Originally posted by MrB1 "Second-rate" is an insulting term in the context of the K-70 - "second tier" might be more appropriate and respectful to Pentax, but even then the K-70 has several features that make it a superior image maker compared with the K-5 series. It is a fabulous camera, particularly for its price point - just look at its feature list, which includes several only found on high-price models from other companies. I too would have preferred the larger D-Li90 battery, but it is not a major problem; just take along a charged spare and keep an eye on the battery meter. (Also see post #8.)
Philip
I don’t consider the KP second-tier but rather the K-“double digit” models.
It’s unfortunate that Pentax borrowed a spec from its second-tier models (smaller, lower capacity battery) for a first-tier model like the KP. I would already be a KP owner were it not for that design blunder.
Not everyone wants to fuss with carrying around spare batteries and having the equivalent of range anxiety that EV drivers have with their cars.
It’s telling that the KP grip uses the proper bigger battery. How goofy is that?
Having to manage two battery formats for the same camera body is not good design, in my opinion.
And if, like me, you don’t want to add the bulk of the grip, you’re stuck using the smaller battery from the “second-tier” line and all the while resenting the fact that the batteries I already have for my K-01, K5 and previous first-tier models I’ve owned are completely useless.
And a note on the improved output of the K-70 over the K5, it's all well and good for the pixel peepers among us, but what about the “aperture block” problem that has plagued the earlier K-“double digit” cameras?