The lenses you list are good ones, which is important in realizing imaging potential. When you already have a model capable of producing very good imaging, an upgrade is a more subtle thing in terms of resolution. But I think you will find noticeable advancement, not only from the increase in MPs, but in the absence of the AA filter. I noticed such improvement just in going between my original K-5, which has very good imaging indeed, and my K-5 IIs which eliminated the filter and also offered improved AF.
If you do quite a bit of low-light shooting, the KP and the K-70 will show superiority over your already good K-30. The slight softening effects of the AA filter will be gone, and in the case of the KP a more advanced metering system, as well as AF system, will provide yet more upgrade. I also usually wait to purchase a new model I have my eye on. The main reason being for the price to come down. In fact, I sometimes wait until that model runs its course, then see what the next will bring. I've gotten some great deals that way. The best example was when the K-7 came out. Tests revealed its resolution to be no better than the previous K-20D, and its low-light/high ISO actually being slightly worse! So I passed on the K-7 and instead bought a leftover new K-20D for $650, half its introductory price, with a free 5-year Pentax warranty! That model and the little K-r (even better for lower noise with preservation of detail) served me well for a number of years.
I next waited until the K-5 was well into its run, and as soon as there was a price reduction I went for it, since it got such great test reviews. I wound up with both the K-5 with the AA filter, and the K-5 IIs without the filter for about the same price as the original K-5 price. This was after the K-3 emerged, and I passed on it, again noting tests indicating the K-5 IIs performance for higher ISO remained better, and dynamic range as well. Now the K-70, and especially the KP have pulled ahead and represent substantial advancement. I suspect the KP's price will come down after some months- maybe, but I may not wait that long. Spring vacation time is coming up, and saving a couple hundred dollars may not be worth not having one. The KP is very intriguing. There have been a number of people here on this forum who have already acquired one. So far, I've not seen any negative reports here, and some very persuasive test reviews have come out. The Imaging Resource review should emerge soon.
I replaced my K-r some months ago, after the price of the nice little K-S2 came down, which remains the same. My plan now, since the KP's arrival, is to have one of each style, extra-compact/lightweight, mid-level pro/compact, and pro-traditional design (K-5 IIs). They will have the 3 different control layouts, and address different needs under different situations from casual gatherings of family and friends, to a lot of trekking with high-quality photography, to some action situations where the traditional pro control layout could offer best performance, but with the KP this is open to question.
Last edited by mikesbike; 04-02-2017 at 10:11 AM.
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