Originally posted by MotoMind Ultimately though, I need to acknowledge that the KP is designed with a mirrorless/compact camera kind of user in mind, someone who wants to spend time with an LCD.
Its controls and displays are based upon those on the FF flagship K-1, where the top LCD is, ummmmm, somewhat limited to the point where some reviewers have simply stated, "why bother". I believe the design intent of both cameras was to provide a comprehensive optical viewfinder display as primary reference while shooting. In regards to exposure reference, the KP viewfinder provides full information (including mode) for all exposure modes supported by and settable by the camera, including metered manual, with and without exposure compensation.
As commented above, I leave the rear LCD turned off on my K-3 to save battery power. I sometimes refer to the top LCD, but there is little need. Much depends on whether the camera is at my waist or at my eye. If at my eye, the viewfinder (essentially similar to the KP) suffers little by comparison to either LCD and is my preference. If at my waist, the top LCD is my choice, though the rear LCD would be as handy were it turned on. It is for that case that I would miss the top LCD, though lack of such would not be a deal breaker should I need to replace my K-3 tomorrow with either a KP or K-70. In either case, I adjust shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation by memory and counting clicks if I am walking down a trail...all the better to see where I am going.
As for the KP being midrange, that has been a topic of considerable discussion on this site, particularly given its premium price point, build, and upscale feature set. Most owners consider theirs to be just short of flagship status. I'm sorry yours isn't working out for you. I would offer to take it off your hands, but I suffer from outsized hands and have to curl two fingers under the K-3 to allow access to my thumb and forefinger to the controls. The KP is not a good match for me...for that and a few other reasons.
Steve
(...previous camera was a K10D...)