Pentax KP Hands-On Field Test

[@knowitallandtravel]

pentax is just a fantastic camera. switched my whole system to Pentax and I could not be happier. my cameras have taken quite a beating and still going strong. When everybody runs for cover when it rains, I am still getting that shot!

[@DerrenHodson]

I've bought the all black version, looks a lot nicer in real life. With the limited lenses makes a great Street camera.

[@morningbetterlast]

Was looking forward to buying a K-70 today, so I went to AD and tried both K-70 and KP. I must say I've been really impressed by the build quality of the black KP. It's so much better than K70 that I'm really willing to pay that extra just for the looks.

[@danigonzalez4299]

3 years in advance and you spoke the K3-III!!!

[@boblelion]

WOW ! I can hardly believe that you have not mention anything about the fact this SLR is capable to shoot at 1/24000 through electronic shutter ??

[@knorke3642]

What Pentax does, that nobody else seems to be doing these days, is to try out something different every now and then. They put cameras on the market with proven pedigree and then add some flourishes that might catch on... or not. Take the interchangable grips for example. I can see a third party market out there that manufactures a grip to fit my hand perfectly. Put that on a Pentax KP or its successor and its gonna be the next big thing. Pentax innovates on a shoestring budget and therefore comes up with very interesting ideas.... like the Pentax Q-system for example. Great stuff really.

[@camillebrenes]

Yep, for sure. I want them to try new things, and a KPII would be highly recommended with just a few changes to its design.

[@TheLuNaMaStEr]

Thank you guys for reviewing this camera. It's so hard to find info on how it does.

[@Marlowe10100]

Maybe this is not the best camera, but at least Pentax try different things, unlike Canon or Nikon that release the same camera everytime, and specially the canon design is horrible, like a black block.

[@BootStrapTurnerVideography]

Thanks! This helped me realize that the K-70 I already have is an excellent value. Keep up the great Pentax reviews!

[@BootStrapTurnerVideography]

@@unbroken1010 still no issues. But I may be lucky.

[@D1N02]

Big difference between K-70 and KP 11 point AF SAFOX X system vs 27 point SAFOX XI on the KP. SAFOX XI is much improved over X. It can do subject tracking much better than SAFOX X.

[@polacofederos]

thanks for the review! and thanks for reviewing pentax equipment. I always love your field tests. Please keep bringing them.

[@outisonoma6938]

Chris, I just love your adorable little ode to the 20-40. I have a silver one, and even after a year, I still get all OMG SO COOL!!!! every time I handle it. That knurled zoom ring...

[@hintzr113]

I still can't make my mind up between the 20-40 and the Sigma 18-35 even though I already have the Sigma. Frustrating.

[@eldritchshiner]

I love my 20-40- awesome lens

[@MrPerfectlogic]

I am an old veteran Pentaxian and I liked your video, well done!

[@yashwinning]

Damn, Chris, those were some nice shots you took! I actually liked the grain and editing you added in. I think that reviewers shouldn't be shy in editing the pictures they take and pushing the RAW file.

[@norwegenlover]

As a "Pentaxian" who owns and owned quite a bunch of Pentax DSLRs up to the K3 I am again confused about what's wrong with this brand..I mean they come up with crazy good value cameras which are just a pleasure to use and then every once in a while something happens and they forget everything they knew about camera construction and go bananas with their new product. You could probably argue that they have a very good engineering department combined with a craptacular marketing but that just couldn't be the end of it...someone completely incompetent must be having a direct and fatal influence to the poor engineers and make them design stuff they gotta know is just not that good. My guess would be that the CEO is giving too much power to some designer (artist that is) with a vastly exaggerated opinion of himself who is able to manipulate all the other departments. Other companies might also have incompetent people at high positions but they manage to prevent them from doing severe harm. But as long as anyone's producing lenses for PK and Pentax releasing a great camera every once in a while I'm totally sticking to them. Love is not always a rational thing it seems...

[@philhasacamera]

It's totally the marketing that let's pentax down. Great cameras and brand but really poor advertising marketing and social media presence.

[@zer0L0]

Love that you do serious Pentax reviews. In comparing the K-P with the K-70 for bang per buck you didn't mention the K-P's 5 axis stabilization. What really got me in your review of the K-P was the shot you managed to get out of it handheld at 1/20 seconds at 300mm.

[@wedchic7]

Thank you TCS for your review, although your experience is somehow different from the others, it is still nice that there are still who are interested in reviewing Pentax. Keep it up.

[@photoheritage]

Great camera anyway, also looks much better than Nikon's and Canons and the rest of the crowd! Of course autofocus could be more advanced and the screen could be bigger and better engineered overall we are all waiting for that Nikon D500 Killer from Pentax :-)

[@classikz]

RICOH - Release a Full frame GR already.

[@owRekssjfjxjxuurrpqpqss]

shin888 agreed. Honestly the gr needs to go full frame to differentiate it from other compacts and further push it beyond what increasingly improving smartphones can do. Phones are getting better at low light and good at emulating bokeh so going ff would make the gr more marketable and give people a bigger reason to carry a separate camera from their phone. I also hope Fuji makes something similar to the x100 but a bit bigger in full frame or even medium format. Fuji used to make medium a format rangefinder so a successor to that but digital and smaller would be incredible.

[@AhpgZfoc4s]

A full frame GR with a 28mm 2.8 without making it thicker would be an engineering miracle. Personally I'd be happy with an updated GR. Latest sensor, good video, stabilization, weathersealing, built in wireless flash capability, stereo mic/mic jack.

[@the80386]

APS-Cs are so good these days, I don't even complain anymore. I would much rather have a zoom GR (GR-Z?) rather than a fixed focal full frame GR. A high performance 24M APS-C with a 16-24mm f2.8 would be killer! I wouldn't mind a slightly larger body in order to accommodate the components.

[@dushk0]

Bigger sensor means better use for wide angle lenses (pronounced deformation of field) and longer lenses (straight accurate field, creamy bokeh, being able to come closer to the subject because of the wider field of view). 1" is good. MFT is what I consider the smallest "big" sensor. APS-C was already good nearly a decade ago (and the first pro digital cameras were APS-C anyways, e.g. Nikon D1). So bigger sensor is really only about using the longest lens possible as close to the subject as possible, because most of the time you want to avoid the hyperfocal as much as possible (crappy cell phone pictures anyone?). I was completely OK with Pentax having APSC and medium format only, just like Fuji has right now. You need Medium format in order to be able to use 120 and up lenses for portraiture CONVENIENTLY. But you need full frame to better use wide angle and fisheye, so in the end full frame is the most versatile format today, even though you can do more or less just the same with APS-C and if budget is no question, also with MF. And what's the magic of large format? Shooting landscapes with fairly long focal lengths - as you know - a standard photograph is flat. I am a proud APS-C user despite all this. A full frame GR is beyond my understanding. What would be the purpose of that?

[@eyewandersfoto]

Stabilization of the APS-C sensor in the same size body, it would seem to me, is nearly a miracle of the same order. But I hear ya barkin. I'd love alll those things you mention. First however on my list is the RE-addition of phase-detect AF in addition to the contrast-detect. This is how the earlier GRD models worked and the could focus at the drop of a hat in near darkness. These newer ones, though they've improved, still get stuck in the hunting game from time to time and it is frustrating.

[@snajperSLO]

3D print a grip that you like/design...

[@Ash1876]

No mention of the electronic shutter?? Or live view overlay for double exposures..must have forgot to read the manual lol

[@photoheritage]

STOP complaining about price. The KP is actually an excellent value!! This is clearly the coolest if not the best camera at this price range.. Compare this to Nikon D-7500 Canons 80D and similary designed but much more expensive Fuji X-T2 , all of which have their strengths, but are much worst cameras overall.. I prefer Pentax KP than Fuji X-T2 for about half price don't you??

[@alexandrospapakostas2625]

"I think what pentax was trying to do with the KP is get the camera to a $1.500 price point so that when they eventually come up with a k3 III they can put that into a two thousand two thousand dollar plus price point and that camera better be really really awesome to really set itself apart, so we're gonna have to wait and see." Chris Niccolls, 2017. Four years before Pentax K3 III release date, Chris' prediction was absolutely right!

[@thadude1337]

Could you make your own pentax grip on a 3d printer? I mean it is just stuck there with an alan key right?

[@MrBluesRequiem]

You're one of the few channels I take a look at about Pentax gear. You are not necessarily tender, but you are honest about it. This is the case with all your reviews, but on some channels they are bashing Pentax gear for being Pentax gear, and this is tiring.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

First ting you notice is that Chris slams a big zoomer on KP, *DESPITE* fact that Ricoh engineers told the KP was designed for small Pentax primes primarily! So, he does a review without a homework done first.

[@niccollsvideo]

I used the 20-40 for much of the shoot, and still found it uncomfortable to hold. If the mount is capable of using a full line of lenses it should be able to use all of them effectively. If Pentax really expect people to limit there use of this camera to only light, compact lenses, its an even poorer design because of it. I liked many aspects of this camera and will always tell people how I honestly feel. It's a poor design to me and cheap looking as well. Chris@tcstv

[@jschalit21]

You should really look at the criticisms of your review on DP Review. Some of the forum contributors hit the nail right on the head, in terms of what you did wrong, **journalistically**. That does matter. You're entitled to your opinions, for sure, but there are factual and framing problems to your criticisms that undermine your objections. Good luck torpedoing the release of this camera. You've done a great job.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Oxmon, there is no honesty - TCS failed in homework big time. They compared KP to cameras like K3 or D7200, instead of comparing it to Nikon Df. When Chris was reviewing Nikon Df, retro styled DSLR, he used small 50mm prime. Ricoh also stated KP was a new camera line, primarily designed for small Pentax primes, like Nikon Df was designed for primes, and TCS totally ignored what the manufacturer said. Is that honest? When they review Nikon, they do the homework, no doubt about it.

[@MrBluesRequiem]

Pentax user here, but sorry the Df is a Full Frame camera with a really different tag price and much older than the kp. There is no point into comparing Df and KP. I've never heard about this kp being designed for prime lens until now. Maybe they did not do the "homework" this time, but neither did I. Watch the other reviews about Pentax gears, they're honest about this brand. Because they did not like this specific product does not mean they do not like the brand. And I don't thing using primes instead of zoom would have changed their conclusions a lot. I do not see how, really.

[@philhasacamera]

Love my kp like any pentax it's always going to be a little different but hey I like being different. Amazing raw files and joegs coming out of it, built like a tank and compact. The ibis is awesome too

[@laurao999]

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THAANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY I REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY GROWING IN MY BACK GARDEN AND IT WILL COST ME A LOT OF WORK TO BUY ME A CAMERA SO THANK YOU FOR KEEPING ME UPDATED

[@dunnobutwayne]

bought the black version in japan, for a really good price. love it. great upgrade for my k5

[@gabesphoto]

Chris you guys thanks for the review. I use the largest grip with the battery grip and works well just snug. Use this camera for portraits wish the 55 1.4 lens had PLM technology.

[@jimksa67]

great review-appreciate your honesty! Still learning my K 10D!

[@NarekAvetisyan]

Ah, nothing better than starting to eat breakfast and seeing a new CSTV episode in my sub box.

[@photogenia8518]

You were right about the K3III price strategy

[@paulhills1967]

Excellent, unbiased review. That's what I love about this channel. Thanks guys.

[@damiancanteros]

The collar on Chris's jacket matches the fringing on high contrast areas in this video. It made me crazy the whole video.

[@BuzzinhornetCBR]

Chris, Thanks once again for your honest reviews. I was considering the KP to replace my K-5 but after seeing how cramped the grip is in your hand I will try it in store. I really want the K-1 as I have some great old lenses (like the FA*85 f1.4) that really beg for a K-1. I've just been waiting for Ricoh to offer the K-1 as a kit with the grip and lens for a good discount.

[@mrkooks]

I dont think that a "good discount" will happen any time soon.. they dont need to, at this time K1 is selling very well as it is.. and is getting popular amoung pentaxians and other people.. the price is going to keep the same at least for a year.. and even maybe a little more than a year from now.

[@takuan650]

Best review of the KP I've seen so far. Confirms all of my observations. Maybe I'll upgrade my K3 when the 'real Pentax APSC flagship' arrives. Thanks.

[@wedchic7]

Takuan same here, but I still need to get a hold of this.

[@engel1196]

I bought it a couple of weeks ago. I upgraded from a k30 that I've had for close to 4 years. It was a great buy and I am very pleased.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Self Interested Question : Have you plugging in a screen via the Slimport? If so, what resolution and framerate was output while recording?

[@5857521ManitobaInc]

how does it feel with the battery grip attached? Does that help?

[@TranceFan05]

Any ideas when you will review the a99ii? Thanks for the video.

[@danield416]

250k subscribers!!!! Honest congratulations from fans in Poland!!!

[@soundknight]

your 100% correct about that screen rotation Chris.

[@idanm]

Did you use a pre-production copy or a retail copy sold in stores ? I'm asking since I purchased one in London 3 days ago and nothing in the buttons and levers feels plastic or flimsy to me.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We used a stock camera, from The Camera Store's inventory. Jordan @ TSCTV

[@dunnobutwayne]

I have a kp, not a single button feels flimsy

[@Christian-yd3ng]

I agree everything feels solid.

[@idanm]

Christian amazing camera :)

[@destermanno]

@@TheCameraStoreTV forse dovresti cambiare mestiere. Avevi in mano una macchina straordinaria ma l'hai usata come se fosse una qualsiasi entry level Canon o Nikon. Capisco essere prezzolati ma un minimo di serietà professionale ci dovrebbe essere per avere credibilità e qui di materiale da commentare ce ne era molto. Invece ti sei limitato al tuo pessimo gusto estetico e al tuo povero mignolino che mai si era sentito così solo. Se la davi in mano al primo che passava per strada probabilmente ne usciva una recensione più interessante e sicuramente foto più belle.

[@MJCMedia15]

I just bought a mint condition KP, and so far I'm pretty impressed with it. And frankly, I can't see what the griping is about with the grips. I have big hands and on the body alone, I am very comfortable holding. I'm used to my last two fingers falling below on most cameras, so that's not an issue. And with the battery grip I am using, my hands fall right into place. Not seeing why you guys are having such a chore with it.

[@wesleygcoleman]

Chris, if you need a place to stay when the Pentax fans burn your house down you're always welcome in Huntsville.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

TCS burned their own house down with lack of homework. Did you see their review of Nikon Df? They used retro Nikon Df with a small 50mm prime lens. But they did not use a single small prime lens with Pentax KP, a similar retro camera from Pentax - despite fact that Ricoh explicitly stated KP line is made for small lenses! KP is the APS-C version of Nikon Df, with more ideas and accessories. But TCS kisses arse to Nikon, and do their homework well when reviewing Nikons.

[@GabrielFFontes]

Hey guys, here's the butthurt Pentaxian we were talking about.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Just a journalist, who answers to the challenge - the review was bad. If you can dispute any of my claims, go for it, start an argument, give evidence and cite Ricoh Imaging, Nikon, analyse camera's design, etc. But because you cannot, you avoid arguments and just post nonsensical comments. There is a reason internet reacted badly to this review; it lacks homework, and honesty about product design.

[@GabrielFFontes]

Zvonimir Tosic I was joking on that last post, but I have to correct you on this one : if you think "the Internet reacted badly to this review", you're very wrong. Check the likes and dislikes of the video to see. You keep claiming that the KP is made for small lenses. Well, big deal, a camera shouldn't have such a limited usage. The Nikon Df had a special 50mm that came with it, that's why they used it on the review.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Don't worry; people who use Pentax cameras for this or that, know that Nikon users come in droves to watch Pentax videos, and pretend they are masters of the universe.

[@peasantrobot]

Great pictures, man! And not just the camera is to blame ;)

[@barteklipski6270]

I have been considering going into Pentax digital SLR system recently, and I was thinking about getting either KP or the old but pretty decent K-3 II. I couldn't wait much though and I bought K-3 II with 16-85 lens for a cheaper price than pre-ordered KP (with no lens). After a few weeks of playing with my new camera an then seeing this review, I can't say I regret anything. It's actually kinda surprising that both of the hyped features of the new KP - improved ergonomics with interchangeable grips and high ISO performance - turned out to be disappointing. I like the design, its image stabilization borrowed from K-1 and improved autofocus, but still - it just doesn't seem to be worth the money. However, I like that Pentax is trying different things, not just reselling all the old crap with minor improvements branded as some remarkable advances in tech, like the big players on the DSLR market do. And I'm pretty sure that the next Pentax APS-C flagship will be even greater that the rock solid K-3 II I own.

[@kiwipics]

The Canon 600 35mm SLR used to have the same style interchangable grip, but they actually worked.

[@thomasjbrablec]

Why did the photo at 1:12 at ISO 100 look almost as noisy as the one at 1:23 at ISO 12800?

[@li-chungchih7494]

this is why its better for them to show it in lightroom rather than photoshoping an ambiguous number. I was also wondering that as well.

[@sterby1]

Pushing shadows heavily most probably. Pushing 5 stops is ISO 3200 equivalent, more so with ISO invariance.

[@LennyG2006]

I love my Pentax cameras and I have to agree with Chris on the number vs letter after the K naming convention. Roll on the Pentax K-3 iii, I just hope they supply decent video next time as that will make a killer camera.

[@erickmiranda8952]

Weird question: what jeans are you wearing? Cus they look great haha

[@jpr-tech]

About your Thailand trip, Which camera will you take for personal use? and for work?...Just curious, cause you seem to enjoy photography a lot.

[@Celestialrob]

Thanks for being so honest

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Such nice contrast...

[@Clodrock]

I often see rare Japanese market-only versions of the KP on eBay with some cool screw-on grips I've never seen before. I wish those non-standard grips were sold separately here in North America!

[@soundknight]

Hey Chris! in those long Canadian winters you could wriddle a handle out of wood into the shape you want and it would look really good.

[@aureliymovila4777]

thanks for review

[@AlhambraDream]

11:10 Was it half price in Canada? Wow good times. Now they are almost the same. I think they upped the price after your video.

[@TheBobes]

Can't decide if I want to buy this as replacement for my oldie-but-goodie K5 or wait for a higher model like K3 II. :|

[@northof-62]

Also the battery isn't good in the cold, more so than Nikon's and Canon's IMO. I always carry a spare in a warm pocket. About the grip: As it is replaceable, maybe we can 3D print a better one. And there is the battery grip D-BG7 to be had. Which makes the whole rig kinda big. And now we're waiting for a replacement. Will it be for the K3 or the KP, is the question. As the images shown in the rumors I can see that it has a top LCD panel, so it just might be the K2 (Ski brand) or the K4? Exiting times despite the virus.

[@pzmanyang]

OK~ The ISO 819,000 is useful for astronomy photo ! you can use LV + ISO 8190,000 look star and layout very easy , you can try your canon and nikon camara , you wiil know why thet are need guiding scope.

[@aspirenews]

Want to see more ISO sample vesus K3II and K70 , could we?

[@ksand6718]

I love this guys reviews! Funny as shyit😂

[@michaelg1915]

@TheCameraStore, honestly, I think that what Pentax will do, by pricing the KP the same as the K-3II, is lower the price on the KP and put the K-3III in at that price point or a bit higher. That way they have a true mid-tier camera. The K-70 is more high entry level than mid tier, like a D5600. The KP could then be similarly placed to the 7000-series and the possible K-3III could then be like a D500. At least that's my guess.

[@benwelles2160]

Do you guys have any word when the d7200 successor will come out? So many people are anticipating a substantial upgrade from the d7100, myself included, which the 7200 did not really fulfill.

[@photoheritage]

its NOT a small dial Chris its actually bigger than that on Pentax K-70 ;-)

[@janijtube]

Have you guys tried the Sigma sd quattro yet? I actually had a Quattro H in my hands yesterday for a few minutes (at the camera expo in Helsinki) and it actually seemed alright, on the ergonomics front anyway. But I could not test taking photos with it, it didn't have any memory card in it.

[@davidstorm4015]

I have a KP and a K1 and a K3 and a K5. The grip on the KP feels great to me, I don't really understand when Chris is talking about when he says no-one finds it comfortable? Doesn't make sense to me. BTW, my KP (silver) cost only £599 brand new, for that money it is an awesome tool.

[@Mr_DOHC]

Simple review: do you like and/or go over the odd ergonomics? Well, if the answer is yes o maybe, this is a camera you'd love. Why? Because its photo capability is really impressive.

[@slimphotog]

Thank you for confirming what I suspected about the three grips. Did the grip system collect water/dirt when you added ice water? I hope the interchangeable grip idea doesn't catch on. If it does, is it possible that a third party manufacturer would make customizable grips?

[@1redgate8]

Prefer just a plain flip screen...just my preference. Looking to get one of the speccy custom timber grips...they are delicious

[@peteanddrake4242]

still happily shooting my K5 professionally. Looking to upgrade my lenses--not my body. Hoping this brings down used prices of the K3ii:)

[@future62]

Focal lengths for the shots! Hallelujah Hosanna in the highest.

[@tgchan]

The video is so sharp and punchy I can't stop admiring it... Was it downsized from 4k ?

[@bradleyweghorst9473]

K-3 iii at $2,000. Quite prophetic!

[@sterby1]

Chris and Jordan, what do you think about the latest Ricoh news release about re-enabling the mechanical SR for video in the next firmware update for the KP and K-1?

[@Neutralerer]

So how is the ISO performance compared to other cameras in that range?

[@EwoutterHoeven]

Please keep uploading in 4k, and try 60fps sometime!

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

att: Chris & Jordan. Did you guys get a chance to test the Slimport-HDMI output? Is it recordable, say on a Atomos Shogun, at 24, 25 and 30 fps? I haven't found a single review anywhere so far where anybody shows any test of the Slimport.

[@eldritchshiner]

I disagree with Chris Niccolls about the Live View switch. Like anything else, a tiny bit of practice goes a long way. I like that it is a position switch, which means that I can turn off and when I turn back on the camera is still in LV- no need to keep putting it back into LV if you're working in that mode. He also admits to being something of a klutz with the back control wheel location. Again, just a little brain circuit work fixes that... and he complains that the camera is too short for his little finger to fit on it. Wah. Perhaps Pentax or a third party will offer alternate grips- should be easy to make. Also my copy has excellent fit & finish- a quality piece. I also have a K70 and like the flip screen, but I like this tilt screen better because the flip screen takes valuable time to deploy and is fragile by comparison. And who needs a selfie feature? If I wanted to do a lot of video, I'd have a dedicated video camera like the one used to make this video!

[@camillebrenes]

I agree with Chris, and I have more Pentax cameras I love than I can count.

[@kostas8497]

basic question: do you guys show pictures straight out of camera jpeg or do you edit them? thanks

[@photoheritage]

KP it's one of the most beautiful and functional cameras today! Its a mini K-1 or BIG Canon GX-5 And you have 4 not 3 choices of grip size including battery Grip :-) With the battery grip and 20-40 lens black combo just looks AWESOME!!!

[@FFCYAN]

I'm happy with my K3. Until Pentax makes a proper replacement at least. 😉

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Heya Chris & Jordan,... Couple of things that got past you. The video CoDec has had a bump in Data rate - not enough, but better, there's some 720p samples out there. Plus, the KP ramps up to 12800ISO in video now, with the colour blotching that used to come in at 1600+ looking much reduced at 6400. The other two things to look at, is, Does the Slimport implementation for HDMI allow the recording of video to a Shogun or the like, at the frame rates and resolutions the camera is set to record in? And, in a recent interview at CP+, Pentax reps revealed there's a firmware update coming for KP and K-1, that will ENABLE Sensor Shift, in Video! Yeah, that's a big deal for us Pentax based Cinematographers. (Yes, we do exist ;) )

[@ulogy]

PiDsPagePrototypes Just don't use shotgun audio with IBIS. Atrocious how much it rattles.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Any shotgun mic will rattle if it's hard mounted to any device with moving parts,... or moving hands ;) Proper audio is always done on a separate Sound Recorder anyway, or using the Analog input of the Shogun when I get lazy.

[@northstar5]

Pentax just can't seem help themselves when it comes to these oddball K-"Insert Letter" cameras. I've had Pentax since the film days. Since then I had/have a K100, K200, K30, K3, K3II and a K1. Every time one of these K-letter cameras come out, I think about all the money and engineering resources that it took away from literally anything else that they could be doing. It needs to be exceptionally interesting or different to justify even existing. Just being slightly smaller and coming in a wacky color isn't enough for me. Plus, for its price, you'd have to be an absolute idiot to buy this over a K3II. Now having said that, I'm going to go rub on my K-1, thank you very much.

[@sterby1]

I would say it seems more like a market prod with experimental in-between models I don't really mind as long as RICOH keeps giving updates for the K-3, much like with the KAF4 mount compatibility. RICOH, please put the new improved AF in the next update!

[@JaxsonNZ]

Amen to this. Stop putting slightly different variations, of the same internal components, in a different market testing package, and focus on the real cameras.

[@soundknight]

northstar5 rub it for me too would ya?

[@peteT269]

Spot on! Why didn't they use the time and money it took to develop this camera and invest it in expanding their APS-C and, in particular, full frame lens lineup?! What a daft decision...

[@jongmassey]

I'd argue the kx was a great value for money camera

[@ChimaChindaDev]

Proper and unbiased review. Thought this was better than my K3 but not anymore.

[@scottparis6355]

So, it's April 2021 and Pentax just discontinued the KP. And in at least one area you hit the nail on the head: The K3 is $2000 (US). I think Pentax may have dug its own grave. But I just bought a new KP to replace my K5 for $700, like a Canon Rebel. So I'm happy.

[@joaoalbuquerque9596]

Thank you Chris for your adventure with a Pentax camera. I was undecided about this camera, but you helped me to decide. I'm going to get one, in black, of course. By the way, why don't you review a black one. I think is much better and I'm sure you will change your mind!

[@AgnostosGnostos]

Pentax was very successful during the manual focus era of photography during 60's and 70's but not so impressive during the autofocus era with the SF1 in 1987 and afterwards. Like Minolta, Pentax wasn't a leader during the start of digital photography. Minolta was saved by Sony but Pentax was bought by Hoya and afterwards Ricoh without considerable success. Pentax didn't invest in full frame digital cameras and the amateur oriented APS-C digital cameras took a hit from smartphones. Also the choice of Pentax in mirrorless cameras was wrong like that of Nikon with a very small sensor. The Pentax K1 is another mistake of a new full frame digital dSLR camera during the era of mirrorless revolution. A litany of mistakes for Pentax. What I appreciate is the common water resistant features of its cameras and lenses.

[@patticake5311]

Chris, did you find this camera grip was less comfortable than the Canon SL1 / 100D?

[@ulogy]

Patti Cake I don't think anything is that punishing.

[@RichardsWorld]

It was a very nice, warm sunny day in California :)

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The 55-300mm is 82.5-450mm 35mm equivalent. Certainly not a superzoom lens because superzoom lenses start from wide to telephoto. The 82.5mm equivalent isn't considered a wide focal length. The widest 82.5mm is not usable for travel photography. I hope this lens doesn't have serious geometric distortion and softness which is typical to a nearly 6X zoom lens. However the 450mm equivalent with good optical stabilization, is very impressive.

[@sovu9399]

9:44 something is wrong with KP's dynamic range, it renders black as purple, while k70's black color is true to life. The same story was with the k1 markii

[@Quoutub]

Can you shoot Iso 800.000 with pixel shift?

[@l.nauwelaerts195]

A K-3 III at $2000-2500? Well, it seems somebody was predicting the (distant) future... :-)

[@acrummey85]

As a loyal Pentax user (with my lens investment I can't afford not to be) I am a little confused by this model. It seems to be in some sort of camera limbo, caught between two levels and not really besting either. Give me a K3ii or a K70 please.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

Looking forward to Pentax going mirrorless again. The K-01 was nice to use, but nerfed with _no_ buffer and weird ergonomics (I used mine a lot though) and no viewfinder of course. With good video. Come on Pentax.

[@lenk8374]

The Kp has better high ISO than d500. Also pentax will be releasing a firmware update to this and k-1 for sensor stabilization in video

[@ulogy]

Len k Issue being IBIS destroys shotgun audio due to the constant adjustments.

[@slimphotog]

11:52 I know TCS disliked the K-S1, but liked the K-S2?

[@Callsigngrizzly]

You really hit the nail on the head, I just don't get this camera. Why would anyone buy this over the K70 as you mentioned? The k70 has the same final image quality and better ergonomics and a flip out screen. Its just overall more useable. There is no reason for this KP to exist. Calling it now, the K3III will be $1500. I doubt they'd make it K1 money, but if they put all their eggs into improving AF (which they should) then maybe. Market the K1 as the field camera for landscapes and the K3III for sports and action similar to how Nikon has the D750 and D500

[@ditto1958]

Ah… the good old days… when slr cameras still reigned… 😊

[@paspartouvierten]

Can you please tell me, what bag are you using in the video?