KP or K3II

**csa** · 05-15-2021, 05:32 AM

Thinking of upgrading my K3. Which would be better for birds & wildlife; KP, or a used K3II? Can't go over $1,000

**aslyfox** · 05-15-2021, 05:38 AM

I had a KP with the battery grip

gave it to my son

preferred my K 3 and K 3 II both with battery grips

however I cannot challenge the advancements of the KP

AfterPentax Mark II · 05-15-2021, 05:52 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by csa

Thinking of upgrading my K3. Which would be better for birds & wildlife; KP, or a used K3II? Can't go over $1,000

I just upgraded my K-3 II to a KP. What struck me was the better IQ. I bought the special offer kit with grip, bag and memory card for the price of body only, just after Ricoh announced that the KP is discontinued. Ricoh Europe has several kits with bag and memory card on offer. I think for wildlife the extra room the iso offers might be a bonus. My experience is that AF is faster than K-3 II.

Bertrand3000 · 05-15-2021, 06:29 AM

From the K3, the K3-II will not be a significant advantage, except integrated GPS. Get the KP.

Ausable · 05-15-2021, 06:36 AM - **1 Like**

I have used a KP for a few years, now. I like it for birds and wildlife. The Pentax Forum review of the KP showed that the percentage of "keeper" images in AF tracking mode was higher in the KP than it was in the K3 (the K3 II has the same AF system as the original K3). I don't do much birds-in-flight except for larger, slower birds like herons and egrets; the KP does well for those, with proper technique, of course. For me, the only advantages of a K3-variant vs a KP would be the maximum frame rate (8.3 vs 7 fps) and the buffer, but I have not found those differences limiting me in any way.

As for ergonomics, it took me a very short time to make the transition to a camera without a top LCD. The user interface is outstanding. You may not like the feel of the large grip on the KP, but I got used to it reasonably quickly and it does not negatively impact my photography. I have and like the battery grip. You'd have to make a transition to a slightly different button layout. The single AF/AE lock button may not be to your liking if you use both on your K3; in that case you'd have to assign the AE lock function to another button.

**UncleVanya** · 05-15-2021, 06:51 AM - **1 Like**

I went from k-3 to KP. I prefer having an onboard flash and I wanted the improved iq. It’s a little weird to hold at first but I quickly adapted. I keep the k-3 for a few niche needs. Shooting hobby rocket liftoff images for example prefers the buffer and frame rate of the k-3.

Ishpuini · 05-15-2021, 06:55 AM - **1 Like**

Where are you going to photograph those birds and wildlife? In areas around the equator where you will be at base ISO, there won't be much IQ difference, otherwise the KP might give you a slight edge. Though I've been perfectly happy with K-3II IQ except for high ISO, which is why I'm looking forward to the K-3III now.
A major difference might be batteries. Without the grip the KP might be at a disadvantage. Wildlife and birders typically imply a lot of bursts, which depletes the battery fast.
I find GPS coordinates very interesting information for wildlife. Doesn't improve the images, but it's interesting information from a "scientific" point-of-view. The one thing I will miss on the K-3III BTW...

**csa** · 05-15-2021, 07:04 AM

I shoot right in my back yard, for birds, wildlife.

simsburyphoto · 05-15-2021, 07:43 AM - **1 Like**

KP has really improve image quality at high ISO over the K3 which will help with your backyard birds

---------- Post added 05-15-21 at 10:50 AM ----------

Here are some backyard birds at high iso with the KP
It does take some getting used to holding the KP with a large heavy lens

Backyard Birds April 2021_0026_DxO 16x10 | dm_shafer | Flickr

DFA 150-450 First Photos_0006_DxO 8x10 | dm_shafer | Flickr

---------- Post added 05-15-21 at 10:50 AM ----------

Here are some backyard birds at high iso with the KP
It does take some getting used to holding the KP with a large heavy lens

Backyard Birds April 2021_0026_DxO 16x10 | dm_shafer | Flickr

DFA 150-450 First Photos_0006_DxO 8x10 | dm_shafer | Flickr

**UncleVanya** · 05-15-2021, 12:25 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by simsburyphoto

It does take some getting used to holding the KP with a large heavy lens

Since I have a manual film background I haven’t found it though or word once I got used to the grip. But my heavy lens is a da 60-250. My fa* 300 is lighter if I recall correctly.

**caliscouser** · 05-15-2021, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by simsburyphoto

KP has really improve image quality at high ISO over the K3 which will help with your backyard birds

Yes 1 to 1.5 stops better really help with shutter speed.

stevebrot · 05-15-2021, 01:07 PM - **1 Like**

Compare how you use your K-3 to the same on the KP (see the user manual and detailed review at PF). If you don't find anything that would missing or that would crimp your style, the KP is definitely an attractive package.

Steve

**Wingincamera** · 05-15-2021, 02:02 PM - **2 Likes**

When I purchased my KP it was a toss-up between it and the K3, but what sold me on the KP was the flip-up rear screen on the KP. I now have two KP's, I liked it so much.

bertwert · 05-15-2021, 02:23 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by csa

Thinking of upgrading my K3. Which would be better for birds & wildlife; KP, or a used K3II? Can't go over $1,000

I'd suggest a KP, as there won't be much improvement in the K-3ii as far as image quality (if there even is any - I can't remember if that's all identical in there), however with a KP you'll gain a couple usable stops of ISO which is great for shooting critters in the backyard! Since you're shooting at home too, I can't imagine the GPS will be much use - especially if you want to protect your location, so no geotagging anyways.

For what it's worth, I'm hoping to find a used KP and upgrade within the next six months or so, specifically for the better ISO and dynamic range over my K-50 for shooting wildife, however I'm not coming from a K-3 so I'm not sure if there's anything I'd miss from it

**Des** · 05-15-2021, 02:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by csa

I shoot right in my back yard, for birds, wildlife.

My most common subject too.

Once I got a KP, I found I wasn't using my K-3 much so I sold it. I agree with others that the KP's superior ISO performance gives an extra 1.5-2 EV stops, which is just invaluable for wildlife (especially with a slow aperture lens like the DA 55-300 PLM).

I shoot a lot at 3200 ISO

And can go higher when necessary (6400 ISO)

The AF is better too. I also like the tilt screen for tripod shots and for high or low handheld shots and the third wheel is really handy.

I preferred the ergonomics of the K-3 (e.g. the grip and the placement of the AE-L-AF button), and the burst rate and battery life are superior. But they don't make up for the IQ advantages of the KP and the other features I have mentioned.

05-15-2021, 05:32 AM	#1
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	KP or K3II Thinking of upgrading my K3. Which would be better for birds & wildlife; KP, or a used K3II? Can't go over $1,000

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05-15-2021, 05:38 AM	#2
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	I had a KP with the battery grip gave it to my son preferred my K 3 and K 3 II both with battery grips however I cannot challenge the advancements of the KP

05-15-2021, 05:52 AM - 1 Like	#3
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,467	Originally posted by csa Thinking of upgrading my K3. Which would be better for birds & wildlife; KP, or a used K3II? Can't go over $1,000 I just upgraded my K-3 II to a KP. What struck me was the better IQ. I bought the special offer kit with grip, bag and memory card for the price of body only, just after Ricoh announced that the KP is discontinued. Ricoh Europe has several kits with bag and memory card on offer. I think for wildlife the extra room the iso offers might be a bonus. My experience is that AF is faster than K-3 II.

05-15-2021, 06:29 AM	#4
Bertrand3000 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 2,009	From the K3, the K3-II will not be a significant advantage, except integrated GPS. Get the KP.

05-15-2021, 06:36 AM - 1 Like	#5
Ausable Senior Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 149	I have used a KP for a few years, now. I like it for birds and wildlife. The Pentax Forum review of the KP showed that the percentage of "keeper" images in AF tracking mode was higher in the KP than it was in the K3 (the K3 II has the same AF system as the original K3). I don't do much birds-in-flight except for larger, slower birds like herons and egrets; the KP does well for those, with proper technique, of course. For me, the only advantages of a K3-variant vs a KP would be the maximum frame rate (8.3 vs 7 fps) and the buffer, but I have not found those differences limiting me in any way. As for ergonomics, it took me a very short time to make the transition to a camera without a top LCD. The user interface is outstanding. You may not like the feel of the large grip on the KP, but I got used to it reasonably quickly and it does not negatively impact my photography. I have and like the battery grip. You'd have to make a transition to a slightly different button layout. The single AF/AE lock button may not be to your liking if you use both on your K3; in that case you'd have to assign the AE lock function to another button.

05-15-2021, 06:51 AM - 1 Like	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,454	I went from k-3 to KP. I prefer having an onboard flash and I wanted the improved iq. It’s a little weird to hold at first but I quickly adapted. I keep the k-3 for a few niche needs. Shooting hobby rocket liftoff images for example prefers the buffer and frame rate of the k-3.

05-15-2021, 06:55 AM - 1 Like	#7
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Where are you going to photograph those birds and wildlife? In areas around the equator where you will be at base ISO, there won't be much IQ difference, otherwise the KP might give you a slight edge. Though I've been perfectly happy with K-3II IQ except for high ISO, which is why I'm looking forward to the K-3III now. A major difference might be batteries. Without the grip the KP might be at a disadvantage. Wildlife and birders typically imply a lot of bursts, which depletes the battery fast. I find GPS coordinates very interesting information for wildlife. Doesn't improve the images, but it's interesting information from a "scientific" point-of-view. The one thing I will miss on the K-3III BTW...

05-15-2021, 07:04 AM	#8
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	I shoot right in my back yard, for birds, wildlife.

05-15-2021, 07:43 AM - 1 Like	#9
simsburyphoto Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 244	KP has really improve image quality at high ISO over the K3 which will help with your backyard birds ---------- Post added 05-15-21 at 10:50 AM ---------- Here are some backyard birds at high iso with the KP It does take some getting used to holding the KP with a large heavy lens Backyard Birds April 2021_0026_DxO 16x10 \| dm_shafer \| Flickr DFA 150-450 First Photos_0006_DxO 8x10 \| dm_shafer \| Flickr ---------- Post added 05-15-21 at 10:50 AM ---------- Here are some backyard birds at high iso with the KP It does take some getting used to holding the KP with a large heavy lens Backyard Birds April 2021_0026_DxO 16x10 \| dm_shafer \| Flickr DFA 150-450 First Photos_0006_DxO 8x10 \| dm_shafer \| Flickr

05-15-2021, 12:25 PM - 1 Like	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,454	Originally posted by simsburyphoto It does take some getting used to holding the KP with a large heavy lens Since I have a manual film background I haven’t found it though or word once I got used to the grip. But my heavy lens is a da 60-250. My fa* 300 is lighter if I recall correctly.

05-15-2021, 12:37 PM	#11
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	Originally posted by simsburyphoto KP has really improve image quality at high ISO over the K3 which will help with your backyard birds Yes 1 to 1.5 stops better really help with shutter speed.

05-15-2021, 01:07 PM - 1 Like	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Compare how you use your K-3 to the same on the KP (see the user manual and detailed review at PF). If you don't find anything that would missing or that would crimp your style, the KP is definitely an attractive package. Steve

05-15-2021, 02:02 PM - 2 Likes	#13
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	When I purchased my KP it was a toss-up between it and the K3, but what sold me on the KP was the flip-up rear screen on the KP. I now have two KP's, I liked it so much.

05-15-2021, 02:23 PM - 2 Likes	#14
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by csa Thinking of upgrading my K3. Which would be better for birds & wildlife; KP, or a used K3II? Can't go over $1,000 I'd suggest a KP, as there won't be much improvement in the K-3ii as far as image quality (if there even is any - I can't remember if that's all identical in there), however with a KP you'll gain a couple usable stops of ISO which is great for shooting critters in the backyard! Since you're shooting at home too, I can't imagine the GPS will be much use - especially if you want to protect your location, so no geotagging anyways. For what it's worth, I'm hoping to find a used KP and upgrade within the next six months or so, specifically for the better ISO and dynamic range over my K-50 for shooting wildife, however I'm not coming from a K-3 so I'm not sure if there's anything I'd miss from it

05-15-2021, 02:39 PM - 1 Like	#15
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by csa I shoot right in my back yard, for birds, wildlife. My most common subject too. Once I got a KP, I found I wasn't using my K-3 much so I sold it. I agree with others that the KP's superior ISO performance gives an extra 1.5-2 EV stops, which is just invaluable for wildlife (especially with a slow aperture lens like the DA 55-300 PLM). I shoot a lot at 3200 ISO And can go higher when necessary (6400 ISO) The AF is better too. I also like the tilt screen for tripod shots and for high or low handheld shots and the third wheel is really handy. I preferred the ergonomics of the K-3 (e.g. the grip and the placement of the AE-L-AF button), and the burst rate and battery life are superior. But they don't make up for the IQ advantages of the KP and the other features I have mentioned.