Do you want to know which cameras are the Best PENTAX KP VS K3II?
Pentax is one of those manufacturers that have been around for decades yet never experienced much success in the global market. Their cameras are loved by photographers who are looking for something different, but they are not mainstream products.
For many Pentax DSLRs, there is no native lens lineup to speak of. The lenses that can be used with the camera often don’t reach their full potential on the smaller APS-C sensors that Pentax uses in its DSLR cameras.
On the other hand, Pentax is a company with many years of experience. Their cameras can do things that can’t be done with any other camera on the market. They are usually built to last and they offer promising features for new customers.
Pentax KP Review
The Pentax KP is a lightweight, full-frame DSLR camera with a large APS-C sensor and all the features required of a top-of-the-line digital SLR.
The KP’s body is constructed from magnesium alloy and metal, which makes it very light and durable. It has a built-in shake reduction system that helps to eliminate blur caused by camera shake and it comes with two user-replaceable grips: one with softer, more secure cushioning on the inside and another grip featuring a firmer hold.
With its lightweight design, high image quality capabilities, customizable grip size options (for both hands) as well as an innovative in-camera algorithm for removing noise at higher ISO settings than any other Pentax DSLR to date, the Pentax KP is sure to impress even the most critical of photographers with its many features and stylish aesthetic.
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- max ISO of 819,200
- 27-point AF sensor
- 25 central cross-type points
- 86,000-pixel RGB metering sensor
- PRIME IV Processor
- In-body ‘SR II’ 5-axis image stabilization
- 7 fps continuous shooting
- Interchangeable grips
- Improved ‘Function Dial’ from the K-1
- Electronic shutter up to 1/24,000 sec
- Wi-Fi communication
Pentax K3II Review
The new flagship camera employs an upgraded image stabilization system. It can shoot 4 pixels simultaneously for improved light sensitivity and lower noise when high ISO settings are used (in comparison to Pentax K3). The Pentax K-3 II has got a 24 MP sensor, which has its processor in front of the sensor. A low-pass filter is missing, which gives the camera an advantage over other cameras in terms of resolution but can show some moiré effects on certain subjects (i.e. fabric).
Other features are quiet shutter mode (shutter soundproof), electronic level, focus peaking, RAW (.dng) output, 6 fps burst speed (5.5 for JPEG), and up to 100% viewfinder coverage.
The Pentax K3II is working with all recent Pentax K mount lenses, which are not so many because the camera has been on market since 2013 only.
- Magnesium-alloy and metal chassis
- 24-35 effective megapixels
- 27-point SAFOX 11 autofocus module
- 8.3 frames per second shooting
- 100% 0.95x optical viewfinder
- 92 weather seals
- H.264 full HD, video capture at 1920 x 1080 60i/30p
- 4K-resolution interval timer mode
- Wi-Fi capable with FluCard
- 3.2″ 1037k-dot LCD
- Built-in shake reduction – 4.5 EVs
Conclusion
if you are looking for a good DSLR with no anti-alias filter and great features and also want to pay less, choose the Pentax KP. If you like to collect all lenses that exist on the market, don’t care about resolution, and prefer older but more mature body K3II, this camera is for you.
Is Pentax KP good for video?
Pentax KP uses the ‘Cinema 4K’ resolution of 3840X2160, but it’s not true 4K because there’s no pixel-shift technology behind it. Pentax also used a different color design for low light sensitivity and better color rendering in video mode.
Pentax KP records 4K at 100Mbps bitrate with the H.264 codec whereas 1080p is recorded at 50Mbps / 30 or 25 Mbps. The camera uses both ALL-I and IPB compression.
Recording time is limited to about 5 minutes per clip, while 4K videos are saved in MOV container with .MP4 extension Stereo sound is recorded through built-in microphones on the top plate. The Pentax KP offers an external microphone jack, but there’s no indication that it will record 4K with sound.
Pentax KP offers essential video-related functions: auto and manual ISO, exposure compensation, white balance, picture styles, focus peaking (focus assist), digital stabilization (the sensor-shift is used for video as well), a headphone jack, and an HDMI port for 4:2:2 8-bit output at 30p / 25p / 24p.
Does Pentax KP have Astrotracer?
No. Astrotracer is available on the K-1 and the KP has no built-in GPS as well, so you need to buy a separate unit for it (GP-1).
How is Pentax KP’s video quality?
Image sharpness and detail resolution are on par with other APS-C cameras like Nikon D500 or Sony A6300, but not better than them. The 4K video is sharp and detailed when the ISO value is low (below ISO 1600) and Pentax KP’s noise reduction processing works very well so high-ISO images look good too.
Compared to Canon EOS 80D the KP has a slightly weaker electronic viewfinder (EVF) due to lower resolution, but it doesn’t affect video recording, unlike the Canon camera.
Which SD memory cards does Pentax KP use?
The camera uses SD / SDHC / SDXC cards. The UHS-1 standard is supported for fast writing.
What are the advantages of using 4K video mode on Pentax KP?
You get a smaller file compared to 1080p video, so it’s easier to edit and upload it to the web.
Can Pentax KP record 4K videos continuously?
You can record up to about 5 minutes in 4K / full HD, but it depends on the SD card speed. If you use an old UHS-1 card with a writing speed of 6MB/s you will be able to record only one minute.
Is Pentax a good brand?
Yes, it’s a long-standing Japanese brand with a strong line of lenses.
Is Pentax KP good for photography?
Yes, this camera is aimed at both experienced photographers and video makers.
Which HDR mode does Pentax KP have?
The trademark ‘HDR’ function from Pentax is also available on the KP in the end-user menu.
Which battery does Pentax KP use?
The camera uses a D-LI109 rechargeable Li-Ion battery which is shared with the K-1 DSLR.
Is Pentax dead?
No, the company is still very much alive and kicking.
