Oh hey, wow! Thanks for the shout out. I saw the premiere link last night but I missed it because it was 6am here in California... 😂 I agree that the KP is excellent. I just didn't give mine a chance, I had already moved to mirrorless and sadly I don't think any DSLR would work for me nowadays--one of the many bad things of getting old is that my eyes now focus much easier on EVFs than on optical VFs.
I missed my opportunity to purchase a kp brand new as a secondary to my K1 because of its compactness. I'm still puzzled by Ricoh's decision to discontinue such a gem and I sincerely hope they bring out a new kp successor.
One other thing about the 3 different grips: Some features are so simple, so low-tech, yet add so much to the utility and novelty of a product. The three grips are simple bits of metal and rubber, yet they softly elide the constant issue of "this camera is too big for people with small hands" or "this camera is too small for people with big hands." Other Pentax innovations like this: little window tabs in lens hoods to allow use of polarizing filters; the interior filter option on the DA 21mm Limited; the plastic "sled" in the battery grip of the KP that allows use of either Di90 or Di109 batteries, on and on. I love PLM focus motors and 5-axis sensor mounts and all the wiz-bang stuff, but some of the best innovations have no electronics, just a design sensibility that cares about how the customer experiences the product.
I was one who didn't understand the KP when released but then over time I tried one and I felt in love basically when I first picked it up. I will never sell it. To me it is purpose built for the limiteds. And, oddly enough the KP and DFA 150-450 makes a really fantastic nature combo. I hope there is a KPii some day.
(PocketPixels here) I bought a new silver KP for $600 (!!) in the final days before the K-3 mkiii came out. I should have bought six at that price and flipped them now for $800 each. Anyway, I have barely used it, because my K-S2 is still going strong. But I loved the flippy screen and there is always this lingering fear with my K-S2 that the aperture solenoid might go bad. The KP will be there for me if that ever happens. That said, if Pentax ever releases a K-S3, I'd buy that in a heartbeat. Also, the birds at 3:19 is one of your finer shots.
I use it with large lenses pretty easily, but I also have medium to small sized hands so that helps I think. Also, the battery grip for this camera completely changes the feel of it. Really gives it the big-bodied camera feeling. I love how modular the KP is, really feels like a "do-all" camera, to a point. You really nailed the focus on those bird shots! I'm often struggling with autofocus at birds, with the camera focusing on branches or w/e instead. I try to compensate with manual quickshift (which is great), but I need to work on that skill some more to say the least haha.
Yeah the AF struggle on rocks and branches is very real. I find in particularly dense areas I have to use single point and try and thread the needle through the branch. Even then, it's a lot of our of focus stuff for a small few in focus shots :) The battery grip is definitely on my radar.
I remember starting to look around for new camera at the beginning of December 2021 and it was in every shop with different kit lens combos, lots of stock everywhere. When I got my tax return just 2 weeks later I couldn't find it anymore in those stores I've been checking before. Anyway, I got K3 III body for a bargain price -€300 so it's still cool :)
Bored in lockdown, I bought a KP new in 2020. I'm a 45 year old dinosaur that has been shooting since film SLRs, so this camera appealed to me. Plus I love the retro styling. I have other mirrorless cameras, but I use the KP once in a while, when I want to experience shooting the old way: OVF, sound and feel of mirror slap, AF confirmation beep, screw AF noise, etc. My KP is not for sale, specially now that it's discontinued. In fact I just ordered the plastic fantastic 35mm f2.4. Btw, thanks for this vid. Subbed.
i own k1 , new k3 iii , but for me KP it's a special and unique camera . never has any issues with ergonomics . SUPERB IMAGE QUALITY !!! OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE , BEST VALUE !!! bought brand new for 650$ nothing come close to this camera value . great video - KEEP GOING !!!!!!!
I sprung for a clearance priced KP because I got sick of waiting for the K3iii. Glad I did! Love it. The battery grip also makes it much easier to handle with longer lenses :)
Haha, so I hear again and again. I plan to try it one day just a little pricey for now. I think I would really like having some extra real estate for the long lenses, and compact again for smaller lenses. It's a great camera. Glad you're loving it :)
I considered the KP when I was looking for a second body. That was about the time the prices went berserk, so I went with a K-3 instead, and I've been happy with my choice. The KP seems like a good camera, though. It's a shame Pentax discontinued it for no good reason.
I bought my KP new from the local importer for $AUD850 (~$US600) in 2019 and that included the GPS receiver unit. The current prices I've seen are somewhat over the top!
As a previous Pentaxian who has owned a *DS, *DL, K100D Super, K10D, K20D, K7,K5 and K3 I must agree that the ergonomics of the higher level Pentax cameras are second to none. I have only recently switched to Olympus (actually a process that took most of 10 years) because it is, like Pentax, a brand which produces rugged cameras with excellent ergonomics. My reason for the switch is all about size, weight and the new features available with a mirrorless system. I also buy all used equipment with the exception of an occasional lens. Great videos, keep it up.
Interesting that you’ve switched to Olympus but I get that they are small and light. I’ve been embedded in Pentax since *istD (still got it 17yrs on and works fine), K10D, K-7, K-3 and since 2016 K-1. It’s a beast and I love it. I did want a smaller option so 5 years back so got an Olympus OM-D M10 plus 14-42mm and 25mm + Sigma 60mm f2.8. Best thing I can say about it is it’s tiny and light and has front and back control wheels. I’ve backpacked with it, bikepacked and hiking trips or just when I wanted a camera along and didn’t care to carry my K-1. With the Olympus I’ve never gotten to like the ergonomics, the EVF, zoom ring rotates the wrong way and micro 4/3 sensor doesn’t quite cut it when img quality really counts. A lot of people will argue that last point but it’s apparent in low light so when I was travelling in Europe with family for 2 mths old town centres in late afternoon or early morning or inside buildings or shaded streets with shadows or low light I just wasn’t happy with dynamic range so I put it away and used the K-1. That thing handles any landscape, architecture low low and mixed light, high contrast so well that I know it’s the K-1 that I can rely on. But I still searched for that small option, easy to carry and discrete for street photography so on the last couple of months if picked up a Fuji X-E4 with a couple of primes. The APS-C sensor does a decent job in most light but the ergonomics are still not up to my K-1 or and Pentax I’ve had. I’m not sure what to do with my Olympus. Just before I got the Fuji I took the Olympus on a 5 day hiking trip. It’s suitably small for that but unfortunately the internal battery for the date/clock and settings must have died as every time I remove battery to charge all settings cancel and I have to set the camera up again.
@@shred3005 I use Kp and Olympus OM m5iii at this moment, but I was thinking in replacing my Olympus with fuji because of the noise in RAW Oly files from ISO 800 or more. Do you think the X-E4 is on par with KP when light is low ? I mean when you raise ISO KP is better than Olympus by 1.5 stop. Is X-E4 noise similar to KP ?
The joy of using KP is out of this world. I use mine mainly with DA limiteds in order to save this retro look. But I also use it with DA* and my new DFA*50/1.4. I love this vintage look. I also prefer KP rather than heavy and bulky K3 family.
I bought a pair of K5iis in 2014 as an upgrade to my K10D. I absolutely love these cameras. In 2021 I purchased a kp for the sole purpose to use with my set of DA Limiteds. I find it is perfectly matched with these 5 primes, better than the K5iis. I prefer to use larger lenses on the K5’s, however, if I had to split my kit I would probably choose the kp and limiteds over the K5iis’s and zooms
That's good to know. I got tired of holding out for a great deal on a KP, and nearly bought a K-70 instead, thinking it was probably 90% of the camera the KP was. What do you think most sets it apart from the K-70 then, and makes it worth the extra money? Is it one of two headline features, or a number of little things that add up?
@@AndrewSowerby If you have big hands the K-70 will feel better at hand. The KP has better autofocus performance and more autofocus points than the k70. The KP has an extra frame per second and the option of an electronic shutter up to 1/24000 of a second. The last thing that persuaded me is that some K70 have aperture block issue while the KP does not. I bought my KP last Christmas amazon was selling them at 599 with 5 monthly payment plan at that price the KP was much more attractive than the k70
@@Emma-zk6it ah, in that case, it's a no brainer - I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a KP at that price. Good to know that the AF is noticeably better - that's a big plus.
@@AndrewSowerby the KP has an electronic shutter which makes the camera quiet when turned on. It also does not suffer from th apature block issue that can happen with the k70. Also a flip down screen instead of articulated one. I think it's a tad smaller in size too. There is supposed to be quite a few different features in the kp that so not exist in the k70
0:34 - That's interesting. I thought, in the beginning, with the K-m and K-x, they were supposed to be the low end models, below the K-20, K-30 and K-50. There was a K-200 (and later, a K-500) - I thought the K-m and K-x were follow-ons to the K-100 and K-200 - interestingly enough, the K-200 was weather sealed, the K-m and K-x were not. All three used AA batteries. The K-r is essentially a slightly improved K-x, also not weather sealed, while the K-30 and K-50 were. Also interestingly, the K-r shares the ability to use AAs with the K-30 and K-50 (you need an adapter that goes into the battery compartment), and these cameras also come in a variety of colors (that started with the K-m and K-x, and it signals, to me, something that appeals to less serious photographers like myself). So I'd arrange your table differently - I'd put the K-r below the K-30 and K-50. Don't know enough about the later bodies (been dormant camera-wise for the last 5-6 years) to rank the K-70 vs. the KP and KS, which is why I'm watching this video. (Note these use capital letters, maybe this signals a higher rank.) What do I own? A K-100 (best for IR photography with a filter), a K-200D and a K-x. The next I'll buy will probably be a used K-30 or K-50. I like the ability to use AAs (Eneloops work very nicely). I'm wondering if Pentax will ever come out again with a lower-end camera that has the ability to use AAs and comes in a rainbow of colors.
Eneloops are fantastic. I bought a battery grip for my K-5ii just so that I could use the Eneloops to extend battery life, instead of spending lots of money on legit Pentax batteries or dubious off-brand ones. Shot about 600 photos at a race track, only reduced the eneloops to "yellow bar", didn't even touch the internal battery.
@@williamstrachan The current really good deal are the LADDA cells from IKEA. Supposedly Eneloops from the same factory in Japan with a different outside wrap and at half the price, at least for the 1900 mAH variant.
The KP has some nice features, I've thought about buying one a few times but you just confirmed one of my thoughts on how it would feel/preform with say the DA*200 or 50-135, I suppose trying different grips could help some way to make it feel better. Another great video mate.
People who use the longer lenses say that the battery grip takes care of most of the problem. It's just so compact and light that the balance is hard on bigger lenses. Doesn't really feel like a sporty camera, but it also feels much better than some modern mirrorless vintage style cameras that totally got rid of a grip. I'm not sure how it would be with those two lenses exactly. An earlier commenter said they were fine with their 50-135, and indeed it is 400 grams lighter and shorter than the da* 300, so may very well balance better.
You'll hear more in my k3 vs kp for wildlife video, but that is basically my only gripe with the camera. Otherwise it's great for wildlife. The dive in other features isn't really a big deal compared to the extra low light performance, which I really wanted after shooting 6400+ every morning.
i got mine for 400 USD, and i love the style, i love it for everyday shooting with my 28mm, but for large lenses, nope, you gonna try to 3d printing a new grip? would be interesting to see haha, nice video!
I remember seeing the kp new for 700usd and now it's 1k. Hopefully the price goes back down. I think they discontinued it do to it not being part of a regular series camera. I'd love to see a pentax with more dials like a fuji.
I really hope Pentax makes some mirrorless cameras that could compete with the other mirrorless on the market. Their DSLR are great, but too bulky for me and an EVF is much more practical than an OVF in real life
I've had my KP since May. It took a bit of time to adjust from my K-70. The ergonomics are very different! But I love the KP! I love the dials and the hole feel of the camera! The large grip is my favourite. But I really like the medium grip when I'm using smaller lenses! It's great to be able to change the grips, it's something that has attracted criticism! But I love that versatility, it reminds me of my old 'Pentax Super A' that also had removable grips too! A feature that was also innovative in it's time too! I like the K-70 as well, but the KP is the one I seem to pick up more! It just feels like a classic Pentax! But as you said with some fantastic modern features. The IQ is stunning, and I can still use all the old lenses I used on my old Super 'A' & ME Super! What other camera system would enable you to do that! Thank you for a great video!
Being a KP owner for almost 4 years, I can confirm that the ergonomics is great and that KP is full of useful features (some of them not available for K-3, K-3 II, K-1, K-1 II and K-3 III). I strongly believe in KP II. Ricoh, pls, keep the KP line :)
@@snappiness thank you. Been looking into selling my D5300 with 35mm and 18-50mm, and gx80(will keep omdem10mk2 because I have few lenses) and getting KP. Problem is that it's hard to find second hand body here in UK. KP seems like a good cheaper apsc alternative to Fuji.
I'm thankful I was able to pick up a kp on sale before they were discontinued, since the announced price of the k3 iii was just too much. My solution to the small battery issue was to get the battery grip. Both the large grip and the battery grip are perfect for me. It's a big jump up from my older Pentax DSLRs in features though I still use the old ones where appropriate. I do like the 1080p HDMI output on the kp for when I take photos through my microscope - it's easier for me to focus the image on a 27in TV with my old eyes!
My favorite camera of all time. I didn't anticipate this when I bought it new in 2021, just after the discontinuation announcement, but now my K-3 and K-5 pretty much just collect dust. I had said I was absolutely going to purchase a 3rd gen K-3, but I love this damn thing so much that I've pretty much decided I don't need the new flagship. And to that end, I suspect this is the very reason they pulled the plug on it. Can't have that damn midrange camera knocking down sales of the new flagship after all. 🙄
Honestly though, that probably is why. It was such a good bang for the buck towards the end of its life. I hope they expand on it in the future. And if not, it'll be a forever classic...
Thanks for this. What else? How does it work with vintage Pentax lenses. The K-3 III takes the shot when the manual lens is in focus. How far back does this feature go? I'm a Fuji guy who also *owned* the K-70 but still have lots of vintage Pentax lenses.
This was one of two videos that made up my mind to buy this camera and I found an online shop here in Germany that is still selling brand new ones...got mine for 799 euros and it has the various grips (which I read might not always be the case). Now I have to decide which lens to buy...I like taking (or trying to take) low light urban shots, so would welcome any suggestions.
I'm not as familiar with the canon cameras after 2010, so I don't know how they compare directly. This cameras image quality is excellent though. The Pentax 18-135 is an affordable versatile kit for landscape and hiking. I've shot a lot of landscapes on that lens and have been really happy with it.
Does the KP feels cheap plastic like? If money is not an issue, is the k3 iii a better camera than the KP? From where I'm located, I cannot find any pentax camera at any camera shop, so would be awesome if you can share your experience
Hi Snappiness. I am happy to share with you that I found a used black Pentax KP for € 550 with 4.500 shots. forget to trade in my Pentax KS1 with more than 15.000 shots.
I haven't seen Pentax on any shelves where I live. They just don't have a presence in brick-and-mortar stores anymore, so you need to buy Pentax online. With that in mind, you can't sell a camera with funky grips that people can't physically hold to get the feel of the grip and ergonomics.
Haha! I mean it's just my own subjective opinion, but like I said not really a problem with smaller lenses, just weird with these hunkin telephotos where this classic style body feels a little out of place.
I have a bunch of nice limited Pentax lenses, my K30 broke down with the aperture issue and I am actually planning to sell my lenses and go for a Nikon z50 or zfc. Seeing this video I am actually doubting if I not better reconsider this. KP prices are a bit crazy here though.
Hmm, I can't say for certain for you. The z50 looks like a really nice camera for the price, and maybe some of the features appeal to you. The lens collection is still growing, but you can always buy an adapter and use Nikon F lenses and of course being mirrorless can adapt many fun vintage lenses. But the KP with those limited lenses would be great too, if you can find one for a good enough price. It's a great camera.
@@onnoschmidt yeah that seems like a better deal. I saw they just released a 40mm f2 for the Z mount. Can't remember what else they have but they've been building it up quickly.
@@snappiness i just bought the Nikon z fc, it's really good photo quality. I must say that all Pentax cameras I had were feeling more solid, maybe it's just my personal impression because of the weight of the camera. I still have some nice Pentax primes. I think I keep them. I will try to repair the K-30 with a solenoid i can get from an Ist-ds.
I could see myself using the KP with the SMC F 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 a whole lot if the price came down under$400 like the K5 II. That would make my own street shooting a breeze with the tilting screen, but first, the pandemic needs to wrap up. :-/
It'll come down eventually, but I'm unclear how long it'll take. Seems the discontinuation and the higher than expected price of the K3 III has increased demand and people don't want to let go of their KPs :)
KP.. Pentax's last good value camera? I loved mine and I can't fault the value at all. I put up with the small grip for too long (mine only came with that grip), eventually caved in and bought a Large. Wow... transformed my relationship with it massively. I only wish they released the Limited Wooden grips to buy or at least did a XL Grip as I still found the Large a tad too small coming from a 645D/K-1 experience. I noticed the prices increasing, definitely spawned from the fact it has been discontinued and Pentaxians have fewer buying options, either this, a new budget entry K-70 or the uber expensive K3iii, it's not difficult to see why the price for the KP has went up. I see it selling used for 40% over its brand new purchase price of a year ago lol. Well... good luck to 'em if they can shift them for that price. I think we'll see that price hike stay around till another new Pentax camera arrives, a KPII or a K-90 or something.
I am part way through making my own wooden grip. That would've been really cool if they or a third party released some. Too bad those third party outfitters focus on products that ship much larger volumes. I agree with your price analysis. I am interested to see what their next entry level model looks like. Besides the dreaded aperture block failure that continued, I actually think the k-70 is a pretty sweet deal too.
The KP is all I need. I understand some complains about ergonomics or grip but having started my PENTAX trip from a KP I find it a joy to use. I bought a K70 right after for a second body, and I had similar issues (sold it a month later). Never got used to the different layout and grip. So I dont think its a KP issue but just has to do with the way someone is used to work. If its your first pentax body, or simply give it some time you'll love the ergonomics as well. I also couldnt live without the extra wheel my KP has compared to the K70. Image quality and iso performance are simply amazing! In fact I dont need a K3iii. Could I have a KPii with some improved AF and a slightly better batterie? (the latter is not a huge issue though; I got me a couple of 3rd party batteries to carry with me all the time) That would be all I need and the only reason to purchase a newer camera.
The ergonomics have definitely grown on me, and I feel like it's only 'uncomfortable' with these large lenses. And even then it's really not too bad once you get used to it, like you said. But for lenses that aren't super front heavy it's not an issue at all.
@@XXX-vy6xv the da* 300mm f4. I looked up online and once you add the tripod foot and hood it's just under double the weight of the 50-135. Not sure how they compare length use, but a lot of that weight is in the front too so that kinda makes an awkward balance. I've never used the 50-135 but I hear awesome things.
@@snappiness thats definitely a big lens! Having just checked, the 50-135 is 400gr lighter and 5cm shorter without the hoods, so yes big difference there. IQ wise I can confirm its a great lens, although I cant compare to the 300*. Definitely the best lens I own (I dont have any primes to compare it though except the 40mm xs limited and a couple of old time manual lenses...oh, and an UWA Samyang)
Nice video. Glad I got my KP with battery grip last year new for only $749. You forgot to mention that the KP is the first mid-range Pentax DSLR (in a LONG time) that offers an OEM vertical battery grip that holds additionally 1 bigger D-Li90 battery or two smaller D-Li190 batteries.
I hadn't thought about that fact - that's a very interesting point! And that was a great deal on the KP and grip. I remember during the holidays there were a lot of nice KP deals.
@@snappiness Yes, it was quite a deal. It's a great camera even coming from a first gen K-3. The battery life is not as good as the K-3 but I don't mind changing them out which I rarely do on model shoots. When I use the grip with the extra D-Li90 that I kept from my old K-3, the thing will go all day. : ) Keep up the great work!
Image quality didnt improve much since 2008. Still similar mp count and af systems around (for photography anyway and dslr). More modern sensors have few more MP and 2-3 stops more of DR . Nice to haves but not necessary. I own SLR from 1995 and one of Canons latest DSLRs. Compare the two and apart from different medium everything else is almost the same. Even image quality. I shoot both film and digital with both older and modern glass. There is the difference in way i shoot film and digital, but not as much as one would think, and image taken on film paired with modern glass and quality stock can be blown out past resolution of any existing full frame camera (I scan them at 100mp but i think you can go even higher). So indeed you are not missing out so much even if you shoot 15 year old camera . Specially not if you invested your time and money into right stuff. Many people say that lenses makes all the difference, and some others says that is lighting. I agree that both are important, but disagree about them taking that credit. Learn your craft and learn your gear and most importantly get creative with what you have available. I find that everytime i am crippled in some way with the gear or otherwise i learn much more and in the end feel much better about results i get.
I've had this camera for a couple of weeks. Briefly - a camera with TONS of extremely interesting features with NONE of them done right. 3 Grips - WONDERFUL, but none of them is comfortable, terrible unreliable AF, WB you can't trust, it give you completely different readings in the same situations, senor wide metering is "afraid" of shiny details as if it was highlight priority mode (it was not!), IBIS - nice, but long shitter speeds (1/4 and above handheld) - no, this cannot be done, colors that need a TONS of postprocessing, e.t.c, e.t.c, e.t.c.... That was right after it was released, they MIGHT fix such issues with firmware updates, but I don't know if they had any... K1 and K1 II are MUCH MUCH more reliable... But they are terribly outdated already also... Unfortunately, for me, Pentax is dead...
@@RCBladeKing I hear only good things about the 55-300mm PLM lens. Seems like a great deal for the price for performance. I personally really like my DA* 300mm, but that's a more specific use case telephoto prime.
@@snappiness I enjoy the fixed focal lengths too. So I may pick up the 300. Have you tried out the 150-450? Did they ever do a software update for the kp annnd have you used it for wildlife at all?
@@RCBladeKing I haven't used the 150-450 yet. I've debated about selling my 300 and picking it up, because I can't afford to have both. I like the F4 aperture though for those early morning owl shots. I've shot a lot of wildlife on the KP and enjoyed it. A small camera to put huge lenses on, but I've heard the grip helps. Never done a firmware update on it yet.
Theres no market for Pentax in Sweden, stone cold dead. So i got one at a mere 400 Euro. 4400 exp, with the DA 18-55 kitlens extra batteri. In mint condition from a store.
Oh hey, wow! Thanks for the shout out. I saw the premiere link last night but I missed it because it was 6am here in California... 😂
I agree that the KP is excellent. I just didn't give mine a chance, I had already moved to mirrorless and sadly I don't think any DSLR would work for me nowadays--one of the many bad things of getting old is that my eyes now focus much easier on EVFs than on optical VFs.
Yeah I'll have to play with my premier time more next time xD
I missed my opportunity to purchase a kp brand new as a secondary to my K1 because of its compactness. I'm still puzzled by Ricoh's decision to discontinue such a gem and I sincerely hope they bring out a new kp successor.
Love my KP, great for the street and family video and photos. But haven’t given up on my K5 yet. Love them both for different reasons.
Yep, I could see that. Even with loving the upgrades of the KP, I still really miss my K3
the kp was my first camera and my entry to photography
One other thing about the 3 different grips: Some features are so simple, so low-tech, yet add so much to the utility and novelty of a product. The three grips are simple bits of metal and rubber, yet they softly elide the constant issue of "this camera is too big for people with small hands" or "this camera is too small for people with big hands." Other Pentax innovations like this: little window tabs in lens hoods to allow use of polarizing filters; the interior filter option on the DA 21mm Limited; the plastic "sled" in the battery grip of the KP that allows use of either Di90 or Di109 batteries, on and on.
I love PLM focus motors and 5-axis sensor mounts and all the wiz-bang stuff, but some of the best innovations have no electronics, just a design sensibility that cares about how the customer experiences the product.
I was one who didn't understand the KP when released but then over time I tried one and I felt in love basically when I first picked it up. I will never sell it. To me it is purpose built for the limiteds. And, oddly enough the KP and DFA 150-450 makes a really fantastic nature combo. I hope there is a KPii some day.
Yeah it feels great with my 43 limited and I would assume all the others. Now that would be a cool kit :)
Does Pentax KP have focus motor in body?
Count me in on hoping for a KP ii or something with the same retro form factor and basic features (interchangeable grips for instance)
@Mr Dominic And the ability to use lenses which have motors in the lenses, as well.
Thanks, interesting comments. Bought my KP used, and am enjoying using it after selling my K3.
It's a very nice camera :)
(PocketPixels here) I bought a new silver KP for $600 (!!) in the final days before the K-3 mkiii came out. I should have bought six at that price and flipped them now for $800 each. Anyway, I have barely used it, because my K-S2 is still going strong. But I loved the flippy screen and there is always this lingering fear with my K-S2 that the aperture solenoid might go bad. The KP will be there for me if that ever happens.
That said, if Pentax ever releases a K-S3, I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
Also, the birds at 3:19 is one of your finer shots.
I use it with large lenses pretty easily, but I also have medium to small sized hands so that helps I think. Also, the battery grip for this camera completely changes the feel of it. Really gives it the big-bodied camera feeling. I love how modular the KP is, really feels like a "do-all" camera, to a point. You really nailed the focus on those bird shots! I'm often struggling with autofocus at birds, with the camera focusing on branches or w/e instead. I try to compensate with manual quickshift (which is great), but I need to work on that skill some more to say the least haha.
Yeah the AF struggle on rocks and branches is very real. I find in particularly dense areas I have to use single point and try and thread the needle through the branch. Even then, it's a lot of our of focus stuff for a small few in focus shots :)
The battery grip is definitely on my radar.
I remember starting to look around for new camera at the beginning of December 2021 and it was in every shop with different kit lens combos, lots of stock everywhere. When I got my tax return just 2 weeks later I couldn't find it anymore in those stores I've been checking before. Anyway, I got K3 III body for a bargain price -€300 so it's still cool :)
Bored in lockdown, I bought a KP new in 2020. I'm a 45 year old dinosaur that has been shooting since film SLRs, so this camera appealed to me. Plus I love the retro styling. I have other mirrorless cameras, but I use the KP once in a while, when I want to experience shooting the old way: OVF, sound and feel of mirror slap, AF confirmation beep, screw AF noise, etc. My KP is not for sale, specially now that it's discontinued. In fact I just ordered the plastic fantastic 35mm f2.4.
Btw, thanks for this vid. Subbed.
i own k1 , new k3 iii , but for me KP it's a special and unique camera . never has any issues with ergonomics . SUPERB IMAGE QUALITY !!!
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE , BEST VALUE !!! bought brand new for 650$ nothing come close to this camera value . great video - KEEP GOING !!!!!!!
It.rewlly has incredible IQ and features period. But then for the cheap price it makes it even better! Thanks for watching.
I sprung for a clearance priced KP because I got sick of waiting for the K3iii. Glad I did! Love it. The battery grip also makes it much easier to handle with longer lenses :)
Haha, so I hear again and again. I plan to try it one day just a little pricey for now. I think I would really like having some extra real estate for the long lenses, and compact again for smaller lenses. It's a great camera. Glad you're loving it :)
I considered the KP when I was looking for a second body. That was about the time the prices went berserk, so I went with a K-3 instead, and I've been happy with my choice. The KP seems like a good camera, though. It's a shame Pentax discontinued it for no good reason.
Yeah I'm wondering when they'll announce a mid range replacement for it... Or IF they will.
Pentax kp is better in point of noise. Iso 6400 is clean
Anything you want to know my thoughts on while I finish up the K3 vs kp for wildlife video?
Autofocus with the latest firmware patches for each and a da 300!
I bought my KP new from the local importer for $AUD850 (~$US600) in 2019 and that included the GPS receiver unit. The current prices I've seen are somewhat over the top!
CRKennedy in Australia?
@@killinghip Yes!
As a previous Pentaxian who has owned a *DS, *DL, K100D Super, K10D, K20D, K7,K5 and K3 I must agree that the ergonomics of the higher level Pentax cameras are second to none. I have only recently switched to Olympus (actually a process that took most of 10 years) because it is, like Pentax, a brand which produces rugged cameras with excellent ergonomics. My reason for the switch is all about size, weight and the new features available with a mirrorless system. I also buy all used equipment with the exception of an occasional lens. Great videos, keep it up.
Brave to switch to Olympus at this time, given they have been transferred to new owners and Olympus (the company) do not own them any more.
Interesting that you’ve switched to Olympus but I get that they are small and light. I’ve been embedded in Pentax since *istD (still got it 17yrs on and works fine), K10D, K-7, K-3 and since 2016 K-1. It’s a beast and I love it.
I did want a smaller option so 5 years back so got an Olympus OM-D M10 plus 14-42mm and 25mm + Sigma 60mm f2.8. Best thing I can say about it is it’s tiny and light and has front and back control wheels. I’ve backpacked with it, bikepacked and hiking trips or just when I wanted a camera along and didn’t care to carry my K-1. With the Olympus I’ve never gotten to like the ergonomics, the EVF, zoom ring rotates the wrong way and micro 4/3 sensor doesn’t quite cut it when img quality really counts. A lot of people will argue that last point but it’s apparent in low light so when I was travelling in Europe with family for 2 mths old town centres in late afternoon or early morning or inside buildings or shaded streets with shadows or low light I just wasn’t happy with dynamic range so I put it away and used the K-1. That thing handles any landscape, architecture low low and mixed light, high contrast so well that I know it’s the K-1 that I can rely on.
But I still searched for that small option, easy to carry and discrete for street photography so on the last couple of months if picked up a Fuji X-E4 with a couple of primes. The APS-C sensor does a decent job in most light but the ergonomics are still not up to my K-1 or and Pentax I’ve had.
I’m not sure what to do with my Olympus. Just before I got the Fuji I took the Olympus on a 5 day hiking trip. It’s suitably small for that but unfortunately the internal battery for the date/clock and settings must have died as every time I remove battery to charge all settings cancel and I have to set the camera up again.
@@shred3005 I use Kp and Olympus OM m5iii at this moment, but I was thinking in replacing my Olympus with fuji because of the noise in RAW Oly files from ISO 800 or more. Do you think the X-E4 is on par with KP when light is low ? I mean when you raise ISO KP is better than Olympus by 1.5 stop. Is X-E4 noise similar to KP ?
The joy of using KP is out of this world. I use mine mainly with DA limiteds in order to save this retro look. But I also use it with DA* and my new DFA*50/1.4. I love this vintage look. I also prefer KP rather than heavy and bulky K3 family.
I just have my FA 43 right now, but it would be really neat to try DA limiteds on it. Seems perfect for that.
I bought a pair of K5iis in 2014 as an upgrade to my K10D. I absolutely love these cameras. In 2021 I purchased a kp for the sole purpose to use with my set of DA Limiteds. I find it is perfectly matched with these 5 primes, better than the K5iis. I prefer to use larger lenses on the K5’s, however, if I had to split my kit I would probably choose the kp and limiteds over the K5iis’s and zooms
The KP is my favorite aps-c camera coming from the k70 it felt like a big jump for me.
That's good to know. I got tired of holding out for a great deal on a KP, and nearly bought a K-70 instead, thinking it was probably 90% of the camera the KP was.
What do you think most sets it apart from the K-70 then, and makes it worth the extra money? Is it one of two headline features, or a number of little things that add up?
@@AndrewSowerby If you have big hands the K-70 will feel better at hand. The KP has better autofocus performance and more autofocus points than the k70. The KP has an extra frame per second and the option of an electronic shutter up to 1/24000 of a second. The last thing that persuaded me is that some K70 have aperture block issue while the KP does not. I bought my KP last Christmas amazon was selling them at 599 with 5 monthly payment plan at that price the KP was much more attractive than the k70
@@Emma-zk6it ah, in that case, it's a no brainer - I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a KP at that price. Good to know that the AF is noticeably better - that's a big plus.
@@AndrewSowerby the KP has an electronic shutter which makes the camera quiet when turned on. It also does not suffer from th apature block issue that can happen with the k70. Also a flip down screen instead of articulated one. I think it's a tad smaller in size too. There is supposed to be quite a few different features in the kp that so not exist in the k70
This was my first camera! Loved it and miss it for sure
Very nice! It's a great camera.
0:34 - That's interesting. I thought, in the beginning, with the K-m and K-x, they were supposed to be the low end models, below the K-20, K-30 and K-50. There was a K-200 (and later, a K-500) - I thought the K-m and K-x were follow-ons to the K-100 and K-200 - interestingly enough, the K-200 was weather sealed, the K-m and K-x were not. All three used AA batteries. The K-r is essentially a slightly improved K-x, also not weather sealed, while the K-30 and K-50 were. Also interestingly, the K-r shares the ability to use AAs with the K-30 and K-50 (you need an adapter that goes into the battery compartment), and these cameras also come in a variety of colors (that started with the K-m and K-x, and it signals, to me, something that appeals to less serious photographers like myself). So I'd arrange your table differently - I'd put the K-r below the K-30 and K-50. Don't know enough about the later bodies (been dormant camera-wise for the last 5-6 years) to rank the K-70 vs. the KP and KS, which is why I'm watching this video. (Note these use capital letters, maybe this signals a higher rank.) What do I own? A K-100 (best for IR photography with a filter), a K-200D and a K-x. The next I'll buy will probably be a used K-30 or K-50. I like the ability to use AAs (Eneloops work very nicely). I'm wondering if Pentax will ever come out again with a lower-end camera that has the ability to use AAs and comes in a rainbow of colors.
Eneloops are fantastic. I bought a battery grip for my K-5ii just so that I could use the Eneloops to extend battery life, instead of spending lots of money on legit Pentax batteries or dubious off-brand ones. Shot about 600 photos at a race track, only reduced the eneloops to "yellow bar", didn't even touch the internal battery.
@@williamstrachan The current really good deal are the LADDA cells from IKEA. Supposedly Eneloops from the same factory in Japan with a different outside wrap and at half the price, at least for the 1900 mAH variant.
I was on the fence between kp and k5iis and went with k5iis
The KP has some nice features, I've thought about buying one a few times but you just confirmed one of my thoughts on how it would feel/preform with say the DA*200 or 50-135, I suppose trying different grips could help some way to make it feel better. Another great video mate.
People who use the longer lenses say that the battery grip takes care of most of the problem. It's just so compact and light that the balance is hard on bigger lenses. Doesn't really feel like a sporty camera, but it also feels much better than some modern mirrorless vintage style cameras that totally got rid of a grip.
I'm not sure how it would be with those two lenses exactly. An earlier commenter said they were fine with their 50-135, and indeed it is 400 grams lighter and shorter than the da* 300, so may very well balance better.
You'll hear more in my k3 vs kp for wildlife video, but that is basically my only gripe with the camera. Otherwise it's great for wildlife. The dive in other features isn't really a big deal compared to the extra low light performance, which I really wanted after shooting 6400+ every morning.
i got mine for 400 USD, and i love the style, i love it for everyday shooting with my 28mm, but for large lenses, nope, you gonna try to 3d printing a new grip? would be interesting to see haha, nice video!
I started making a wooden one, but we'll see if I ever finish it ;)
400 is a great deal!
I remember seeing the kp new for 700usd and now it's 1k. Hopefully the price goes back down. I think they discontinued it do to it not being part of a regular series camera. I'd love to see a pentax with more dials like a fuji.
I really hope Pentax makes some mirrorless cameras that could compete with the other mirrorless on the market. Their DSLR are great, but too bulky for me and an EVF is much more practical than an OVF in real life
I want an updated q line
I've had my KP since May. It took a bit of time to adjust from my K-70. The ergonomics are very different!
But I love the KP! I love the dials and the hole feel of the camera!
The large grip is my favourite. But I really like the medium grip when I'm using smaller lenses!
It's great to be able to change the grips, it's something that has attracted criticism!
But I love that versatility, it reminds me of my old 'Pentax Super A' that also had removable grips too!
A feature that was also innovative in it's time too!
I like the K-70 as well, but the KP is the one I seem to pick up more! It just feels like a classic Pentax!
But as you said with some fantastic modern features.
The IQ is stunning, and I can still use all the old lenses I used on my old Super 'A' & ME Super!
What other camera system would enable you to do that!
Thank you for a great video!
Thanks for watching. Enjoy that camera :)
Nice videos! Thx! K-mount fan subscribed!
Cool, thanks! 🙂
Being a KP owner for almost 4 years, I can confirm that the ergonomics is great and that KP is full of useful features (some of them not available for K-3, K-3 II, K-1, K-1 II and K-3 III). I strongly believe in KP II. Ricoh, pls, keep the KP line :)
A KP II would be really neat :)
Does Pentax KP have focus motor in body?
@@kamilpotato3764 Yes, and you can use the older screwdrive driven lenses just fine on it if that's where you were asking.
@@snappiness thank you. Been looking into selling my D5300 with 35mm and 18-50mm, and gx80(will keep omdem10mk2 because I have few lenses) and getting KP. Problem is that it's hard to find second hand body here in UK. KP seems like a good cheaper apsc alternative to Fuji.
I'm thankful I was able to pick up a kp on sale before they were discontinued, since the announced price of the k3 iii was just too much. My solution to the small battery issue was to get the battery grip. Both the large grip and the battery grip are perfect for me. It's a big jump up from my older Pentax DSLRs in features though I still use the old ones where appropriate. I do like the 1080p HDMI output on the kp for when I take photos through my microscope - it's easier for me to focus the image on a 27in TV with my old eyes!
I've heard from a lot of people the battery grip really transforms the camera. I may pick one up eventually. :)
new to this channel
bro, your shots are so beautiful
Thanks for stopping by 👍
My favorite camera of all time. I didn't anticipate this when I bought it new in 2021, just after the discontinuation announcement, but now my K-3 and K-5 pretty much just collect dust. I had said I was absolutely going to purchase a 3rd gen K-3, but I love this damn thing so much that I've pretty much decided I don't need the new flagship.
And to that end, I suspect this is the very reason they pulled the plug on it. Can't have that damn midrange camera knocking down sales of the new flagship after all. 🙄
Honestly though, that probably is why. It was such a good bang for the buck towards the end of its life. I hope they expand on it in the future. And if not, it'll be a forever classic...
im really confused on my next Pentax Camera if its the K70 or the KP. This enlightened me a lot.
Oh good. Good luck with your choice. The good news is they are both cool cameras 🙂
Thanks for this. What else? How does it work with vintage Pentax lenses. The K-3 III takes the shot when the manual lens is in focus. How far back does this feature go?
I'm a Fuji guy who also *owned* the K-70 but still have lots of vintage Pentax lenses.
You mentioned the k5 I've been looking at the k5mIIS for something to play around with.
I hear great things about the k5iis! Was really popular in it's time.
What lens would you recommend for a first time kp buyer?
Im debating between the K-3 and kp. not sure wich to get.
It's a tough decision. They're just different enough to have some advantages over each other. The good news is they're both great, in their own ways.
This was one of two videos that made up my mind to buy this camera and I found an online shop here in Germany that is still selling brand new ones...got mine for 799 euros and it has the various grips (which I read might not always be the case). Now I have to decide which lens to buy...I like taking (or trying to take) low light urban shots, so would welcome any suggestions.
My problem with the KP is the placement of the shutter-button - it is NOT ergonomic where they put it
What lenses are you using here?
Recommend over older canon dslr? Looking at picking up a kp. Can you recommend a lens to get started? Mainly shoot landscape while camping and hiking
I'm not as familiar with the canon cameras after 2010, so I don't know how they compare directly. This cameras image quality is excellent though. The Pentax 18-135 is an affordable versatile kit for landscape and hiking. I've shot a lot of landscapes on that lens and have been really happy with it.
Good camera, they should have followed up with a KP II
There's still time! Maybe? Who knows!
Does the KP feels cheap plastic like? If money is not an issue, is the k3 iii a better camera than the KP? From where I'm located, I cannot find any pentax camera at any camera shop, so would be awesome if you can share your experience
Hi Snappiness. I am happy to share with you that I found a used black Pentax KP for € 550 with 4.500 shots. forget to trade in my Pentax KS1 with more than 15.000 shots.
Fantastic! Enjoy. It's a very nice camera.
I haven't seen Pentax on any shelves where I live. They just don't have a presence in brick-and-mortar stores anymore, so you need to buy Pentax online. With that in mind, you can't sell a camera with funky grips that people can't physically hold to get the feel of the grip and ergonomics.
Yeah same here. I would've loved to have held it before purchasing it.
As I find my KP flawless, I feel attacked with your critiques lol. I find the controls come more naturally to me.
Haha! I mean it's just my own subjective opinion, but like I said not really a problem with smaller lenses, just weird with these hunkin telephotos where this classic style body feels a little out of place.
@@snappiness lol I was trying to sound sarcastic too
hi ! Nice video! Do you know if I can use my K lens on this camera from my Pentax LX film camera?
Yes, you can. :)
Do you need a adaptor for vintage Pentax lens for the KO?
No adapter necessary, it uses the same K mount as the film cameras did
Why discontinue a good product?
Not sure about the early cancellation. Maybe a new model soon? Maybe simplifying their line up?
I have a bunch of nice limited Pentax lenses, my K30 broke down with the aperture issue and I am actually planning to sell my lenses and go for a Nikon z50 or zfc. Seeing this video I am actually doubting if I not better reconsider this. KP prices are a bit crazy here though.
Hmm, I can't say for certain for you. The z50 looks like a really nice camera for the price, and maybe some of the features appeal to you. The lens collection is still growing, but you can always buy an adapter and use Nikon F lenses and of course being mirrorless can adapt many fun vintage lenses.
But the KP with those limited lenses would be great too, if you can find one for a good enough price. It's a great camera.
@@snappiness KP is round 1000 euros currently. I can buy the z50 for the same price including at least 1 zoom lens
@@onnoschmidt yeah that seems like a better deal. I saw they just released a 40mm f2 for the Z mount. Can't remember what else they have but they've been building it up quickly.
@@snappiness i just bought the Nikon z fc, it's really good photo quality. I must say that all Pentax cameras I had were feeling more solid, maybe it's just my personal impression because of the weight of the camera.
I still have some nice Pentax primes. I think I keep them. I will try to repair the K-30 with a solenoid i can get from an Ist-ds.
Did you not want to work around the aperture issue or have it repaired? I am currently contemplating what to do with my K-50 which has the same issue.
well made vid
Well thanks :)
You can still get it brand new in England ?
I've heard of some shops still having old stock not sold out yet.
I could see myself using the KP with the SMC F 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 a whole lot if the price came down under$400 like the K5 II. That would make my own street shooting a breeze with the tilting screen, but first, the pandemic needs to wrap up. :-/
It'll come down eventually, but I'm unclear how long it'll take. Seems the discontinuation and the higher than expected price of the K3 III has increased demand and people don't want to let go of their KPs :)
KP.. Pentax's last good value camera?
I loved mine and I can't fault the value at all. I put up with the small grip for too long (mine only came with that grip), eventually caved in and bought a Large. Wow... transformed my relationship with it massively. I only wish they released the Limited Wooden grips to buy or at least did a XL Grip as I still found the Large a tad too small coming from a 645D/K-1 experience.
I noticed the prices increasing, definitely spawned from the fact it has been discontinued and Pentaxians have fewer buying options, either this, a new budget entry K-70 or the uber expensive K3iii, it's not difficult to see why the price for the KP has went up. I see it selling used for 40% over its brand new purchase price of a year ago lol. Well... good luck to 'em if they can shift them for that price.
I think we'll see that price hike stay around till another new Pentax camera arrives, a KPII or a K-90 or something.
I am part way through making my own wooden grip. That would've been really cool if they or a third party released some. Too bad those third party outfitters focus on products that ship much larger volumes.
I agree with your price analysis. I am interested to see what their next entry level model looks like. Besides the dreaded aperture block failure that continued, I actually think the k-70 is a pretty sweet deal too.
The KP is all I need.
I understand some complains about ergonomics or grip but having started my PENTAX trip from a KP I find it a joy to use. I bought a K70 right after for a second body, and I had similar issues (sold it a month later). Never got used to the different layout and grip. So I dont think its a KP issue but just has to do with the way someone is used to work. If its your first pentax body, or simply give it some time you'll love the ergonomics as well. I also couldnt live without the extra wheel my KP has compared to the K70.
Image quality and iso performance are simply amazing!
In fact I dont need a K3iii. Could I have a KPii with some improved AF and a slightly better batterie? (the latter is not a huge issue though; I got me a couple of 3rd party batteries to carry with me all the time)
That would be all I need and the only reason to purchase a newer camera.
The ergonomics have definitely grown on me, and I feel like it's only 'uncomfortable' with these large lenses. And even then it's really not too bad once you get used to it, like you said. But for lenses that aren't super front heavy it's not an issue at all.
@@snappiness my larger lens (by far) is a 50-135* and I have no issues using that combo. What lens do you have difficulties with?
@@XXX-vy6xv the da* 300mm f4. I looked up online and once you add the tripod foot and hood it's just under double the weight of the 50-135. Not sure how they compare length use, but a lot of that weight is in the front too so that kinda makes an awkward balance. I've never used the 50-135 but I hear awesome things.
@@snappiness thats definitely a big lens!
Having just checked, the 50-135 is 400gr lighter and 5cm shorter without the hoods, so yes big difference there.
IQ wise I can confirm its a great lens, although I cant compare to the 300*. Definitely the best lens I own (I dont have any primes to compare it though except the 40mm xs limited and a couple of old time manual lenses...oh, and an UWA Samyang)
@@snappiness 20-40 , 50-135 and 300/4 are great combo for KP , I used them all the time since i bought KP
Onko Pentax kameroissa K ajonetti kiinnitys
They are still expensive at just over $600
Bought a camera on Facebook from a dude that bought your K01 😂 .
Nice video. Glad I got my KP with battery grip last year new for only $749. You forgot to mention that the KP is the first mid-range Pentax DSLR (in a LONG time) that offers an OEM vertical battery grip that holds additionally 1 bigger D-Li90 battery or two smaller D-Li190 batteries.
I hadn't thought about that fact - that's a very interesting point! And that was a great deal on the KP and grip. I remember during the holidays there were a lot of nice KP deals.
@@snappiness Yes, it was quite a deal. It's a great camera even coming from a first gen K-3. The battery life is not as good as the K-3 but I don't mind changing them out which I rarely do on model shoots. When I use the grip with the extra D-Li90 that I kept from my old K-3, the thing will go all day. : ) Keep up the great work!
Image quality didnt improve much since 2008. Still similar mp count and af systems around (for photography anyway and dslr). More modern sensors have few more MP and 2-3 stops more of DR . Nice to haves but not necessary. I own SLR from 1995 and one of Canons latest DSLRs. Compare the two and apart from different medium everything else is almost the same. Even image quality. I shoot both film and digital with both older and modern glass. There is the difference in way i shoot film and digital, but not as much as one would think, and image taken on film paired with modern glass and quality stock can be blown out past resolution of any existing full frame camera (I scan them at 100mp but i think you can go even higher). So indeed you are not missing out so much even if you shoot 15 year old camera . Specially not if you invested your time and money into right stuff. Many people say that lenses makes all the difference, and some others says that is lighting. I agree that both are important, but disagree about them taking that credit. Learn your craft and learn your gear and most importantly get creative with what you have available. I find that everytime i am crippled in some way with the gear or otherwise i learn much more and in the end feel much better about results i get.
I've had this camera for a couple of weeks. Briefly - a camera with TONS of extremely interesting features with NONE of them done right. 3 Grips - WONDERFUL, but none of them is comfortable, terrible unreliable AF, WB you can't trust, it give you completely different readings in the same situations, senor wide metering is "afraid" of shiny details as if it was highlight priority mode (it was not!), IBIS - nice, but long shitter speeds (1/4 and above handheld) - no, this cannot be done, colors that need a TONS of postprocessing, e.t.c, e.t.c, e.t.c.... That was right after it was released, they MIGHT fix such issues with firmware updates, but I don't know if they had any... K1 and K1 II are MUCH MUCH more reliable... But they are terribly outdated already also... Unfortunately, for me, Pentax is dead...
Just picked one up for $500 bucks
Awesome deal! Enjoy it!
@@snappiness I do have the fa 43 . Which telephoto do you think would be good?
@@RCBladeKing I hear only good things about the 55-300mm PLM lens. Seems like a great deal for the price for performance. I personally really like my DA* 300mm, but that's a more specific use case telephoto prime.
@@snappiness I enjoy the fixed focal lengths too. So I may pick up the 300. Have you tried out the 150-450? Did they ever do a software update for the kp annnd have you used it for wildlife at all?
@@RCBladeKing I haven't used the 150-450 yet. I've debated about selling my 300 and picking it up, because I can't afford to have both. I like the F4 aperture though for those early morning owl shots. I've shot a lot of wildlife on the KP and enjoyed it. A small camera to put huge lenses on, but I've heard the grip helps. Never done a firmware update on it yet.
Theres no market for Pentax in Sweden, stone cold dead. So i got one at a mere 400 Euro. 4400 exp, with the DA 18-55 kitlens extra batteri. In mint condition from a store.
Great find, enjoy!
Your background audio rustling makes listening to you speak really annoying.
The music?