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Pentax KP

Release date: 2017

Reviewed by

Key features

Sensor Size: APS-C (1.5x) (23.5 x 15.6mm)
Megapixels: 24
Lens Mount: Pentax KAF2
LCD Size (inches):3
ISO Range:100 - 819200
Frames Per Second:7.1
Auto Focus Points:27
Video Resolution:1920x1080 (60i/​50i/​30p/​25p/​24p)
Battery Life:390 shots
Weight:703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
Size:132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″)
Price:$$$

Great for:

Body Type: DSLR Camera

https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/

Based on some of the key specifications of the Pentax KP and our review, we found that this camera is best for the following uses: Video, Vlogging, Low Light

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Jump to
Sensor Speed
Image Body & Battery
Display Specs Table
Connections & Storage FAQ
Video

Spec Summary

Memory Card Slot Two memory card slots allow you to backup your files or record different formats on each SD / SDHC / SDXC
Built-in Flash Helpful for basic low light situations, but do not expect nice results due to harsh front light
Frames per Second You can take more pictures per second (great for wildlife and sports) 7.1
GPS Store the exact location of your shot
Auto Focus Points The more auto focus points, the more specific you can be with framing your subject across the viewfinder 27
Bluetooth Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files
Environmentally Sealed More protection against water, dust and other elements
Microphone Jack Allows you to add an external, higher quality microphone

How the Pentax KP Compares

Sensor Size Comparison

The Pentax KP has a APS-C (1.5x) sensor. The color, contrast, noise, and clarity of your images are dependent on the sensor and pixel quality. So we address these specs in more detail.

Be sure to review the Crop Factor since that is important for the lenses you select.

Pentax KP Sensor: APS-C (1.5x) (23.5x15.6mm)

Resolution and Image Print Size

Here's the best resolution you can expect from the Pentax KP. Image resolution is a reference of the amount of image detail your pictures will hold, here measured as pixel dimensions. Higher resolution images will contain more pixels. As you can see in the comparison image below, to be considered as High Definition (HD) you'd need at least 1920x1080 pixels, or 2.1 megapixels. For images with 4K you'd need at least 4096x2160 pixels, which would be at least 8.3 megapixels.

Best Digital Resolution for Pentax KP

(6016 x 4000) 4000 px 6016 px

Largest Recommended Print Size for Pentax KP

Maximum High Resolution Print Size (300 dpi)

When it comes to printing out your images for clients or family and friends the best printing quality is at least 300 DPI. You can think of DPI, or "dots per inch", as how many ink droplets are contained within a square inch of your print.

Based on the resolution of the Pentax KP the image below shows the largest recommended print size, in order to preserve the best image quality of your photo. When determining the maximum print size we assume you are starting with an image at the full resolution of the camera. Many factors go into print quality, including whether you've cropped your image, which also reduces the print size based on how much you crop the image.

13.3” 20.1”

Pentax KP Pixel Size

After sensor size, pixel size is an important characteristic related to image quality. For a given sensor size larger size pixels on a camera sensor are generally better at sensing light and contrast.

This generally translates into less noise in your image. It is also a related aspect to a camera’s low light or indoor performance. The Pentax KP has a calculated pixel size of 3.91 microns.

Pixel Size 3.91 Pentax KP
*Pixel size is a relationship between sensor size and megapixels. The above numbers are averages from a selection of camera types and would vary from camera to camera.

Pentax KP Size Comparison

The Pentax KP measures out to 132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″). Remember to account for any lenses or other accessories you might pair with your camera to figure out an overall size.

3.98" high 5.2" wide 2.99" deep
7.69” high 7.27” wide 3.2” deep

Pentax KP Weight Comparison

This is how the Pentax KP measures up to other common portable electronics. For portability also take a look at the size in the section above.

0.5 lbs
1.55 lbs
4 lbs

Pentax KP Battery Life Estimates

If you’re wondering how long your camera battery will last, the CIPA rating for the Pentax KP is 390 shots.

In order to put this into context we’ve provided an hour estimate based on common uses. This is meant to be a general guideline and will fluctuate based on the camera features you’re using, such as video or continuous focus.

Type of Battery D-LI109

How long before next charge?

Everyday Shooting



How long before next charge?

13 hours

* This rating is based on an estimate of 30 photos an hour.

Photoshoot or Studio Shooting



How long before next charge?

1.56 hours

* This rating is based on an estimate of 250 photos an hour. Many photographers will take less but this will cover even those that are trigger happy.

Pentax KP Specs

Sensor

Megapixels More megapixels does not mean image quality is better, but you can print larger or crop much more 24
Sensor Type CMOS
Sensor Size Larger sensor usually results in better low light performance APS-C (1.5x)
Crop factor 1.5
AA Filter With no Anti-Aliasing filter on the sensor, you might get slightly sharper images Optional
Body Stabilization The camera can help stabilize your shot if you are not completely stable. It also works in video mode Sensor-shift
Processor PRIME IV
Lens Mount Pentax KAF2

Image

ISO Range The higher the number, the better your chances of photographing in dark environments 100 - 819200
Expanded ISO Range Even higher than normal ISO range, but shows more noise. Useful for extreme situations -
Minimum Shutter Speed Take long exposure shots for more seconds (night sky, star trails) 30 sec
Maximum Shutter Speed Normally 1/4000 is more than enough for 99% scenarios, but in extremely bright situations, going higher is useful 1/6000 sec
Bulb Mode Hold the shutter button for as many seconds/minutes/hours as you wish Yes
Built-in Flash Helpful for basic low light situations, but do not expect nice results due to harsh front light No
Flash Sync Speed Shoot with a flash at a higher maximum shutter speed 1/180

Display

LCD Size (inches) Bigger screens allow you to see better and navigate more easily 3
LCD Resolution See more details when looking at your rear LCD screen 921000
Touch Screen Use your fingers to navigate or select focus points on the screen No
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism design results in better viewfinder quality Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Magnification Your subject appears bigger in the viewfinder 0.95×(0.63× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Coverage This number tells you how much of the world you see when looking through the viewfinder. If 100%, it means you see exactly what you get on the shot 1
Articulating LCD Helpful when shooting a subject below or above you, as well as selfies Yes
Top LCD Screen Preview and change your settings quicker without constantly having to look at the rear LCD Yes
Focus Peaking The camera highlights what's in focus. This can be very useful for video recording Yes

Connections & Storage

Memory Card Slot Two memory card slots allow you to backup your files or record different formats on each SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support Faster transferring of your photographs and videos UHS-I
Wi-Fi Easily share your files Yes
NFC Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files No
GPS Store the exact location of your shot No
Bluetooth Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files No
Microphone Jack Allows you to add an external, higher quality microphone Yes
HDMI HDMI output is useful for advanced video work No
USB Type Much faster file transferring speeds USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)

Video

Video Resolution Higher resolution means more detail, especially when viewed on bigger monitors 1920x1080 (60i/​50i/​30p/​25p/​24p)
Video Format MPEG-4, H.264

Speed

Frames per Second You can take more pictures per second (great for wildlife and sports) 7.1
Auto Focus Points The more auto focus points, the more specific you can be with framing your subject across the viewfinder 27
Time Lapse Useful function for letting the camera take pictures at a specific interval Yes
JPEG Buffer You can take more JPEG shots before having to wait for the buffer to empty 35
RAW Buffer You can take more RAW shots before having to wait for the buffer to empty 10

Body & Battery

Battery D-LI109
Battery Life Spend more time taking photographs and recording videos without having to charge the battery 390 shots
Environmentally Sealed More protection against water, dust and other elements Yes
Weight Easier to carry around 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
Size 132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″)
Price

Have any Questions?

If you're considering whether to purchase the Pentax KP and have any questions we're happy to help. We also provide buying advice for Pentax KP lenses and accessories, so feel free to reach out and ask us if your not quite sure what to get.

Pentax KP Specifications Table

Megapixels24
Sensor TypeCMOS
Sensor SizeAPS-C (1.5x)
Crop factor1.5
AA FilterOptional
Body StabilizationSensor-shift
ProcessorPRIME IV
Lens MountPentax KAF2
ISO Range100 - 819200
Expanded ISO Range-
Minimum Shutter Speed30 sec
Maximum Shutter Speed1/6000 sec
Bulb ModeYes
Built-in FlashNo
Flash Sync Speed1/180
LCD Size (inches)3
LCD Resolution921000
Touch ScreenNo
Viewfinder TypeOptical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Magnification0.95×(0.63× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Coverage1
Articulating LCDYes
Top LCD ScreenYes
Focus PeakingYes
Memory Card SlotSD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS SupportUHS-I
Wi-FiYes
NFCNo
GPSNo
BluetoothNo
Microphone JackYes
HDMINo
USB TypeUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Video Resolution1920x1080 (60i/​50i/​30p/​25p/​24p)
Video FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Frames per Second7.1
Auto Focus Points27
Time LapseYes
JPEG Buffer35
RAW Buffer10
BatteryD-LI109
Battery Life390 shots
Environmentally SealedYes
Weight703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
Size132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″)
Price$$$

Frequently Asked Questions for the Pentax KP

  • Does the Pentax KP have in-body Image Stabilization?

    The Pentax KP includes: Sensor-shift Image Stabilization.

  • Does the Pentax KP have Environmental Weather Sealing?

    This model does have Weather Sealing.

  • Does the Pentax KP have built-in GPS?

    This camera does not feature GPS shot location.

  • What is the Max ISO of the Pentax KP?

    The Max ISO is 100 - 819200. The expanded ISO range will give you -.

  • What is the Sensor Size of Pentax KP?

    The Pentax KP features a APS-C (1.5x) sensor.

  • Does the Pentax KP have a Touch Screen?

    There is not a touchscreen on this model.

  • How many frames per second (fps) can the Pentax KP shoot?

    This camera is rated for 7.1 fps.

  • What is the Weight of Pentax KP?

    This camera weighs 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz);

  • What are the Dimensions of Pentax KP?

    This camera's dimensions are 132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″);

  • What kind of memory card slots are on the Pentax KP?

    The Pentax KP works with SD / SDHC / SDXC memory cards.

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