[mikesbike]

IMO, the K-70 has menus geared toward helping a novice make great photos. The KP does not and can easily lead to frustration for beginners. Aside from a couple of stops advantage that the KP has over the K-70, the KP has nothing that a novice would find useful. If you're serious about making better photos, get the K-70 and take some photography lessons.

Good luck and hope you're making great photos soon!

Hmmm. I must be missing something. The menus of the K-70 are very similar to those of my K-S2. Other than the automated "scene" modes, which are not menus, I do not see much difference in the menus between my K-S2 and my KP. There are many advanced features involved in menus, and the KP has more, but they would not help a novice make great photos in either model. With either model, one can shoot in the "P" Program mode which will set exposure parameters automatically, and let the user know what settings the camera has used in case there is a different preference, once that knowledge is gained, and experience is the best teacher. I never took a photography class. Not that this would be a bad thing, but getting out and doing is indispensable. And with digital, one can shoot away without the expense and inconvenience of film, and see results soon after. And we are here to answer questions. In some respects, the KP is easier to operate, since some important controls that are in menus with the K-S2 and K-70 are directly available via the knobs and dials on top of the KP.

As to a wee grip, etc. the larger grip of the KP is not so wee, and certainly not so with the battery grip added. One thing good about just starting out, those who've become accustomed to a more bulky camera body with a bulkier grip have to acclimate themselves to the less bulky design of the KP, which most have no trouble doing. But someone totally new will not have this problem, and will learn to hold a camera properly to begin with- supporting the weight with the left hand from beneath, which is more steady for providing results with better clarity. I also previously worked with bulkier DSLR bodies than the KP, but had no problem at all adjusting, since many years before I exclusively worked with basic, commonly designed 35mm manual-focus film bodies, which were much more like a KP.

As to the KP's pull-out tilt screen, it is perfect for overhead, waist level or tripod work. It just won't be useful for reversing for selfies, shooting around corners, or other odd angles. It is a also a sturdier design.

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Last edited by mikesbike; 07-21-2018 at 11:58 PM.

[Sandy Hancock]

If you can afford, get the Kp. Is not just a little improvement as some poster are trying to imply.

Faster autofocus, more focusing points, better low light images, more frames per second in burst shooting, 5 axis stabilization, a newer CPU (Prime IV vs II), better metering system, third wheel controller, faster (electronic) shutter speed, ultrasonic sensor cleaning, metal build, battery grip option..... These aren't just "a bit" better qualities. And then again, is a gorgeous looking camera.

No one's saying the KP isn't the better camera. I love mine and never considered buying a K-70.

But remember this thread is about offering advice to a beginner, starting from scratch, where extra money for lenses might be important.

[sqrrl]

If you are legitimately just starting out then get the K70.

The Kp is a fantastic camera, I own one, and I don't regret buying it. But if you are starting out then get the K70, a kit lens, and a lens like the 50mm 1.8. Then work from there.

Put the saved money into a night class in photography or something similar - You will then have a camera 100x better than what most famous photographers ever had, and a bit of tuition in how to use it.

[rpet]

Hi
In fact - I am in the same situation myself. For the last 4-5 weeks I am constantly reading reviews for both cameras and also for some lens.
I am almost sure I will go with K-70 and will use the rest of my budget for better lens.

[icegirl]

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions!!

I've explored some options for camera + lens, which kinda fit in my budget:

Pentax KP
1.Pentax KP + Pentax HD PENTAX DA 18-50mm f/4.0-5.6 DC WR RE ~ 1100 euro
2.Pentax KP + Pentax 18-50mm WR + Pentax 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1200 euro

Pentax K-70
1.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1230 euro
2.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC 17-70мм F/4 DA AL SDM + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1300 euro
3.Pentax K-70 + Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR ~ 1195 euro
4.Pentax K-70 + HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6ED DC WR ~ 1215 euro

Your comments about these options will be much appreciated!

[icegirl]

1.

2.


You are talking about KP here?!

By more options in a long-run - I mean not only the body, but also the lens. From what I've read (and also from the comment in this thread) - perhaps a better option will be to go for better lens and K-70 instead of KP and not so better lens.

[rpet]

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions!!

I've explored some options for camera + lens, which kinda fit in my budget:

Pentax KP
1.Pentax KP + Pentax HD PENTAX DA 18-50mm f/4.0-5.6 DC WR RE ~ 1100 euro
2.Pentax KP + Pentax 18-50mm WR + Pentax 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1200 euro

Pentax K-70
1.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1230 euro
2.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC 17-70мм F/4 DA AL SDM + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1300 euro
3.Pentax K-70 + Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR ~ 1195 euro
4.Pentax K-70 + HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6ED DC WR ~ 1215 euro

Your comments about these options will be much appreciated!

I can suggest to check some 3rd party lens. Not sure what is their quality comparing to Pentax' lens but they give you some other options.

I hope the rest of the forums have experience with such lens and can give us their opinion.

I am looking at Tamron lens now, and they are a bit cheaper comparing to similar Pentax lens, here are some examples:

1. Tamron SP AF 28-75mm F/2.8 Di XR LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
2. Tamron AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II XR LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
3. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

[ZeljkoS]

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions!!

I've explored some options for camera + lens, which kinda fit in my budget:

Pentax KP
1.Pentax KP + Pentax HD PENTAX DA 18-50mm f/4.0-5.6 DC WR RE ~ 1100 euro
2.Pentax KP + Pentax 18-50mm WR + Pentax 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1200 euro

Pentax K-70
1.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1230 euro
2.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC 17-70мм F/4 DA AL SDM + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1300 euro
3.Pentax K-70 + Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR ~ 1195 euro
4.Pentax K-70 + HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6ED DC WR ~ 1215 euro

Your comments about these options will be much appreciated!

I think the options you put together make a lot of sense. You have decent budget.

If you wish to extend the battery life at some point, your options are reduced to KP (as a beginner I didn't need a battery grip).

If you want to be able to rotate screen and use live view more than the optical viewfinder, get the K-70. (this is something I wished for, but Pentax didn't have it at the time).


I started with a used K-x and a kit lens, learned a lot from it, and then later on switched to K-5IIs which is an amazing camera, together with Tamron 17-50 2.8.

I were you, I would go with K-70 with a kit lens. You can always buy more lenses later (and you will).
Also, wait for the discounts to get better deals on lenses.There's always at least 2 - 3 times in a year when you can get great deals on photo equipment.

[Kevin B123]

Pentax K-70
1.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1230 euro
2.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC 17-70мм F/4 DA AL SDM + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1300 euro
3.Pentax K-70 + Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR ~ 1195 euro
4.Pentax K-70 + HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6ED DC WR ~ 1215 euro

IMO, #1 and #4 are the best options starting out.
#3 is a fine option too but the 28-105 lens is not wide on APS-C and that may be a problem before long.
#2, the DA 17-70 SDM can be a problem lens. There is a Sigma alternative that is well thought of.

Your comments about these options will be much appreciated!

The next best thing to spending your own money is helping someone spend theirs, so no problem here

[MrB1]

K-70 Option 1 - by far the most versatile high quality starter set.

[SharkyCA]

Hi
In fact - I am in the same situation myself. For the last 4-5 weeks I am constantly reading reviews for both cameras and also for some lens.
I am almost sure I will go with K-70 and will use the rest of my budget for better lens.

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions!!

I've explored some options for camera + lens, which kinda fit in my budget:

Pentax KP
1.Pentax KP + Pentax HD PENTAX DA 18-50mm f/4.0-5.6 DC WR RE ~ 1100 euro
2.Pentax KP + Pentax 18-50mm WR + Pentax 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1200 euro

Pentax K-70
1.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1230 euro
2.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC 17-70мм F/4 DA AL SDM + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1300 euro
3.Pentax K-70 + Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR ~ 1195 euro
4.Pentax K-70 + HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6ED DC WR ~ 1215 euro

Your comments about these options will be much appreciated!

Hi,just to add to the confusion, I am 65 just got back into the world of photography (DSLR) after shooting Pentax back in the 70's & 80's joined this forum last Sept and have found it most helpful.
I don't know what kind of duty you pay on camera gear if you are importing from the US but I bought my first gear at Adorama and imported to Canada (no duty) all together in a kit, see link Pentax K-70 DSLR with 18-135mm WR Lens and Pro Kit, Black 16256 C

Also have added a Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens 22270 B&H Photo

When you are considering bending up & down to "Get that low shot" the articulating lcd on the K-70 is a god send, putting the camera almost on the ground and still being able to "see" what your shooting is great!

Here is another link you may find useful, hope it all helps and happy shooting! Side by Side Comparison: Digital Photography Review

[Braveheart]

It appears that no one mention about the sound and mechanism of the shutter of K70 and KP. K70 has the same shutter sound as K-30 and K-50 which are quite loud to me, so loud that can scare off birds. On the other hand,K-5, K-5ii, K-3 and KP all have the same whisper quite shutter sound.

Have you considered the option of KP + Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 ? This fast Sigma lens is selling for about $300 and quite sharp.

[rogerstg]

Hmmm. I must be missing something. The menus of the K-70 are very similar to those of my K-S2. Other than the automated "scene" modes, which are not menus,

I probably should have used the term "options" to avoid confusion for some readers. My points remain the same.

[Sandy Hancock]

Pentax K-70
1.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA

This one. As already recommended. Add the DA15 Limited when the LBA strikes

[rogerstg]

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions!!

I've explored some options for camera + lens, which kinda fit in my budget:

Pentax KP
1.Pentax KP + Pentax HD PENTAX DA 18-50mm f/4.0-5.6 DC WR RE ~ 1100 euro
2.Pentax KP + Pentax 18-50mm WR + Pentax 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1200 euro

Pentax K-70
1.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1230 euro
2.Pentax K-70 + Pentax SMC 17-70мм F/4 DA AL SDM + Pentax SMC 50mm f/1.8 DA ~ 1300 euro
3.Pentax K-70 + Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR ~ 1195 euro
4.Pentax K-70 + HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6ED DC WR ~ 1215 euro

Your comments about these options will be much appreciated!

What about: Pentax K-70 + Pentax 18-50mm WR? That gives you an excellent all around lens for reasonable cost. As you go about making pictures, you will come know what you may want in your next lens.
There's no need to buy everything at once.