To KP, or not to KP, that is the question.

I had convinced myself to get a K-70 to replace my failed K-50, which I really loved but it had the aperture issue and finally died. I just finished selling off what remained of the K-50 (body and accessories, less the lenses which I kept). However, now I'm wavering between the K-70 and the KP. For about the same cost, I could get the K-70 with the 18-135 lens (with the lens discounted as part of the kit, and it seems like a very nice lens) and the KP body only. Any thoughts? After reading many reviews, below are my key comparison points.

Plus and minus for the K-70:
+ Similar in handling to the K-50, which I really enjoyed for ergonomics
+ Overall value of the body, plus the value of the discount on the 18-135 when purchased with the kit.
+ More powerful built-in flash (GN12). I know many people dislike built-in flash, but I definitely want one and was always pleased with the K-50 flash which had equal power.
+ Better autofocus during video (I don't do much video, but this seemed like a good feature).
- On-board flash no longer serves as a wireless controller (I own a AF360FGZ flash, but I rarely used this wireless feature. But still, why take that away when the K-50 had it?)
- Less autofocus and exposure points (though I never had a problem with the 11 points on the K-50).
- Perhaps of more substantial concern - I just can't find a definitive answer to the question as to whether or not the K-70 might suffer from the same aperture solenoid issue as the K-50 as the units age in the marketplace.

Plus and minus for the KP:
+ Supposedly higher quality construction. I don't care too much about magnesium vs. plastic, but if this means the shutter won't have the aperture problem, that is a definite plus.
+ Better specs on autofocus, exposure points, and high ISO
+ Flash can server as wireless controller
+ Extra control wheel and more customization on controls. Though the two wheels and the green button on the K-50 were just fine for me.
- Rear screen not fully articulated (never had a camera that was fully articulated, so not sure how important this would be. Tilt is handy though.)
- Flash under powered at GN6. Though, with the higher ISO capability, maybe this is not a problem? Any opinions on this?
- Heavier. I do value light weight.
- Maybe the biggest: The "retro" look doesn't do much for me. And I'm quite concerned about the grips. Even the larges of the interchangeable grips is much smaller than the grip on the K-70. I loved the grip and handling of the K-50, and the K-70 is very similar. I'm afraid I won't like the KP nearly as much. And I've read many people suggesting you could switch out the grips depending on lens used, but I don't want to bother with that.

So my thinking has gone from K-70, to briefly deciding on the KP, then back again to the K-70. Should I change my mind again?

the kp is a lot faster focusing and the grips are fine the only reason i am not keen on it is because it dosent have a top screen like the k3ii if thelack of top screen didnt bother me it would be buy one in a heart beat instead off the k70

I would go and hold one first. I didn't like it because it didn't feel right.

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K3, K3 II, 100MM 2.8 Macro, Sigma 10-20 3.5, Sigma 17-50 2.8, Nikon D7500, Tamron 150 600 G2

Have you considered buying a used k3 ?
A lot cheaper than either of the other 2 options, with money left over to spend on lenses.

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I know what i like, If not always why.

No IR Remote on the KP and it smells of salted peanuts

Both need a non standard jack on their remotes..... Big minus as Sony found out when they tried to change their hot-shoes

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Half Man... Half Pentax ... Half Cucumber

Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff

Algi

Sony should have put gloves on befor they tried to do that

Dont want to complicate things. But I too think the K3, K3II should come into the equation.

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K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..

It may be worth trying this fix for your K50, it does not involve opening the camera and you have nothing to loose in trying. Ive not needed to try it.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4221791#forum-post-60341237


I have the KP and love it, its great using it with LTD lenses, The extra dial and the flip screen are good too. It does everything the K3 does and some things like the shake reduction are imporoved. The camera is small in the hand so it is worth considering what type of lenses you will use with it. It does not feel as comfortable with Larger lenses as The K3 or K30 did, using the largest grip helps in theses cases but ist not as big as the K3-K30/K50.

Thanks for the advice, but it is too late for my K-50. I sold the body and everything that came with it in the original box (except the 2 lenses, 18-50 and 50-210) to someone on ebay for $93. Maybe they can fix it. Oh, I also included the little AA adapter and the e-book that I bought. As for lenses I'll use, I'll use the two above plus a variety of other Pentax lenses that I have, from M42 to k mount MF to other autofocus lenses. The biggest and heaviest might be some 135 and 200 mm m42's and an autofocus 70-300mm.

That's a good point, and I did think about that. I think the k3 has a flash, right? I'll look at it again.

Yes, I'll look at both again.

Yea the K3 has a pop up flash.
K3ii doesn't, I didn't mention the k3ii because I felt the lack of a pop up might be a deal breaker.

Happy hunting.

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I know what i like, If not always why.

If your considering serious photography !! You will use a full size flash gun. The pop up flash is pretty much useless. Except as a flash trigger for other flash units or in an emergency situation...

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K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..

I will be selling a K3 II shortly, low shutter count, in case you are interested.

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K3, K3 II, 100MM 2.8 Macro, Sigma 10-20 3.5, Sigma 17-50 2.8, Nikon D7500, Tamron 150 600 G2

No, I disagree, the pop up flash is not pretty much useless. The pop up flash is quite useful for some fill-in flash in bright sunlight, for example. I have a great AF360FGZ P-TTL flash, but I'm certainly not going to lug that around while I'm out and about in most cases. I'm not a professional who goes out just to take pictures, with a big bag of gear and maybe an assistant. Sometimes I go out just to take pictures for fun, sometimes I just grab the camera and bring it with me when we go out for a family trip, and sometimes it is something in-between (balancing "real life" activities and including some "just for photography sake" effort). Using all of your available tools in appropriate ways and at appropriate times is by no means an indication that someone is not "serious" about photography. There is not one way to take good pictures, nor just one type of equipment to use.