Pentax KP Review

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Main Features

24MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 819200

5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Tilting Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

7.0 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video

Built-in Wireless

703g. 132 x 101 x 76 mm

Weather Sealed Body

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Pentax KP Overview

First introduced in January 2017 , Pentax KP is a 24.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization , Tilting screen and Pentax KAF2 lens mount.

Pentax KP Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Pentax KP has an Overall Score of 73/100 and ranked #38 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #113 out of 1219 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

Pentax KP Physical Specs

Pentax KP weighs 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz) and has external dimensions of 132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 76mm, it also has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

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Pentax KP

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Thickness Comparison

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Pentax KP

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Here is the front and top view image of Pentax KP with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax KP Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax KP, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Pentax KP Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Pentax KP with its main competitors:

Pentax KP Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs KP	Thickness	vs KP
Pentax K-70 Compare	688g	15g lighter	74mm	2mm thinner
Pentax K-3 II Compare	800g	97g heavier	77mm	1mm thicker
Pentax K-3 Compare	800g	97g heavier	77mm	1mm thicker
Nikon D7500 Compare	720g	17g heavier	73mm	3mm thinner
Pentax K-1 II Compare	1010g	307g heavier	86mm	10mm thicker
Pentax K-1 Compare	1010g	307g heavier	86mm	10mm thicker
Pentax K-5 Compare	740g	37g heavier	73mm	3mm thinner
Pentax K-S2 Compare	678g	25g lighter	73mm	3mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Pentax KP has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Pentax KP will serve you well. If you attach one of these Pentax KP weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

Pentax KP Sensor and Photography Features

Pentax KP has a 24.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features PRIME IV processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6016 x 4000 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. KP has a native ISO range of 100 - 819200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Pentax KP is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax KP vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

High Resolution Mode

Pentax KP has a special High Resolution mode where the camera takes multiple images of a scene while moving its sensor using the sensor shift image stabilization system and combine them automatically to create a much higher resolution image. This feature works best with static scenes and using a tripod is a must to minimize stitching artifacts.

Let's look at how the size of the Pentax KP's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Pentax KP Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Pentax KP Lens Mount and Lenses

Pentax KP has a Pentax KAF2 lens mount and currently there are 151 native lenses available for this mount. Pentax K mount has backward compatibility for all the K mount lenses produced since 1975 so Pentax users has access to a large selection of manual era native lenses in addition to the modern AF lenses.

KP also has a Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on KP. Pentax claims that the image stabilization of KP is effective up to 5.0 stops. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 24 lenses with weather sealing for KP that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

Here are some of the most popular Pentax KP Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses for Pentax KP

Model	Focal Length on KP	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4	75mm	35mm FF	220gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR	82.5-450mm	APS-C / DX	466gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE	27-75mm	APS-C / DX	158gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR	36-105mm	35mm FF	787gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW	105-300mm	35mm FF	1755gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE	82.5-450mm	APS-C / DX	471gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 50mm F1.8	75mm	35mm FF	122gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM	27-405mm	APS-C / DX	453gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Check our Pentax KP Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

Pentax KP LCD and Viewfinder

Pentax KP has a Tilting 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

KP has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.63x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Pentax KP Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Pentax KP features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11 b/g/n) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our KP. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

Pentax KP has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

Battery

Pentax KP is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 390 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Pentax KP has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend KP owners to buy some extra batteries.

Battery Life Comparison in Advanced DSLR Cameras

Pentax KP

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Average

Max

Nikon D780 with its 2260shots is the model with longest battery life among Advanced DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax KP vs Nikon D780 or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

Pentax KP Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Pentax K-70 Compare	1920 x 1080	410shots	Yes	No	No
Pentax K-3 II Compare	1920 x 1080	720shots	No	No	No
Pentax K-3 Compare	1920 x 1080	560shots	No	No	No
Nikon D7500 Compare	3840 x 2160	950shots	Yes	Yes	No
Pentax K-1 II Compare	1920 x 1080	670shots	Yes	No	No
Pentax K-1 Compare	1920 x 1080	760shots	Yes	No	No
Pentax K-5 Compare	1920 x 1080	980shots	No	No	No
Pentax K-S2 Compare	1920 x 1080	410shots	Yes	No	Yes

Pentax KP Video Features

With Pentax KP, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60i,30p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Pentax KP will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

KP has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Pentax KP also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

Pentax KP Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Pentax KP can shoot continuously at max speed of 7.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/6000 sec. KP also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/24000s. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

Flash

KP has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

Focusing

Pentax KP features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 27 focus points and 25 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

Pentax KP also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

Pentax KP PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax KP review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

5-axis Image Stabilization

Articulating Screen

Full HD Video

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

24.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

819.200 Max ISO

27 Focus Points

921k dots LCD Resolution

1/6000s High Shutter Speed

1/24000s Electronic Shutter Speed

7.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

External Microphone Port

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

25 Cross Type Focus Points

Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV

Flash Sync Port

Sensor Shift High Resolution Mode

Anti Alias Filter Simulator

Focus Bracketing

Remote control with a smartphone

Compatible with fast UHS-I cards

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Buy Pentax KP from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Touch Screen

Low Battery Life: 390 shots

Heavy Body: 703g

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What type of Photography is Pentax KP Good for?

In this section, we review and score Pentax KP in 5 different photography areas.

Pentax KP for Portrait Photography

Pentax KP has a score of 70 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Image Stabilization

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Pentax KP for Portrait Photography

Pentax KP for Street Photography

Pentax KP has a score of 85 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen

Image Stabilization
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Large Body

Read the details of how we scored Pentax KP for Street Photography

Pentax KP for Sports Photography

Pentax KP has a score of 85 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/6000s
25 Cross Type Focus sensors
27 Focus Points

Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Pentax KP for Sports Photography

Pentax KP for Daily Photography

Pentax KP has a score of 73 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Environmental Sealings
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Large Body

703g
Body Thickness 76mm

Read the details of how we scored Pentax KP for Daily Photography

Pentax KP for Landscape Photography

Pentax KP has a score of 47 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Live-view
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor

Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Pentax KP for Landscape Photography

Pentax KP Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Pentax KP compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax KP alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Pentax KP

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax KP amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Pentax KP Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Pentax KP with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Pentax KP's price range.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax KP

Does the Pentax KP have Image Stabilization?
Does the Pentax KP have RAW support?
Does the Pentax KP have Weather Sealing?
Does the Pentax KP have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Pentax KP?
What is the Sensor Size of Pentax KP?
is the Pentax KP a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Pentax KP have Touch Screen?
Does the Pentax KP have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax KP?
What is the Weight of Pentax KP?
What are the Dimensions of Pentax KP?

Pentax KP Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Pentax
Model	Pentax KP
Announced	2017-01-26
Body Type	Mid-size SLR
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Pentax KAF2
Number of Lenses	151
Focal Length Multiplier	1.5×
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Tilting
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	921k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.63x
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/6000s
Max Electronic Shutter Speed	1/24000s
Continuous Shooting	7.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	6.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash Modes	Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual, wireless
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	APS-C
Sensor Dimensions	23.5 x 15.6 mm
Sensor Area	366.60mm²
Sensor Resolution	24 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	6016 x 4000
Max Native ISO	819,200
Min Native ISO	100
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	27
Number of Cross Focus Points	25
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	703g
Physical Dimensions	132 x 101 x 76mm
Battery Life	390 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	D-LI109
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 12 secs)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Optional
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
Storage Slots	1