K3 II vs KP

BillO · 05-08-2019, 05:18 PM - **1 Like**

Not sure, but is the KP supposed to replace the K3 II?

If not, have Pentax announced anything that a K3/K3 II user could move smoothly to, and get some real advances all without learning a whole new UI?

Sorry if it sounds like I'm uninformed, it's just that that is exactly the case.

aaacb · 05-08-2019, 05:25 PM - **1 Like**

You're not the first to ask this

afaik no, the kp is not supposed to replace the k3ii, but it's a very nice camera in its own right from what I can tell (I have the k3ii)

KP an upgrade to K3 or K3II? - PentaxForums.com
KP or K3ii? - PentaxForums.com
Kp or K3II - PentaxForums.com
Upgrading: K3 or? - PentaxForums.com

Adam · 05-08-2019, 05:26 PM - **1 Like**

No, the KP is not a direct replacement. Yes, it delivers better image quality (it has a new sensor and image processor) and improves on the interface. However, if you're currently shooting with a K-3, there really isn't anything new to learn beyond a few buttons being positioned differently on the KP.

Take a look through the KP review for the full details:
Pentax KP Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

We still don't know much about what the K-3 replacement will look like, but it's bound to make an appearance sooner rather than later.

photoptimist · 05-08-2019, 05:33 PM - **2 Likes**

Honestly, if I had to guess, I think Pentax meant for the K-1 to replace the K-3II as the flagship K-mount camera.

The KP was intended as a very powerful but also a very compact camera for those looking for something smaller than the K-1 and maybe to attract people thinking DSLRs are too big. It's clearly the best Pentax APS-C model in production but it's not a replacement for the K-3II.

**bkpix** · 05-08-2019, 05:46 PM

Yep, what everyone else said. I switched over from a K-5IIs (tried the K-3II and was unconvinced) after renting the KP not once but twice and having it gradually grow on me.

It's a fun, small, tough and quick (at least by Pentax standards) camera that is at its very best with the Limited lenses. It works better for fine art/street photography than sports and speedy birds in flight.

Rumor has it a new flagship crop Pentax body is on the drawing board....

The Squirrel Mafia · 05-08-2019, 06:50 PM

Originally posted by BillO

Not sure, but is the KP supposed to replace the K3 II?

If not, have Pentax announced anything that a K3/K3 II user could move smoothly to, and get some real advances all without learning a whole new UI?

Sorry if it sounds like I'm uninformed, it's just that that is exactly the case.

There's an upcoming K-3II replacement that might be coming out sometime next year. If your current K-3II works well, keep shooting it until the replacement comes along. If you decide that the replacement is too much, there will be a pretty big chance that the KP will be priced lower than what it currently is by then.

stevebrot · 05-08-2019, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by Brooke Meyer

What "real advances"? What can't you accomplish with the K3II?

Yes, unless there is a "hole" in the feature set that fails to address a common use case for the target market, there is no path for advancement. I can think of at least one feature that would be valued and it is not best in class AF tracking and speed. Who might guess what that might be?

Steve

ronniemac · 05-09-2019, 04:37 AM

I don't have a KP, but am well provided for with a K-1, k3ii, and K-70.

The features that I would value in the KP which are absent from the K-3ii are; the tilting screen, the improved sensor (less noise), the compact form, and the third control dial.
Well, the K-70 has 3 out of 4 of these attributes and is far less expensive so I am a happy bunny.
The K-3ii does have other features which I value that are not present on the KP; a longer lasting battery, ergonomically superior, top lcd screen, which is why I will not part with it - until it's replacement is released.

All this means I can't justify buying a KP which is a pity because it is a nice little camera.

**BigMackCam** · 05-09-2019, 04:40 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Yes, unless there is a "hole" in the feature set that fails to address a common use case for the target market, there is no path for advancement. I can think of at least one feature that would be valued and it is not best in class AF tracking and speed. Who might guess what that might be?

Steve

Official split focusing screen and accurate metering (in all modes)?

Or...

Automatic AF fine adjustment?

stevebrot · 05-09-2019, 08:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Official split focusing screen and accurate metering (in all modes)?

Or...

Automatic AF fine adjustment?

Wow! Great minds travel the same roads!

I was thinking specifically about auto AF fine adjustment, but the other would be wonderful too.

Steve

DeadJohn · 05-09-2019, 08:34 AM - **1 Like**

Changing from a K-3ii to a KP is a partial upgrade. The KP sensor will give better image quality in low light. For action photography, though, the KP has a slower burst speed and a smaller buffer.

Originally posted by Adam

We still don't know much about what the K-3 replacement will look like, but it's bound to make an appearance sooner rather than later.

It's already "later". The K-3ii was discontinued 16 months ago.

Saltwater Images · 05-10-2019, 02:59 AM - **3 Likes**

I overthought the KP as un upgrade for the past 2 years for my K-5II. When I finally pulled the trigger the improvement in IQ and AF was substantial. My concerns over buffer size and burst speed for shooting sports were unwarranted. Then I only shoot bursts of 3-5 frames at a time. The KP is an outstanding piece of kit.

**mikesbike** · 05-10-2019, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

There's an upcoming K-3II replacement that might be coming out sometime next year. If your current K-3II works well, keep shooting it until the replacement comes along. If you decide that the replacement is too much, there will be a pretty big chance that the KP will be priced lower than what it currently is by then.

+1 for this^. Then you would be in a position to evaluate, and make a decision based on more options.

**joelbolden** · 05-10-2019, 09:01 PM

Originally posted by ronniemac

I don't have a KP, but am well provided for with a K-1, k3ii, and K-70.

The features that I would value in the KP which are absent from the K-3ii are; the tilting screen, the improved sensor (less noise), the compact form, and the third control dial.
Well, the K-70 has 3 out of 4 of these attributes and is far less expensive so I am a happy bunny.
The K-3ii does have other features which I value that are not present on the KP; a longer lasting battery, ergonomically superior, top lcd screen, which is why I will not part with it - until it's replacement is released.

All this means I can't justify buying a KP which is a pity because it is a nice little camera.

They'll have to make a hell of a lot better camera than the KP before I trade in my K-70....Three out of four ain't bad.

**mikesbike** · 05-11-2019, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by joelbolden

They'll have to make a hell of a lot better camera than the KP before I trade in my K-70....Three out of four ain't bad.

Well, the K-70 is a marvelous camera, especially at the price point. You just cannot find one that advanced anywhere else for the cost. And it has its own special attributes, like the selfie screen that can also view from other odd angles. But the difference in favor of the KP is more than a bit over that three out of four. Another recent thread examines this issue. See a thread from 4-16-19 by Gold Coast- "Pentax K-70 or KP with the 18/135 Pros and Cons". Especially post #5 in the thread by caliscouser.

05-08-2019, 05:18 PM - 1 Like	#1
BillO Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 89	K3 II vs KP Not sure, but is the KP supposed to replace the K3 II? If not, have Pentax announced anything that a K3/K3 II user could move smoothly to, and get some real advances all without learning a whole new UI? Sorry if it sounds like I'm uninformed, it's just that that is exactly the case.

05-08-2019, 05:26 PM - 1 Like	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	No, the KP is not a direct replacement. Yes, it delivers better image quality (it has a new sensor and image processor) and improves on the interface. However, if you're currently shooting with a K-3, there really isn't anything new to learn beyond a few buttons being positioned differently on the KP. Take a look through the KP review for the full details: Pentax KP Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews We still don't know much about what the K-3 replacement will look like, but it's bound to make an appearance sooner rather than later. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-11-2019, 12:31 PM	#15
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	Originally posted by joelbolden They'll have to make a hell of a lot better camera than the KP before I trade in my K-70....Three out of four ain't bad. Well, the K-70 is a marvelous camera, especially at the price point. You just cannot find one that advanced anywhere else for the cost. And it has its own special attributes, like the selfie screen that can also view from other odd angles. But the difference in favor of the KP is more than a bit over that three out of four. Another recent thread examines this issue. See a thread from 4-16-19 by Gold Coast- "Pentax K-70 or KP with the 18/135 Pros and Cons". Especially post #5 in the thread by caliscouser. Last edited by mikesbike; 05-11-2019 at 12:46 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
KP vs K-70 - to KP or not to KP, that is the question	OldChE	Pentax DSLR Discussion	28	11-02-2019 05:29 AM
KP vs K3 ii for wildlife photography	Paul Charlier	Pentax DSLR Discussion	31	08-25-2018 09:52 AM
First Three Days with Kay Pi (KP) - KP vs. K-1 - infos and settings	acoufap	Pentax KP	10	05-27-2018 09:09 PM
K3 vs K3 ii for wildlife	str8talk83	Pentax DSLR Discussion	37	02-27-2018 04:04 PM
K-5 vs MZ-S vs LX vs PZ-1p vs ist*D vs K10D vs K20D vs K-7 vs.......	Steelski	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	2	06-28-2017 04:59 PM

05-08-2019, 05:25 PM - 1 Like	#2
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,725	You're not the first to ask this afaik no, the kp is not supposed to replace the k3ii, but it's a very nice camera in its own right from what I can tell (I have the k3ii) KP an upgrade to K3 or K3II? - PentaxForums.com KP or K3ii? - PentaxForums.com Kp or K3II - PentaxForums.com Upgrading: K3 or? - PentaxForums.com

05-08-2019, 05:33 PM - 2 Likes	#4
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,123	Honestly, if I had to guess, I think Pentax meant for the K-1 to replace the K-3II as the flagship K-mount camera. The KP was intended as a very powerful but also a very compact camera for those looking for something smaller than the K-1 and maybe to attract people thinking DSLRs are too big. It's clearly the best Pentax APS-C model in production but it's not a replacement for the K-3II.

05-08-2019, 05:46 PM	#5
bkpix Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Creswell, Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 568	Yep, what everyone else said. I switched over from a K-5IIs (tried the K-3II and was unconvinced) after renting the KP not once but twice and having it gradually grow on me. It's a fun, small, tough and quick (at least by Pentax standards) camera that is at its very best with the Limited lenses. It works better for fine art/street photography than sports and speedy birds in flight. Rumor has it a new flagship crop Pentax body is on the drawing board....

05-08-2019, 06:50 PM	#6
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,054	Originally posted by BillO Not sure, but is the KP supposed to replace the K3 II? If not, have Pentax announced anything that a K3/K3 II user could move smoothly to, and get some real advances all without learning a whole new UI? Sorry if it sounds like I'm uninformed, it's just that that is exactly the case. There's an upcoming K-3II replacement that might be coming out sometime next year. If your current K-3II works well, keep shooting it until the replacement comes along. If you decide that the replacement is too much, there will be a pretty big chance that the KP will be priced lower than what it currently is by then.

05-08-2019, 11:40 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Brooke Meyer What "real advances"? What can't you accomplish with the K3II? Yes, unless there is a "hole" in the feature set that fails to address a common use case for the target market, there is no path for advancement. I can think of at least one feature that would be valued and it is not best in class AF tracking and speed. Who might guess what that might be? Steve

05-09-2019, 04:37 AM	#8
ronniemac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oxford Photos: Albums Posts: 244	I don't have a KP, but am well provided for with a K-1, k3ii, and K-70. The features that I would value in the KP which are absent from the K-3ii are; the tilting screen, the improved sensor (less noise), the compact form, and the third control dial. Well, the K-70 has 3 out of 4 of these attributes and is far less expensive so I am a happy bunny. The K-3ii does have other features which I value that are not present on the KP; a longer lasting battery, ergonomically superior, top lcd screen, which is why I will not part with it - until it's replacement is released. All this means I can't justify buying a KP which is a pity because it is a nice little camera.

05-09-2019, 04:40 AM	#9
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,673	Originally posted by stevebrot Yes, unless there is a "hole" in the feature set that fails to address a common use case for the target market, there is no path for advancement. I can think of at least one feature that would be valued and it is not best in class AF tracking and speed. Who might guess what that might be? Steve Official split focusing screen and accurate metering (in all modes)? Or... Automatic AF fine adjustment?

05-09-2019, 08:16 AM - 1 Like	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by BigMackCam Official split focusing screen and accurate metering (in all modes)? Or... Automatic AF fine adjustment? Wow! Great minds travel the same roads! I was thinking specifically about auto AF fine adjustment, but the other would be wonderful too. Steve

05-09-2019, 08:34 AM - 1 Like	#11
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	Changing from a K-3ii to a KP is a partial upgrade. The KP sensor will give better image quality in low light. For action photography, though, the KP has a slower burst speed and a smaller buffer. Originally posted by Adam We still don't know much about what the K-3 replacement will look like, but it's bound to make an appearance sooner rather than later. It's already "later". The K-3ii was discontinued 16 months ago.

05-10-2019, 02:59 AM - 3 Likes	#12
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	I overthought the KP as un upgrade for the past 2 years for my K-5II. When I finally pulled the trigger the improvement in IQ and AF was substantial. My concerns over buffer size and burst speed for shooting sports were unwarranted. Then I only shoot bursts of 3-5 frames at a time. The KP is an outstanding piece of kit.

05-10-2019, 01:31 PM	#13
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia There's an upcoming K-3II replacement that might be coming out sometime next year. If your current K-3II works well, keep shooting it until the replacement comes along. If you decide that the replacement is too much, there will be a pretty big chance that the KP will be priced lower than what it currently is by then. +1 for this^. Then you would be in a position to evaluate, and make a decision based on more options.

05-10-2019, 09:01 PM	#14
joelbolden Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Stormstown, Pennsylvania Photos: Gallery Posts: 605	Originally posted by ronniemac I don't have a KP, but am well provided for with a K-1, k3ii, and K-70. The features that I would value in the KP which are absent from the K-3ii are; the tilting screen, the improved sensor (less noise), the compact form, and the third control dial. Well, the K-70 has 3 out of 4 of these attributes and is far less expensive so I am a happy bunny. The K-3ii does have other features which I value that are not present on the KP; a longer lasting battery, ergonomically superior, top lcd screen, which is why I will not part with it - until it's replacement is released. All this means I can't justify buying a KP which is a pity because it is a nice little camera. They'll have to make a hell of a lot better camera than the KP before I trade in my K-70....Three out of four ain't bad.