Originally posted by Martowski I am currently shooting a K-r with the Tamron 70-200 1:2.8 for my daughter's gymnastics, which are typically in event halls and gyms with poor lighting. Would jumping from my 10+ year old K-r to a KP give me a significant jump in exposure quality? Thanks!
I used to have the nice little K-r, but- Wow! Not a jump, rather a huge leap!! In every respect!! I too sometimes shoot rather lengthy tournament events, and in gyms. For the kind of thing you are doing, and the kind of lens(es) you have to be using for such activity, that is- fast, large, and heavy, I also definitely recommend the battery grip. Better for being less likely to run low on juice at an inopportune time for battery-changing, and better for lengthy handling sessions, including holding when not shooting, especially with heavier lenses. The battery grip greatly expands the gripping surface, and has duplicate controls for extensive vertical shooting, and with the larger battery installed along with the smaller standard battery in the camera, will provide far more battery life not just over a KP without the grip, but far more than a flagship model without its battery grip. Yet, on-camera, the combined weight will be about the same as a K-3 II, and will be LESS than the forthcoming K-3 III without their battery grips! When purchasing, I recommend getting a spare standard battery plus at least one larger battery (the D-L190) for the battery grip.
Yes, the new APS-C flagship is expected to come in at least around $1,500 and probably higher. Be advised, the current pricing of a new KP is amazing for a camera in this class, designed as a compact field camera with pros and advanced photographers in mind. I mean, an outstanding bargain!!
One thing to keep in mind for best imaging results- avoid using the "Auto" setting on your mode dial, which disables the excellent controls and adjustments you are paying for, and use "P" mode instead if you wish fully automated exposure by the camera of both aperture and shutter speed. For events of this kind, however, I generally prefer to use the Tv or the Manual mode with some spot meter readings. With all adjustments and controls now being available- be sure to go into the KP's Custom Image menus to set up Fine Sharpening" especially in the most often-used "Bright" category. Access is via the "info" button. Any trouble doing this, just give a shout, we'd be glad to help.
Please go to the Pentax DSLR Discussion section and look for the thread- "Where to handle the KP in Ottawa, Canada" to take a look at my comments regarding the KP, battery grip, etc. 3 posts, nos. 12, 14, and 19 for many more details.
---------- Post added 02-17-21 at 07:30 PM ----------
Originally posted by Martowski Also, is there any merit in looking at a used K-3 II instead of the KP, or is the KP a better choice for what I'm looking to do?
Definitely the better choice. I also have the predecessor to the K-3, the K-5 IIs former flagship and of similar design, which stands even slightly better for low light use, but no comparison to the KP.