KP recorded pixels

**Apet-Sure** · 01-07-2020, 04:29 PM

I am seriously considering getting a KP for an upcoming trip to Newfoundland in early Summer. Needless to say, there are many considerations for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. One of the main ones for me is camera gear to take. I have read the KP in-depth review and downloaded the KP user manual. For now, I'd like to keep this post narrowly focused on just two issues:

1. After reading the above and searching here on PF for 'KP recorded pixels' I'm not finding what I want to know. The manual says the recorded pixels can be set for L, M, S, and XS. I assume L is 'large' (24mp). What are the mp numbers for the other settings? (I'm used to seeing 16, 10, 6, and 2 on my K-5IIs.)

2. How difficult/easy is it to transition from the K-5 family user interface to the KP interface. It looks to me like it is quite different in some ways, similar in others.

I will be seeking other advice about this trip in the future, with different talking points.

timb64 · 01-07-2020, 04:41 PM

1) The corresponding sizes are 24,14,6 and 2

2)I recently moved from a K5ii to the KP and one of my main concerns was the lack of top plate LCD but after about a month I can say I really don't miss it. The customisabilty of the dials and buttons is really useful.
I use back button focus and the position is slightly higher on the KP and to start with I was hitting the green button by mistake, but a bit of practise soon cures that.It is also possible to disable the green button which also helped.

The menus are fairly similar and overall I found the transition reasonably easy and intuitive.

Any other questions please ask.

MrB1 · 01-07-2020, 04:44 PM

Pentax KP Review: Digital Photography Review

**JensE** · 01-07-2020, 05:54 PM

I "moved" indirectly from K-5 to K-1 to KP. The K-5 has more direct physical controls combined with less features, making the interface simpler and slightly quicker to use. The KP adds a ton of features but has less physical space for UI elements. It still keeps a fairly consistent layout and, through customization to the photographers typical use, within easy reach. For details, see Pentax KP Review - User Interface | PentaxForums.com Reviews. Honestly, the most annoying change may be the different position of ">" (aligned with K-50 ff., K-3 ...), when you use both cameras in parallel, which I do occasionally.

**Apet-Sure** · 01-07-2020, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by timb64

The corresponding sizes are 24,14,6 and 2

Thanks. All useful for different purposes.

Originally posted by timb64

one of my main concerns was the lack of top plate LCD but after about a month I can say I really don't miss it.

Yes, I use the top plate on my K-5IIs all the time, but figured I could get used to not having it, especially since the KP has a flippy back screen. I wasn't crazy about the anemic GN6 flash on the KP either, but its high ISO capability compensates for that I suppose.

Originally posted by timb64

I use back button focus and the position is slightly higher on the KP and to start with I was hitting the green button by mistake

Actually this suits me just fine. I've often wished the AF button was higher on my K-5.

Thanks for the review link MrB1. It was helpful.

Originally posted by JensE

I "moved" indirectly from K-5 to K-1 to KP. The K-5 has more direct physical controls combined with less features, making the interface simpler and slightly quicker to use. The KP adds a ton of features but has less physical space for UI elements.

I've had my K-5IIs for about a year now and have grown accustomed to where everything is. The KP will be a new learning experience. If I do get one, I'll want to spend considerable time with it before I leave on my trip.

bobmaxja · 01-07-2020, 07:15 PM

I move also from K-5 to KP and I have not find any function that I miss.
Great KP

**Apet-Sure** · 01-07-2020, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by bobmaxja

I move also from K-5 to KP and I have not find any function that I miss.

Glad to get your opinion, thanks.

**beachgardener** · 01-07-2020, 08:05 PM

I would not be surprised if they keep the KP as a line and bring out upgrades

**Apet-Sure** · 01-07-2020, 08:20 PM

Originally posted by beachgardener

I would not be surprised if they keep the KP as a line and bring out upgrades

Hmmm......... a KP II? Not a bad thought. Maybe with some of the pixie dust from the K-new.

**beachgardener** · 01-07-2020, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by Apet-Sure

Hmmm......... a KP II? Not a bad thought. Maybe with some of the pixie dust from the K-new

absolutely yes.

**JensE** · 01-08-2020, 01:05 AM

Originally posted by Apet-Sure

I've had my K-5IIs for about a year now and have grown accustomed to where everything is. The KP will be a new learning experience. If I do get one, I'll want to spend considerable time with it before I leave on my trip.

It's a wonderful little camera, with a lot of improvements over the K-5 (II), even if it lacks the "built like a tank" feel of the top line in some places. With a little practice, this will be a smooth transition - just alternating between them throws off my "muscle memory" at times.

MrB1 · 01-08-2020, 04:14 AM

I agree with JensE, post #4 - if you use both the K-5 (or II or IIs) and the KP, the most annoying PITA is the different location of the image playback button.

Philip

**Apet-Sure** · 01-08-2020, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by JensE

It's a wonderful little camera, with a lot of improvements over the K-5 (II), even if it lacks the "built like a tank" feel of the top line in some places.

If you read the DP Review that MrB1 linked to above, the reviewer remarks 'Pick the KP up, and its heft and build quality make it feel 'bulletproof,' even if there are plastics used in its construction.' I guess is all relative to what you are comparing it to. I've never owned an entry-level or mid-level Pentax, only the K10D and K-5IIs. There's certainly nothing chintzy about either one of them. From everything I've read, the KP will not disappoint as far as perceived build quality goes.

Originally posted by MrB1

the different location of the image playback button.

At least it has its own assigned button, so no need to program an FX button for this function.

ZombieArmy · 01-08-2020, 12:32 PM

The ergonomics of the KP take a few days to get used to. I'd recommend immediately starting with the large grip just to keep it as similar to the K-5IIs as possible while on your trip.

Otherwise the dials and buttons are very logically laid out. Your fingers just naturally rest where you want them to be.

MrB1 · 01-08-2020, 12:45 PM

The build quality of Pentax DSLR bodies seems excellent to me. Even those which have a polycarbonate shell over their stainless steel chassis (e.g. the K-70) have that same bulletproof feel.

Just a thought - does a camera with wifi need some plastic in its body shell construction to allow the passage of radio signals?

Philip

01-07-2020, 04:29 PM	#1
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,861	KP recorded pixels I am seriously considering getting a KP for an upcoming trip to Newfoundland in early Summer. Needless to say, there are many considerations for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. One of the main ones for me is camera gear to take. I have read the KP in-depth review and downloaded the KP user manual. For now, I'd like to keep this post narrowly focused on just two issues: 1. After reading the above and searching here on PF for 'KP recorded pixels' I'm not finding what I want to know. The manual says the recorded pixels can be set for L, M, S, and XS. I assume L is 'large' (24mp). What are the mp numbers for the other settings? (I'm used to seeing 16, 10, 6, and 2 on my K-5IIs.) 2. How difficult/easy is it to transition from the K-5 family user interface to the KP interface. It looks to me like it is quite different in some ways, similar in others. I will be seeking other advice about this trip in the future, with different talking points.

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01-07-2020, 04:41 PM	#2
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	1) The corresponding sizes are 24,14,6 and 2 2)I recently moved from a K5ii to the KP and one of my main concerns was the lack of top plate LCD but after about a month I can say I really don't miss it. The customisabilty of the dials and buttons is really useful. I use back button focus and the position is slightly higher on the KP and to start with I was hitting the green button by mistake, but a bit of practise soon cures that.It is also possible to disable the green button which also helped. The menus are fairly similar and overall I found the transition reasonably easy and intuitive. Any other questions please ask.

01-07-2020, 04:44 PM	#3
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	Pentax KP Review: Digital Photography Review

01-07-2020, 05:54 PM	#4
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,967	I "moved" indirectly from K-5 to K-1 to KP. The K-5 has more direct physical controls combined with less features, making the interface simpler and slightly quicker to use. The KP adds a ton of features but has less physical space for UI elements. It still keeps a fairly consistent layout and, through customization to the photographers typical use, within easy reach. For details, see Pentax KP Review - User Interface \| PentaxForums.com Reviews. Honestly, the most annoying change may be the different position of ">" (aligned with K-50 ff., K-3 ...), when you use both cameras in parallel, which I do occasionally.

01-07-2020, 07:09 PM	#5
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,861 Original Poster	Originally posted by timb64 The corresponding sizes are 24,14,6 and 2 Thanks. All useful for different purposes. Originally posted by timb64 one of my main concerns was the lack of top plate LCD but after about a month I can say I really don't miss it. Yes, I use the top plate on my K-5IIs all the time, but figured I could get used to not having it, especially since the KP has a flippy back screen. I wasn't crazy about the anemic GN6 flash on the KP either, but its high ISO capability compensates for that I suppose. Originally posted by timb64 I use back button focus and the position is slightly higher on the KP and to start with I was hitting the green button by mistake Actually this suits me just fine. I've often wished the AF button was higher on my K-5. Thanks for the review link MrB1. It was helpful. Originally posted by JensE I "moved" indirectly from K-5 to K-1 to KP. The K-5 has more direct physical controls combined with less features, making the interface simpler and slightly quicker to use. The KP adds a ton of features but has less physical space for UI elements. I've had my K-5IIs for about a year now and have grown accustomed to where everything is. The KP will be a new learning experience. If I do get one, I'll want to spend considerable time with it before I leave on my trip.

01-07-2020, 07:15 PM	#6
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	I move also from K-5 to KP and I have not find any function that I miss. Great KP

01-07-2020, 08:00 PM	#7
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,861 Original Poster	Originally posted by bobmaxja I move also from K-5 to KP and I have not find any function that I miss. Glad to get your opinion, thanks.

01-07-2020, 08:05 PM	#8
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	I would not be surprised if they keep the KP as a line and bring out upgrades

01-07-2020, 08:20 PM	#9
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,861 Original Poster	Originally posted by beachgardener I would not be surprised if they keep the KP as a line and bring out upgrades Hmmm......... a KP II? Not a bad thought. Maybe with some of the pixie dust from the K-new.

01-07-2020, 08:22 PM	#10
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	Originally posted by Apet-Sure Hmmm......... a KP II? Not a bad thought. Maybe with some of the pixie dust from the K-new absolutely yes.

01-08-2020, 01:05 AM	#11
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,967	Originally posted by Apet-Sure I've had my K-5IIs for about a year now and have grown accustomed to where everything is. The KP will be a new learning experience. If I do get one, I'll want to spend considerable time with it before I leave on my trip. It's a wonderful little camera, with a lot of improvements over the K-5 (II), even if it lacks the "built like a tank" feel of the top line in some places. With a little practice, this will be a smooth transition - just alternating between them throws off my "muscle memory" at times.

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01-08-2020, 04:14 AM	#12
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	I agree with JensE, post #4 - if you use both the K-5 (or II or IIs) and the KP, the most annoying PITA is the different location of the image playback button. Philip

01-08-2020, 11:43 AM	#13
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,861 Original Poster	Originally posted by JensE It's a wonderful little camera, with a lot of improvements over the K-5 (II), even if it lacks the "built like a tank" feel of the top line in some places. If you read the DP Review that MrB1 linked to above, the reviewer remarks 'Pick the KP up, and its heft and build quality make it feel 'bulletproof,' even if there are plastics used in its construction.' I guess is all relative to what you are comparing it to. I've never owned an entry-level or mid-level Pentax, only the K10D and K-5IIs. There's certainly nothing chintzy about either one of them. From everything I've read, the KP will not disappoint as far as perceived build quality goes. Originally posted by MrB1 the different location of the image playback button. At least it has its own assigned button, so no need to program an FX button for this function.

01-08-2020, 12:32 PM	#14
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	The ergonomics of the KP take a few days to get used to. I'd recommend immediately starting with the large grip just to keep it as similar to the K-5IIs as possible while on your trip. Otherwise the dials and buttons are very logically laid out. Your fingers just naturally rest where you want them to be.

01-08-2020, 12:45 PM	#15
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	The build quality of Pentax DSLR bodies seems excellent to me. Even those which have a polycarbonate shell over their stainless steel chassis (e.g. the K-70) have that same bulletproof feel. Just a thought - does a camera with wifi need some plastic in its body shell construction to allow the passage of radio signals? Philip