Originally posted by podboy3 I wish I could have the pixel shift of the K-3 II and a pop up flash from the K-3.
KP has both. (So does K-70/KF.)
Originally posted by rpjallan I rarely use Pixel Shift
Same here. PS is not a magic bullet. It's useful in particular situations: static subjects with a tripod mounted camera. For product photography, still life, still scenes - great. But even with motion correction (in the later iterations), it can struggle with movement in the scene (even a branch blowing in the wind). And not all PP software can take full advantage of it. (A few thread discussions about this.)
Originally posted by steamloco76 I have owned a K-5, K-5iis, K-3 and KP.I now own two KP bodies with battery grips.The KP's super clean images at high ISO won me over. I shoot a lot of telephoto images in less than perfect light, the KP really shines here. If you don't need low noise above ISO 2000 or so, a used K-3 is a fantastic deal. 200,000 actuations shutter and really good ergonomics. Better pricing used too. The built in flashes on my Pentax bodies have saved the day many times, so I'd opt for the original K-3 over the K-3ii for that reason.
This is close to my experience too. (K-30, K-3, K-S2, KP, K-3iii) I loved the feel of the K-3 and a lot of those little flagship model things that are often overlooked (quiet shutter, excellent button layout, superior dust removal, P-Line selections, etc) - and the popup flash was handy at times. It balanced beautifully with telephoto lenses. Its main limitation - and the main reason I sold it after getting the KP - is the high-ISO performance. The KP has most of the things I liked about the K-3 - including robust construction, quiet shutter and many small features - with the addition of:
- superior high-ISO performance (1-2 stops better),
- even better Shake Reduction,
- PixelShift
- third control wheel (a great addition, which makes it easy to change your most used settings)
- tilt screen (invaluable).
What I miss from the K-3 (to KP):
- ergonomics/button placement
- burst rate and buffer (both eclipsed in this regard by the K-3iii)
- battery capacity (not a deal breaker, just carry a spare - and not an issue if you get the battery grip)
What I don't miss:
- dual SD cards
- top LCD from the K-3
AF performance is similar; maybe a little better on the KP. (Although neither holds a candle to the K-3iii.)
Originally posted by Michaelina2 get a K-3iii
The K-3iii is the one with the lot (almost - no flash, no GPS and no tilt screen), but at more than double the price of any of the models discussed, I assume it's out of budget.
Originally posted by rr1736 The K5 operates much like the K3 and I think while it is 16 meg it has lower noise than the K3 but that could be just my copy
I haven't had a K-5 but had the K-30 which has the same sensor. It's a great sensor - the lower pixel density does make for less noise. I've heard many people say they prefer the K-5 series to the original K-3 for landscapes. The accelerator units in the KP and other recent 24/26mp models have levelled up the low light performance IMO.