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Pentax KP DSLR Camera (Body Only, Silver)

BH #PEKPS • MFR #16038
55 reviews
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Pentax KP DSLR Camera (Body Only, Silver)
Key Features
  • 24.3MP APS-C AA-Filterless CMOS Sensor
  • PRIME IV Engine with Accelerator Unit
  • Smart Function Exchangeable Grip
  • Full HD 1080p30 Video; 4K Interval Movie
Taking the stage as a modular and compact camera option in the Pentax lineup is the silver KP DSLR with a unique smart function exchangeable grip that can be swapped as needed by the photographer. Beyond this, the KP was designed for outstanding low-light performance due to a newly developed 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor that eliminates its anti-aliasing filter and the PRIME IV Engine with an accelerator unit for processing. This enables it to reach sensitivities up to ISO 819200 with minimal noise as well as capture maximum sharpness at all times. A 5-axis in-body Shake Reduction II module further assists image quality by compensating for up to 5 stops of shutter speed during longer exposures as well as activating the Pixel Shift Resolution mode.
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Pentax KP Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Smart Function Exchangeable Grip
  • 324.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor & PRIME IV Engine with Accelerator Unit
  • 45-Axis In-Body Shake Reduction II
  • 5SAFOX 11 AF System
  • 6Full HD 1080p Video Recording & 4K Interval Movie
  • 7Weather- and Dust-Resistant Body
  • 8Other Camera Features

Taking the stage as a modular and compact camera option in the Pentax lineup is the silver KP DSLR with a unique smart function exchangeable grip that can be swapped as needed by the photographer. Beyond this, the KP was designed for outstanding low-light performance due to a newly developed 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor that eliminates its anti-aliasing filter and the PRIME IV Engine with an accelerator unit for processing. This enables it to reach sensitivities up to ISO 819200 with minimal noise as well as capture maximum sharpness at all times. A 5-axis in-body Shake Reduction II module further assists image quality by compensating for up to 5 stops of shutter speed during longer exposures as well as activating the Pixel Shift Resolution mode.

Still imaging benefits from the use of a SAFOX 11 27-point AF sensor, which will help photographers lock onto their subjects quickly and accurately. This is sure to come in handy when shooting at the max speed of 7 fps. Also, the camera is equipped with a mechanical shutter of 1/6000 second and an electronic shutter that is able to reach 1/24000 second. Along with stills, the KP is capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at up to 30 fps and it has interval shooting capable of creating a 4K movie. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body also sports built-in Wi-Fi along with a tilting 3.0" 921k-dot LCD monitor and a 0.95x optical viewfinder with 100% coverage.

Smart Function Exchangeable Grip
Keep your camera as compact as possible or enhance the grip for working with large telephoto zooms with the exchangeable grip system of the KP DSLR. Three different grip sizes are available. The medium size is ideal for most standard lenses and situations while the small will shrink the camera down while using compact primes. The large grip provides a hefty, secure feeling that enhances control when using large, heavy lenses.
24.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor & PRIME IV Engine with Accelerator Unit
The KP delivers high-quality imagery through an advanced 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor that is designed to create detailed images with minimal noise at sensitivities up to ISO 819200. Guaranteeing maximum resolution, the sensor lacks an anti-aliasing, or optical low-pass, filter though this will cause a higher chance of aliasing and moire. For situations at risk of these artifacts, users can leverage an AA Filter Simulator function that slightly moves the sensor in order to mimic the effects of a physical filter.

This sensor combines with the power of the PRIME IV 14-bit image processing engine with accelerator unit to create large images with ease and speed. Improving upon the past generation, the PRIME IV can deliver photographs at up to 7 fps in raw format for up to 8 frames. This processor also helps control numerous advanced features, including Pixel Shift Resolution and more.
5-Axis In-Body Shake Reduction II
A staple of Pentax DSLRs, the KP is equipped with a 5-axis Shake Reduction II system that can counter the effects of camera shake by up to 5 stops. This larger system is optimized for the full-frame sensor and can account for yaw, pitch, and roll as well as vertical and horizontal motion of the camera. Also, due to the stabilization being incorporated into the KP's body, it functions with every K-mount lens.
Pentax takes advantage of the sensor's available movement in order to develop additional features, such as the Pixel Shift Resolution setting. This mode shifts the sensor in order to capture full color data on each pixel by compositing four shots. This grants exceptional clarity, lowers noise, and boosts the effective resolution. Additionally, the KP has a motion correction setting that allows this function to be used even when shooting handheld.

Another capability is an Image Composition Assist function, which allows you to shift the sensor up/down and left/right as well as slightly rotate it. This lets users easily adjust their composition without needing to move their camera and can be useful for delicately balanced tripod work.
SAFOX 11 AF System
Making sure you can lock on to subjects quickly and accurately is the SAFOX 11 AF system. This phase-detection TTL autofocus method offers 27 points, with 25 cross-type points in the center for improved accuracy. It is also able to work in low-light conditions as dim as -3 EV and the camera offers a dedicated LED AF assist light.
Full HD 1080p Video Recording & 4K Interval Movie
In addition to standard stills capture, the KP is capable of Full HD video at up to 30p or 60i using H.264 compression. This enables photographers to add high-resolution motion capture to their arsenal without needing to carry another camera. Also, when shooting in HD 720p, users can shoot at up to 60p. Additionally, the camera is NTSC/PAL switchable and it is equipped with a microphone jack for high-quality audio support. Interval shooting is available with a movie mode to automatically create time-lapse videos at up to 4K resolution.
Weather- and Dust-Resistant Body
Durability has always been one of Pentax's strong suits, and the KP is no exception with a magnesium alloy body that is tough and lightweight. Also, the KP is sealed to ensure no rain or dust will take your camera out of commission. The camera is designed to handle freezing temperatures as well, with a rating down to 14°F. This durability is maintained when the optional battery grip is in use, as the grip is also sealed in numerous places.
Other Camera Features
  • Mechanical shutter with a max speed of 1/6000 second along with an electronic shutter mode capable of reaching 1/24000 second.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to directly connect to the camera using a mobile device for image transfer and remote camera control.
  • Aperture and shutter speed priority mode (TAv) allows you to manually select aperture and shutter speed while leaving ISO selection to the camera.
  • Interval shooting is available in multiple modes for up to 2000 shots in intervals of 2 seconds to 24 hours.
  • Built-in flash with guide number of 19.7' at ISO 100 with coverage for 28mm lens.
  • Optical viewfinder with 0.95x magnification and 100% coverage.

Pentax KP Specs

Imaging
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 24.96 Megapixel
Effective: 24.32 Megapixel (6016 x 4000)
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Mirror Lock-Up
Yes
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/24000 to 30 Seconds
in Bulb Mode
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Metering Range
-3 to 20 EV
Continuous Shooting
Up to 7 fps at 24 MP for up to 28 Frames (JPEG) / 8 Frames (Raw)
Up to 3 fps at 24 MP for up to 70 Frames (JPEG) / 15 Frames (Raw)
Up to 0.8 fps at 24 MP for up to 100 Frames (JPEG) / 100 Frames (Raw)
Interval Recording
Yes
Self-Timer
12-Second Delay
Aspect Ratio
3:2
Image File Format
JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth
14-Bit
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Monitor
Display Size
3.0"
Resolution
921,000 Dot
Display Type
Tilting LCD
Viewfinder
Type
Optical (Pentaprism)
Eye Point
20.5 mm
Coverage
100%
Magnification
Approx. 0.95x
Diopter Adjustment
-2.5 to +1.5
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Automatic, Continuous-Servo AF, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 27 (25 Cross-Type)
Autofocus Sensitivity
-3 to +18 EV
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
Yes, Flash Only
Flash Modes
Auto, Auto/Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Manual, Second-Curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Wireless
Guide Number
19.69' / 6 m at ISO 100 (28 mm Position)
Maximum Sync Speed
1/180 Second
Flash Compensation
-2 to +1 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Dedicated Flash System
P-TTL
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
Battery Type
1x D-LI109 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.075 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.4 x 6.45 x 5.2"

Pentax KP Reviews

Fantastic Camera. Horrible battery life.

By Joshua
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-17

I have had the KP for well over a year now. It is actually my first dslr. It has come on numerous backpacking trips with me. It has also been dropped in a pond and remains perfectly functional. I saw no difference in image quality after this incident. I love the small form factor and its weather sealing is excellent. It performs well in extreme temperatures (I have shot at below 0 F with no problems) as long as you keep the batteries in an inside pocket. My main gripe is how crummy the battery life is. I carry around 5 batteries with me during a normal night of Milky way shooting and use every one. Another thing to mention, the autofocus is not very accurate in video mode, particularly with longer focal lengths. I will be upgrading to the K1 soon. Once you know how to use it, the KP is an extremely capable camera.

Could be better.....

By Robert
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-28

Great image quality and solid build for sure...that is the positive. No IR for wireless shooting (use your phone, pentax says)....funky remote cable size also....no headphone jack. Do I like it?....its OK

Best Pentax that I've owned.

By Stephen
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-03

This gives away my age. Pentaxes that I've owned date back to film bodies H1a and Spotmatic. lasted 30 plus years. Currently have and still use K10 and K20. Picked up the KP for the increased number of pixels and the improved image quality. Still getting used to the smaller form factor than the K20. I guess my ideal would be KP guts and controls in K20 body. Pentax and Sigma Lenses in kit FA 35, DA 18-55WR. DA55-300, and Sigma 17-70 DC. All purchased from B&H.

For the price it is BEYOND....

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-03

GREAT! I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks and due to COVID and it being winter, my experiences are low. I shot a K-1, then a K30 (for 10 years) and I should’ve purchased this some time ago. As for a hobbyist, I love it! I am very happy with quality of the build and the quality of the images.

How I ended up with Pentax KP

By Cem
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-11

How I ended up with Pentax KP in 2021. I’m an old Pentax user but I used other brands such as FujiFilm, Canon and Nikon as well. I had a Pentax K-50 previously. But it had an aperture problem, and I didn’t want it to be repaired. Lately I understood that this is a common solenoid problem of K-30, K-50 models of Pentax. It was a disappointment for me. I looked for a new camera. I purchased Nikon D3500 because there is no AA filter on the sensor. Image quality was good, but features were entry level in D3500. I planned to move to Fujifilm X-T3. No doubt a superb camera. As it is always said in the camera reviews, the most important decision point is what you need a camera for. Do you need it for still photography, video, travel, portrait etc. you name it. Those features I was looking for were as follows: An APS-C camera because lighter in weight compared to full frames. A lightweight camera including its walkaround lens because I don’t like to change lens for longer distanced objects or scenes. Environmentally sealed, waterproof and ability to work in -10 C (14 F). Has no AA filter. I’m not a 4K video fan or megapixel fan. I like still images. Thus, I can ignore this feature of Fujifilm. Comparing Fujifilm X-T3 and Pentax KP both are environmentally sealed and can work at -10 C (14 F). Pentax KP has no AA filter, but you can simulate AA filter if needed. Both cameras have tilting screen. Fujifilm X-T3 with 16-80mm lens is totally 979 gr (2.15 lb) and Pentax KP with 18-135mm lens is totally 1108 gr (2.44 lb). The difference is just 129 gr (4.5 oz). Pentax has in body image stabilization 5 axis up to 5 stops. Fuji has not. Number of focus points are 27 in Pentax KP and cannot compare with Fujifilm X-T3 with 425. I always focus on the center of the scenes or objects. This 27 focus points doesn’t bother me. Mechanical shutter is 7 in KP and 8 in X-T3 not much difference. Both cameras have electronic shutter. X-T3 is better in electronic shutter speed but I’m not in need of high speed of shutter that much. I’m not in action photography. Battery life are the same CIPA 390 for both cameras. The appealing features for me has been pentaprism viewfinder and Astrotracer of Pentax KP. I like astrophotography where KP allows me to do it. If you compare Pentax KP with 18-135mm lens with Fujifilm X-T3 with 16-80mm lens, KP is %40 cheaper. I had the Pentax lens from my K-50 and I needed only body of KP where I needed body and lens in X-T3 case. Considering just buying body, it has been 60% cheaper in terms of investment with additional astrophotography, pentaprism viewfinder. This worked for my case. Yours may be different. Before choosing best camera for your need, always start with your requirements. I’ve started to use my brand-new Pentax KP for couple of days and I’m very happy with its performance. Image quality is superb. Crispy clear images. Particularly in low light. High ISO of the KP is good, but I’m not talking about ISO 819200. I have very clear images with ISO 6400 or 12800. Another great feature of Pentax KP is bracketing. Preset Macro dial mode comes with automatic aperture bracketing feature. This allows you to shoot 3 sequential images with 3 different depth of fields. Of course, you can set it for any of your dials as well. Bracketing works also for shutter speed. One bad think to note: Wifi app Image Sync is not working as expected. It is not a big deal for Pentax I believe. It’s just a software. It could be updated and corrected in both app side and/or in the camera side. The app isn’t stable and features are limited. It doesn’t reflect the professionalism of such a great camera.

Very capable dslr for pentaxia

By James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-19

I have a boatload of vintage m43 screw Mt and k mount glass along with a few modern lenses so I want to stick with pentax. I finally saw the specs on their soon to be released k3 iii and while having 4K video would be nice, they don't mention keeping the electronic high speed shutter. Then there is the projected price (!) which is more than I want to spend. The kp seems to be working out very well for me. I knew I would not be happy with the smaller batteries so i'm dealing with that by simply ordering extras and keeping them charged and ready. I'm pleased that the battery grip can also accept the larger capacity older battery model. I think the kp will be more than adequate for my style of shooting.

Outstanding in the aps-c format.

By Andrew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-12

Of all the programmable aspects of this camera the option of changing ISO with a wheel is wonderful. It so much more efficient than dealing with a menu when shooting in manual mode. It also seems that image quality is only dependent on the glass not the camera.

Nice Feel.

By Kurt
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-04

As with any new camera, especially when changing manufacturers, the initial learning curve for how the various features function, can be steep. (Being something of a Luddite, I miss the old film SLRs where all you have to worry about is ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed) That be said, overall, I am very pleased with the feel of the camera. For me, it is comfortable to hold with the large grip. The controls are easy to access/adjust while shooting. The image quality is wonderful; sharp, crisp. The battery holds a charge well, especially compared to my previous mirrorless camera. Only been using it for a month or so but at this point, I am very pleased.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Can I use my mz50 lens in this model ?

Can I use my mz50 lens in this model ?
Asked by: Ernie
Yes Pentax K mount lenses have not changed
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2021-01-19

question

Is the body, top, and bottom metal?
Asked by: Anonymous
It is a weather sealed magnesium alloy body. If you are worried about build quality, as far as digital goes Pentax is probably the best you'll find.
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2019-10-20

Pentax 645z

Pentax 645z
Asked by: Jonathan
Please post a question.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-25

I would like know the APP for controlling he ...

I would like know the APP for controlling he camera from tablet or cellular, how is it?
Asked by: Aquileo
That would be image sync and it works sufficiently.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-01-22

Pentax cameras have a well bodies in prior bodies ...

Pentax cameras have a well bodies in prior bodies defined as the known aperture block failure. Pentax in which photographs come out black. Has this been dealt with in the new KP shutter system?
Asked by: Doug
The KP does not have this design flaw. Another reason to choose the KP over the K70
Answered by: Anthony
Date published: 2020-12-02

question

Are there 3 grips in box as B&H described ?
Asked by: Wai C.
Yes
Answered by: Katrina A.
Date published: 2019-09-01

question

Sir. I've heard too many good things about pentax but im still confused about how they work. I've always had canon and I work with it. I have a canon 6D and it's vert easy to work with. With a 1.4 lens it's very powerful 24.3 MP, looking at the specifications on this one, it's the same, but how does it work? Is it pentax a good format picture? Does it make images different?
Asked by: Oscar H.
I have a Pentax K5 16MP and the step up to KP image was truly astounding. As a c size sensor, it will be a crop image. I found the KP to be very easy to use, just the frustration of different implementation of similar functions betwen K5 and KP. The image stabilization is far better than I expected. I shot a low light past sunset image hand held with perfect image from near field figure to distant mountains.
Answered by: Norman R.
Date published: 2020-01-05

question

Does the charger work with European voltage (220V-230V)? I'm asking about the voltage, not the plug shape.
Asked by: Ari F.
Yes, it has dual voltage.
Answered by: Mars V.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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