Pentax KP Brief Review


REVIEW SUMMARY

Specifications

  • Autofocus Points : 27
  • Weight : 24.7 oz.
  • Battery : Li-ion rated at 390 shots
  • Weather Sealing : Yes
  • Screen : Tilting 3" LCD screen, pentaprism viewfinder
  • GPS : No
  • Wi-Fi : Yes
  • Flash : Pop-up and hot shoe
  • Video : 1080p HD 60 fps
  • RAW : Yes
  • Image Stabilization : Sensor shift, with anti-alliasing filter simulation option
  • Autofocus System : Contrast detection
  • Burst Speed : 7 fps
  • Shutter Speed : 30 sec. - 1/6000 (1/24000 electronic)
  • ISO : 100 - 819200
  • Sensor : 24.32 megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor, no anti-alsiasing filter
  • Release Date: 2017-02-23
  • Final Grade: 90 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended


Pentax crams more into less with the compact KP DSLR
Less is more -- the Pentax KP is a small DSLR that offers big features.
By Hillary Grigonis, Last updated on: 2/24/2017

Pentax is cramming more features into a smaller body with the KP, a compact, weather-sealed DSLR.

The KP uses an APS-C sensor, and like several of Pentax's earlier models, doesn't have an anti-aliasing filter but uses the sensor shift stabilization system to create a similar effect that can be turned on and off. The sensor boasts an impressive sensitivity range, reaching ISOs up to 819200. Pair the camera with a good lens and the ISO range plus the five-axis sensor shift stabilization system should translate into solid low light performance.

The KP maintains a respectable 7 fps burst speed that's slightly slower than earlier options like the K-3 II but within the typical range expected for DSLRs at this price point. The shutter speed is a nice 1/8000 that can be bumped up to 1/24000 using the electronic shutter instead. The contrast-detection autofocus uses 27 points.

While the sensor and stabilization system is upgraded, Pentax has managed to slim down the body even further, giving it a remarkably small body for a DSLR. The camera weighs less than two pounds. Despite the smaller body, the KP still has a decent set of controls, with dual control wheels and several shortcuts, along with both a tilting LCD screen and an optical viewfinder. The camera also keeps Pentax's characteristic weather-sealing for shooting in any weather (though not submerging).

The camera's $1,200 price point puts it in line with competitors like the Nikon D7200. Overall, the KP is a nice addition to Pentax's line-up, with features like a tilting LCD screen that are harder to find in high-end APS-C DSLRs along with a nice sensor upgrade. The camera's compact size is also likely to factor in, making it more portable than other cameras at this level.


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Pentax/Ricoh Reviews

Pentax, who just recently merged with Ricoh, has long been a sort of underdog—but not necessarily in performance or quality. Pentax/Ricoh offers some quirky cameras, but for the most part, we've found that to be a good thing.

The Pentax/Ricoh DSLR’s are mostly weather-sealed, giving them a unique advantage over competing manufacturers that don't offer anything similar. When we tried out models like the K-50, we were quite impressed with the image quality. The autofocus was a bit noisier than a Nikon, but the weather-sealing and often better price is hard to resist when the image quality is so good. Pentax continued to add in innovations by adding an anti-aliasing filter that can be turned on and off to the 2013 K-3.

Pentax hasn't jumped into the mirrorless battle too much, but they do offer the tiny and colorful Q7. With a smaller sensor and a smaller price point, the Q7 and similar models are more of a consumer mirrorless than one for the enthusiasts, but it's an extremely small camera with a whole lot of color options.

Pentax has a few solid compact models out too. The Pentax MX-1 earned our Best Budget Advanced Compact for 2013 for its advanced features yet small price tag. They offer a waterproof line that includes macro ring lights built in, something unique to the WG cameras.

Pentax/Ricoh may be a bit quirky, but many of their cameras are well worth a look and offer excellent image quality for the price.

We here at Digital Camera HQ offer unbiased, informative reviews and recommendations to guide you to the right camera. We're not an actual store; we're just here to help you find the perfect camera at the best price possible by using our camera grades. Let us know if you have any problems or questions, we're happy to help.