shortly after the camera’s launch, which caused some to worry about the project’s future. However, Ricoh clarified that his departure “does not affect the possibility of future film models” and that the company is seeking further feedback from film photographers to gauge demand. In other words, Pentax is in a data-gathering phase: they want to know what film shooters liked or missed in the 17, and how big the market truly is, before committing resources to, say, a full-frame 35mm SLR or another compact.

Pentax executives have hinted at an ambitious vision if the market responds. In the run-up to the 17’s release, Ricoh mentioned it was investigating a “raft of [film] camera releases that could include a film SLR in due course.” Enthusiasts have fantasized about a digital-era Pentax ME Super or K1000-style 35mm SLR. For now, though, no specific model has been officially announced. Insiders suggest the next logical step might be an “advanced compact” (perhaps a premium point-and-shoot or rangefinder-style camera) if the simple 17 does well. There’s also talk of leveraging Pentax’s rich SLR heritage: a new fully mechanical K-mount film SLR would thrill the community – and Pentax has the expertise from its classic cameras to attempt it.

One thing is clear: Pentax is currently the only major camera maker developing new film cameras, and they are approaching it carefully. As Kosmo Foto reported in March 2025, Pentax will “seek further feedback… before committing to more models,” emphasizing that film cameras, while exciting, “currently play a smaller role than our established GR line” in Ricoh’s business. The company noted that since the 17 was their first film camera in 15+ years, they need time to meet with customers and learn what worked or what was missing. This pragmatic stance actually bodes well – it shows Pentax is serious about building a sustainable film system (not just a gimmick). They’re engaging with the film community, even releasing behind-the-scenes YouTube updates throughout the project’s development.

If the Pentax 17’s early success is any indication, there is an appetite for new film cameras. By reconnecting with its analog roots, Pentax has tapped into both the Gen-Z film trend and the nostalgia of longtime photographers. The coming years will reveal whether this experiment grows into a full-fledged product line. For now, the Pentax 17 serves as a proof of concept: it proved a big camera manufacturer can still launch a film camera in the 2020s – and people will buy it. It’s a refreshing development in a digital-dominated era, and one that solidifies Pentax’s image as the traditionalist rebel of the camera world.

Pentax’s Focus in 2025: Old-School Philosophy, Modern Execution

Drawing all the threads together, Pentax in 2025 stands out for its unconventional path. While the rest of the industry races toward mirrorless automation, Pentax is doubling down on what makes it different: DSLRs with character, and now even film cameras. This strategy is not without challenges – DSLR sales are declining overall, and Pentax’s global market share is small. Yet the brand’s moves have generated enthusiasm far beyond its size. As one commentator observed, Pentax often gets ignored in discussions, yet “30 years after the [industry’s] supposed apocalypse, here we are again” with Pentax defiantly doing its own thing.

From a business perspective, Ricoh Imaging is clearly playing to its strengths. Pentax cameras are renowned for ruggedness, backwards lens compatibility, and photographer-focused design. They have capitalized on that: for instance, the “5 Reasons to Choose PENTAX” campaign and community spotlights emphasize the joy of optical viewfinders, durable bodies, in-body SR, the Limited-series lenses’ rendering, and the niche experiences (like monochrome-only shooting) you can only get with Pentax. By catering to a specific enthusiast audience rather than the mass market, Pentax fosters intense brand loyalty. Many Pentax users stick with the brand for decades – something Ricoh is well aware of and nurtures through programs like Pentaxians assemblies, special editions, and continuous firmware updates (even older models often get new features via firmware, a practice Pentax fans appreciate).

Recent Pentax news reflects a mix of perseverance and slow evolution. In 2024, no new DSLR body was released (after the K-3 III Monochrome in 2023 and KF in late 2022), which some found disappointing. However, Pentax stayed busy with the film camera and compacts. Industry observers noted it was “fittingly unusual” – seven new cameras from Ricoh Imaging in 2024, “no new DSLRs,” yet those new products (GR III variants, WG-8/1000, Pentax 17) were successes in their domains. Pentax’s parent company also quietly moved some manufacturing; there are rumors the next K-1 III will be produced in Vietnam, as Ricoh retools its production pipeline to be more cost-effective. None of this signals a retreat from DSLRs – on the contrary, credible leaks about the K-1 Mark III suggest Ricoh is investing in a major upgrade to its full-frame DSLR after a long wait. If those rumors pan out, Pentax could soon offer a DSLR that competes head-to-head on sensor resolution and features (61MP, IBIS, dual card, etc.) with high-end mirrorless cameras – except it will have an optical finder and all the DSLR charm. For Pentax’s target users (landscape shooters, astro enthusiasts, anyone who doesn’t need mirrorless video AF), that could be extremely compelling.

Pentax also continues to support K-mount lenses. In 2023–2024, they released new DFA lenses like the HD DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro and updated some APS-C lenses (e.g. a new 16-50mm f/2.8 PLM) to keep the system fresh. The company has stated that lens development for both APS-C and full-frame DSLRs remains ongoing, albeit at a slower cadence than bigger brands. As long as K-mount thrives, Pentax cameras will have purpose. And unique offerings like the K-3 III Monochrome show Pentax is willing to double-down on purely photographic experiences. It’s a strategy almost opposite to the tech-driven, hybrid video/stills, AI-enhanced direction of other manufacturers – and it resonates with a segment of photographers.

In concluding their 2024 roundup, PetaPixel’s Jeremy Gray perhaps said it best: “Always one to march to the beat of its own drum, Ricoh Pentax did things unlike everyone else in 2024, and that’s, by and large, a good thing.” Pentax’s current cameras embody that philosophy. If you’re an enthusiast craving a robust, tactile camera that puts photography first – whether it’s the only DSLR with a monochrome sensor, a full-frame DSLR that you can take into a snowstorm, or a quirky film camera that rekindles the magic of analog – Pentax has something special to offer. And with new developments on the horizon (from the expected K-1 Mark III to potential future film models), the Pentax story is far from over. In an era when many declared the DSLR dead, Pentax is calmly proving there’s still a market (and passion) for its craft. As they forge ahead into 2025, Pentax stands as a reminder that camera innovation isn’t just about following trends – sometimes it’s about proudly going against the grain and keeping the soul of photography alive in the process.

Sources: Pentax/Ricoh official announcements and product pages; expert analyses by PetaPixel, DPReview, Imaging Resource, Kosmo Foto and others.