KP today or K3iii in a month?

BryantCP · 01-26-2021, 03:18 PM - **1 Like**

The KP is a good choice, especially at its current price. I bought mine in December 2018, mainly because it has Pixel Shift feature. I find it complements my K-5 and K-3 nicely (I still use all 3 cameras) the KP does do better in low light - so I tend to use it more in low light situations though.
I do plan to get the K-3 III eventually at which point I will probably keep the K-5 and the KP. As to the KP's rather different ergonomics its really not that hard to get used to even if you really liked the K-5/K-3 ergonomics and handling. I would recommend the battery grip, the KP handles nicely with it, better than the K-3 with its battery grip.

**bestcoast** · 01-26-2021, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Mine arrives tomorrow! No grip however.

I think I'm just going to go for it! The K3iii could still be a few months off, and will probably launch at twice the cost of a KP with battery grip.

noelpolar · 01-26-2021, 04:29 PM

I've never found the KP battery a thing.... a 2nd battery is always needed if shooting is critical.... and... the KP 2nd battery in your pocket is lighter.... same concept as having a spare tyre.

Anyway.... after a while I did buy the KP grip... once I decided the KP was a keeper. Well worth the $200.... makes it a very versitile camera. I'm not a big grip person... but a usefull thing in the KPs case for "considered work".

gatorguy · 01-26-2021, 04:35 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by noelpolar

I've never found the KP battery a thing.... a 2nd battery is always needed if shooting is critical.... and... the KP 2nd battery in your pocket is lighter.... same concept as having a spare tyre.

Anyway.... after a while I did buy the KP grip... once I decided the KP was a keeper. Well worth the $200.... makes it a very versitile camera.

Carrying a spare battery is zero issue IMO.

I'll typically have two spares for the K1 and two fresh ones for the K-70's in a cloth 4-battery pouch and stowed in a slingbag. If I need to travel super light then tossing one in my pocket wrapped in a lens cloth works too. Easy. Stressing over battery life is silly. It's not like you can't see well ahead of time that a battery change is coming up, and do it between shot opportunities.

timb64 · 01-26-2021, 05:18 PM - **2 Likes**

I'm also firmly in the "spare battery" camp,I can't see the point in investing in a bolt on extra which still requires the purchase of........more batteries!

noelpolar · 01-26-2021, 06:36 PM

Originally posted by timb64

I'm also firmly in the "spare battery" camp,I can't see the point in investing in a bolt on extra which still requires the purchase of........more batteries!

The "grip" is nice when using tele's for extended periods..... or any long session considered shooting. Thats one of the good things about the KP.... it can be small..... or with a grip it can be almost normal.....

**aslyfox** · 01-26-2021, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by noelpolar

The "grip" is nice when using tele's for extended periods..... or any long session considered shooting. Thats one of the good things about the KP.... it can be small..... or with a grip it can be almost normal.....

" To grip or not to grip, that is the question "

options can be very very nice

assuming you can afford the grip and will use it from time to time

stevejo · 01-27-2021, 01:47 AM

I think it makes sense to have the battery grip as an option, otherwise it would limit the KP's desirability for anyone shooting professionally. However I wouldn't want a grip myself as I like the compact feel, and will just stick another battery in my pocket in case it is needed.

ZombieArmy · 01-27-2021, 06:09 AM

Originally posted by timb64

I'm also firmly in the "spare battery" camp,I can't see the point in investing in a bolt on extra which still requires the purchase of........more batteries!

If I had something like the 150-450 attached to the KP for any period of time it'd be a life saver. Luckily I don't have the funds so my back is saved.

timb64 · 01-27-2021, 07:37 AM

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

If I had something like the 150-450 attached to the KP for any period of time it'd be a life saver. Luckily I don't have the funds so my back is saved.

I had a Bigma for a year or so,as time went on I found I was using it less and less because it was such a beast to lug about

**aslyfox** · 01-27-2021, 08:06 AM

". . . . there is a season . . . . "

You Tube

a time for a big heavy lens, a time for a small light lens

**UncleVanya** · 01-28-2021, 06:50 PM

KP Arrived yesterday. Using large grip so far, but the medium grip isn't too bad. Hard to adjust at first - that first night I thought it might have to send it back. Today the grip is not a problem. Seems to take a bit to get used to. Loving most of the experience...

Not a lot of images so far - I've been stuck working and I had an event last night. Looking to the weekend to really explore.

Oh for those keeping track at home:
1st lens used: HD DA 70
2nd lens used: FA 31 Ltd
Nothing else has been mounted yet.

gatorguy · 01-28-2021, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

KP Arrived yesterday. Using large grip so far, but the medium grip isn't too bad. Hard to adjust at first - that first night I thought it might have to send it back. Today the grip is not a problem. Seems to take a bit to get used to. Loving most of the experience...

Not a lot of images so far - I've been stuck working and I had an event last night. Looking to the weekend to really explore.

Oh for those keeping track at home:
1st lens used: HD DA 70
2nd lens used: FA 31 Ltd
Nothing else has been mounted yet.

Just stick with it Uncle, it's like a new pair of progressive glasses when all you've used is reading glasses. The KP in-hand feel can be quite different from any other recent Pentax camera you've owned so it might take a while to adapt but the KP is worth it. Excellent camera, especially for the price you paid. Congrats!

BTW, you'll seriously appreciate a *55 on it.

**UncleVanya** · 01-28-2021, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by gatorguy

Just stick with it Uncle, it's like a new pair of progressive glasses when all you've used is reading glasses. The KP in-hand feel can be quite different from any other recent Pentax camera you've owned so it might take a while to adapt but the KP is worth it. Excellent camera, especially for the price you paid. Congrats!

BTW, you'll seriously appreciate a *55 on it.

I am getting the “hand” of it.

And my DA* 55 is likely next up on the camera.

noelpolar · 01-28-2021, 10:38 PM

To me.... it is sorta like holding a K1000.... anyway I've played with all 3 grips (they didn't come with the KP... had to buy them).... anyhow.... medium for me..... now trying to just leave the medium on when I add the battery grip .... which I use about 50%of the time.

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01-26-2021, 03:18 PM - 1 Like	#91
BryantCP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN USA Posts: 134	The KP is a good choice, especially at its current price. I bought mine in December 2018, mainly because it has Pixel Shift feature. I find it complements my K-5 and K-3 nicely (I still use all 3 cameras) the KP does do better in low light - so I tend to use it more in low light situations though. I do plan to get the K-3 III eventually at which point I will probably keep the K-5 and the KP. As to the KP's rather different ergonomics its really not that hard to get used to even if you really liked the K-5/K-3 ergonomics and handling. I would recommend the battery grip, the KP handles nicely with it, better than the K-3 with its battery grip.

01-26-2021, 03:30 PM	#92
bestcoast Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: British Columbia Posts: 62	Originally posted by UncleVanya Mine arrives tomorrow! No grip however. I think I'm just going to go for it! The K3iii could still be a few months off, and will probably launch at twice the cost of a KP with battery grip.

01-26-2021, 04:29 PM	#93
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	I've never found the KP battery a thing.... a 2nd battery is always needed if shooting is critical.... and... the KP 2nd battery in your pocket is lighter.... same concept as having a spare tyre. Anyway.... after a while I did buy the KP grip... once I decided the KP was a keeper. Well worth the $200.... makes it a very versitile camera. I'm not a big grip person... but a usefull thing in the KPs case for "considered work".

01-26-2021, 04:35 PM - 2 Likes	#94
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by noelpolar I've never found the KP battery a thing.... a 2nd battery is always needed if shooting is critical.... and... the KP 2nd battery in your pocket is lighter.... same concept as having a spare tyre. Anyway.... after a while I did buy the KP grip... once I decided the KP was a keeper. Well worth the $200.... makes it a very versitile camera. Carrying a spare battery is zero issue IMO. I'll typically have two spares for the K1 and two fresh ones for the K-70's in a cloth 4-battery pouch and stowed in a slingbag. If I need to travel super light then tossing one in my pocket wrapped in a lens cloth works too. Easy. Stressing over battery life is silly. It's not like you can't see well ahead of time that a battery change is coming up, and do it between shot opportunities.

01-26-2021, 05:18 PM - 2 Likes	#95
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	I'm also firmly in the "spare battery" camp,I can't see the point in investing in a bolt on extra which still requires the purchase of........more batteries!

01-26-2021, 06:36 PM	#96
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by timb64 I'm also firmly in the "spare battery" camp,I can't see the point in investing in a bolt on extra which still requires the purchase of........more batteries! The "grip" is nice when using tele's for extended periods..... or any long session considered shooting. Thats one of the good things about the KP.... it can be small..... or with a grip it can be almost normal.....

01-26-2021, 06:58 PM	#97
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by noelpolar The "grip" is nice when using tele's for extended periods..... or any long session considered shooting. Thats one of the good things about the KP.... it can be small..... or with a grip it can be almost normal..... " To grip or not to grip, that is the question " options can be very very nice assuming you can afford the grip and will use it from time to time

01-27-2021, 01:47 AM	#98
stevejo Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Worcestershire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 527	I think it makes sense to have the battery grip as an option, otherwise it would limit the KP's desirability for anyone shooting professionally. However I wouldn't want a grip myself as I like the compact feel, and will just stick another battery in my pocket in case it is needed.

01-27-2021, 06:09 AM	#99
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by timb64 I'm also firmly in the "spare battery" camp,I can't see the point in investing in a bolt on extra which still requires the purchase of........more batteries! If I had something like the 150-450 attached to the KP for any period of time it'd be a life saver. Luckily I don't have the funds so my back is saved.

01-27-2021, 07:37 AM	#100
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	Originally posted by ZombieArmy If I had something like the 150-450 attached to the KP for any period of time it'd be a life saver. Luckily I don't have the funds so my back is saved. I had a Bigma for a year or so,as time went on I found I was using it less and less because it was such a beast to lug about

01-28-2021, 06:50 PM	#102
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,405 Original Poster	KP Arrived yesterday. Using large grip so far, but the medium grip isn't too bad. Hard to adjust at first - that first night I thought it might have to send it back. Today the grip is not a problem. Seems to take a bit to get used to. Loving most of the experience... Not a lot of images so far - I've been stuck working and I had an event last night. Looking to the weekend to really explore. Oh for those keeping track at home: 1st lens used: HD DA 70 2nd lens used: FA 31 Ltd Nothing else has been mounted yet.

01-28-2021, 06:57 PM	#103
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by UncleVanya KP Arrived yesterday. Using large grip so far, but the medium grip isn't too bad. Hard to adjust at first - that first night I thought it might have to send it back. Today the grip is not a problem. Seems to take a bit to get used to. Loving most of the experience... Not a lot of images so far - I've been stuck working and I had an event last night. Looking to the weekend to really explore. Oh for those keeping track at home: 1st lens used: HD DA 70 2nd lens used: FA 31 Ltd Nothing else has been mounted yet. Just stick with it Uncle, it's like a new pair of progressive glasses when all you've used is reading glasses. The KP in-hand feel can be quite different from any other recent Pentax camera you've owned so it might take a while to adapt but the KP is worth it. Excellent camera, especially for the price you paid. Congrats! BTW, you'll seriously appreciate a *55 on it.

01-28-2021, 09:09 PM	#104
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,405 Original Poster	Originally posted by gatorguy Just stick with it Uncle, it's like a new pair of progressive glasses when all you've used is reading glasses. The KP in-hand feel can be quite different from any other recent Pentax camera you've owned so it might take a while to adapt but the KP is worth it. Excellent camera, especially for the price you paid. Congrats! BTW, you'll seriously appreciate a 55 on it. I am getting the “hand” of it. And my DA 55 is likely next up on the camera.

01-28-2021, 10:38 PM	#105
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	To me.... it is sorta like holding a K1000.... anyway I've played with all 3 grips (they didn't come with the KP... had to buy them).... anyhow.... medium for me..... now trying to just leave the medium on when I add the battery grip .... which I use about 50%of the time.