[imr]

All of them are an upgrade but the k3 would be the better of all 3.
Ks2 and k70 should have pretty close results

[BeeShooter]

All of them are an upgrade but the k3 would be the better of all 3.
Ks2 and k70 should have pretty close results

I've only had the k-70 for a week, but so far in low light the k-70 blows the k-s2 away.
The k-s2 is noisy in low light.

In good light they're a lot closer.

[Cerebum]

I am using the KP to gauge the K70 performance as they are a similar age and spec. I have a K3 classic (mk 1) and a KP. The K3 is a unit and the IQ is very close to the KP. Where the KP wins is faster autofocus and better low light performance. The K-S2 and K70 share the same aperture control which would worry me. Also, I am use to using cameras that are really solidly built so the plastics of the K70 would put me off. If you need an articulating screen, get the K70, if not I would look for a K3ii at the right price

[pimpim]

I find I don't use the articulating screen of the K70 as much, especially with the not too great AF in LV mode (ok, face detect works in good light, I give it that), and LV eating batteries like crazy.

In 2022 the field has changed a bit: the original K3 is often found at half the price of the KP. I wonder if the KP's improvement in AF and low light (and some tilt in the screen) is worth that price hike.
A used K70 is also often not cheaper or even slightly more expensive relative to the K3, no clue what the logic is behind that

[mikesbike]

Well, both the K-70 and the KP are far better for low light/action/higher ISO over the K-3. I would not recommend a used K-70 due to possible aperture block failure. A new K-70 from a high-volume dealer would be a better option, since Pentax has finally come up with a revised solenoid to cure this problem in the later-batch K-70 stock.

If rarely shooting above ISO 1600, nothing wrong at all with getting a used original K-3, far better than a used K-70 for dependability, superior controls and build. Would a KP be better? It has a number of upgrades. Depends on the individual for the same reasons and the importance of certain flagship features like 2 card slots, body style, etc.

[pimpim]

Well, both the K-70 and the KP are far better for low light/action/higher ISO over the K-3

Ah, bought my K70 new in 2020 or so - no sense of time anymore since 2019 - and being a high-iso shooter (I use short shutter times and not too bright lenses indoors a lot), I think I made the right choice then I find the K70 caught up just enough with respect to high iso noise compared to the lower megapixel K5 sensor, K3 would not be the camera for me then The other thing is that because 2019-2020 was a low point in camera prices, and inflation and supply chains happened, I now see same prices for used K70s as the price I bought it new for, at the same photo store. Always good to see affirmed that I need not regret