Key Features
Jan 26 2017
Announced
24 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Pentax |
Sensor Type | APS-C |
Sensor | CMOS |
Weight | 703g |
MSRP | $1099USD |
Other similar cameras

Pentax K-1
Released Feb 17 2016 | 36MP resolution

Pentax K-3
Released Apr 10 2014 | 24MP resolution

Pentax K-5
Released Dec 18 2010 | 16MP resolution
Overview of the KP
The Pentax KP camera has been a standout for photographers who demand quality and versatility. Whether you're a professional photographer looking for a reliable and robust camera or an amateur looking for a high-performing camera that fits your budget, the Pentax KP camera has got you covered. With its weather-resistant body and advanced features, this camera is perfect for use in a variety of environments, including low-light conditions. Let's explore the key features of this impressive camera and understand why it ranks high on Google.
Pentax KP Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax KP camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Pentax KP
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 132 x 101 x 76mm |
Weight | 703g |
Thickness | 76mm |
Weather Sealing
The Pentax KP camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the KP is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
View Finder | Optical (pentaprism) |
Screen Type | Tilting |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots |
Body type | Mid-size SLR |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 921k dots. This makes the Pentax KP not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
KP includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.63x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Pentax KP has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Pentax KP has a native ISO range of 100 - 819200 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Jan 26 2017
Announced
100 - 819200
ISO Range
Sensor | APS-C |
Extended ISO | null - null |
Max resolution | 6016 x 4000 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
not tested
Color Depth
not tested
Dynamic Range
not tested
Low Light ISO
not tested
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax KP camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the KP is excellent
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: APS-C
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) |
Battery Life | 390 shots |
Battery Model | D-LI109 |
HDMI | |
USD | |
Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Pentax KP supports SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Pentax KP uses the D-LI109 model of battery pack. This is rated for 390 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Pentax KP has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Pentax KP boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/6000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Pentax KP includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 27 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Pentax KP features a CMOS sensor
Yes the KP does have weather sealing.
The Pentax KP was announced on Jan 26 2017
Yes the KP does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The KP has a native ISO range of 100-819200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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