When it comes to choosing a camera, there are many factors to consider. Two of the most popular Pentax cameras on the market right now are the KP and K-70. So, which one is better? In this article, we will compare the two cameras and help you decide which one is best for you. We will cover everything from sensor size to autofocus to price point, so that you can make an informed decision about which camera is right for your needs.
Pentax Brand in General
The company has been in business since 1919 and was originally known as Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. In 2002, the Pentax brand name was acquired by Hoya Corporation and in 2011, Ricoh acquired all of Hoya’s camera-related businesses, including the Pentax brand name.
Pentax cameras are known for their robust build quality, weather-sealing, wide selection of native lenses (especially at longer focal lengths), and generally lower prices than competing models from Canon and Nikon. However, they have tended to lag behind in terms of autofocus speed and video features until recently.
Pentax KP
One such device is the Pentax KP. It’s a DSLR camera that was released in early 2017. It’s a mid-range camera that sits between the budget-friendly K-70 and the more expensive K-S models. The KP has a lot of features that make it appealing to both amateur and professional photographers.
Pentax K-70
It is part of the Pentax KP series of cameras. The K-70 is a successor to the K-50, and was announced on the same day as the KP. The K-70 is targeted at entry-level and amateur photographers. [1]
Comparison of Pentax KP and K-70
No matter how good of a photographer you are, having the right camera for the job is important.
But ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re looking for and what your budget is.
Both Pentax KP and K-70 are great cameras with their own set of features. However, there are some key differences that may make one more appealing to you than the other. Let’s take a look at some of those now!
Design
As anyone who’s ever used a camera will tell you, the design of a camera matters. A lot. And it’s not just about how the camera looks; it’s also about how it feels in your hands and how easy it is to use.
Weather proofness
One of the things that Pentax is known for is their weather-sealed cameras. This means that they’re designed to withstand a variety of conditions, from dusty environments to cold weather and even rain. Pentax’s weather-sealing also extends to their lenses. So, if you’re using one of their sealed lenses, you’ll be able to take advantage of the weather resistance on both cameras.
Weight
Since you’re going to be carrying your camera around with you a lot, weight is an important factor to consider. The Pentax KP weighs in at 703g, while the K-70 is slightly lighter at 688g.
As you can see, both cameras are quite bulky and weight might matter more than you’d think.
Startup time
Of course, you don’t want to miss a photo opportunity because your camera takes too long to start up. This is where the Pentax KP really shines; it has one of the fastest startup times of any DSLR on the market. The K-70, on the other hand, is a bit slower to start up. But it’s still fast enough that you’re not likely to miss any photo opportunities.
Screen resolution
Another important factor to consider is the screen resolution. The higher the screen resolution, the sharper the images will be. Both cameras have a great resolution of 921k dots, so you’ll be able to see your images clearly.
Focus point count
The number of focus points a camera has is important for those who shoot fast-moving subjects or want more precision when placing the point of focus. The higher the number of focus points, the more accurate the camera will be able to focus on your subject. The Pentax KP has 27 focus points, while the K-70 has only 11. If you need more than 11 focus points, the KP is the better choice.
Cross type focus sensors
This is important for autofocusing because it allows the camera to lock onto the subject more quickly and accurately. The Pentax KP has 25 cross type sensors, while the K-70 only has 9. This means that the KP will be better at tracking moving subjects and locking onto the correct focal point.
Optical viewfinder
This is opposed to using the LCD screen on the back of the camera, which is how most people take photos these days.
Luckily, both models have an optical viewfinder. However, the Pentax KP’s is slightly larger, which may be a benefit if you have trouble seeing through smaller viewfinders.
Flip out screen
One of the most important things for vloggers is a flip out screen. This allows you to see yourself while you’re recording, which is crucial for getting good footage. Both the Pentax KP and the K-70 have a flip out screen, so you can use this feature to take the trickiest shots.
Built-in focus motor
This was previously a feature only available on DSLRs, but has recently trickled down into some of the more advanced mirrorless cameras. The Pentax KP and K-70 both have built in focus motors.
Viewfinder coverage
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a camera is the coverage of the viewfinder. Both KP and K-70 have 100% coverage, meaning what you see in the viewfinder is exactly what will be captured in your photo. However, KP’s viewfinder is slightly larger, making it easier to compose your shots.
Hot shoe
One of the most important aspects of a camera is its hot shoe. This allows you to attach an external flash or other accessory to the top of the camera, expanding its capabilities. Since both the Pentax KP and K-70 have a hot shoe, they are evenly matched in this respect.
Flash
Flash is one of the most important tools in a photographer’s arsenal. It can be used to create dramatic lighting effects, fill in shadows, and freeze action. In low light situations, flash can be used to brighten up a scene or subject.
Both the Pentax KP and K-70 have built-in flash units. However the Pentax KP’s flash has a bigger coverage of 12.0m while the K-70’s only has 6.0m.
This allows the Pentax KP to be used in a wider range of situations, making it the better choice for those who need a versatile camera.
Volume
The next thing to consider is the volume of your camera. Pentax K-70 is around 863 cm³, while the Pentax KP is around 1013 cm³. So, the KP is larger than the K-70. However, the difference in size is not that significant and both cameras should fit nicely into your bag. What’s more important is how the camera feels in your hands and whether you find it comfortable to use.
Presence of the touch screen
The touch screen is one of the most important features on a camera. It allows you to quickly and easily change settings, review your photos, and even take pictures.
Sadly, neither the Pentax KP or the K-70 have a touch screen. This is a bit of a disappointment, especially for the K-70 which is a newer model.
Screen adjustability
One of the most important aspects of a camera’s design is how adjustable the screen is. The K-70 has a three-inch vari-angle LCD screen with a resolution of 920k dots. This is very useful for composing shots at awkward angles, as well as for shooting video. The KP does not have a vari-angle screen, but it does have a tilting LCD screen with the same resolution.
Price
At $968, the Pentax KP is a bit more expensive than the K-70, which costs $616. So, if price is a major factor in your decision, you may want to go with the K-70.
But, as we all know, sometimes you get what you pay for. And in this case, the slightly higher price of the KP may be worth it for some features that we’ll talk about later. [1]
Video
Now that we went over the basics, let’s talk about video. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re interested in photography first and foremost. But, with the rise of YouTube and other video-sharing sites, more and more people are interested in getting good video footage from their cameras.
Video resolution
Video resolution is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a camera. The higher the video resolution, the sharper and more detailed the video will be. When it comes to video resolution, Pentax KP and K-70 are both great cameras. Pentax KP offers a maximum video resolution of 1920×1080 at 60 fps, while K-70 offers a maximum video resolution of 1920×1080 at 30 fps.
If you’re looking for the highest quality video, then Pentax KP is the better camera. However, if you’re looking for something that’s more budget-friendly, then K-70 might be a better option.
Presence of continuous autofocus
One of the most important features for video is continuous autofocus. This is a feature that allows the camera to keep focus on a moving subject. It’s essential for getting smooth and sharp footage of things like animals or kids running around.
Both cameras are equipped with this feature, so you’ll be able to get great video footage with either one.
Slow motion support
Slow Motion support is a great way to show off your skills, or just have some extra fun while shooting video. It’s a neat feature, but it’s not essential for everyone. If you think you’ll use it often, then neither the KP or the K-70 will be an option since neither camera offers slow motion support. If you don’t think you’ll use it often, then the KP or K-70 both offer great video quality and features, so it comes down to personal preference.
Timelapse function
The idea is simple: take a series of photos over a period of time and then put them together to create a moving image. This can be done with any camera, but it is especially useful with DSLRs because they have the ability to take high-quality photos over long periods of time.
The Pentax KP and K-70 both have timelapse features, so if you’re interested in this type of photography, they are both good cameras to consider. [1]
Audio
Not only photo and video quality, but also audio is an important aspect to consider when choosing a camera.
Mic input
In a DSLR, the microphone input is used to record high-quality audio to accompany your video footage. If you’re shooting a wedding or event, for example, having great sound to go along with your beautiful visuals can make a big difference in the overall quality of your video.
Both cameras come with a stereo microphone input that can be used to connect an external microphone.
Number of mics supported
Number of mics supported is also an important factor to consider. If you’re shooting a video with multiple people, you’ll need more than one microphone to get good sound from all angles.
Both the Pentax KP and K-70 can support up to two external microphones so, if you’re looking to get great audio with your video footage, either of these cameras will be a good option for you. [1]
Battery
Of course one of the most important factors in any camera is the battery capabilities. After all, what good is a camera if it can’t even stay powered on for very long?
Battery life
When it comes to choosing between the Pentax KP and the K-70, one of the most important factors to consider is battery life. The Pentax K-70 will last for 410 shots, and has a slightly longer battery life than the Pentax KP which can last for 390 shots, meaning you’ll be able to take more photos before having to recharge. However, both cameras have excellent battery life compared to other DSLRs on the market.
Presence of a removable battery
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a camera is whether or not the battery is removable. This is especially important if you plan on traveling with your camera, as you’ll want to be able to swap out batteries if one dies. Fortunately, both the Pentax KP and K-70 have removable batteries.
Presence of a rechargeable battery
It’s no secret that if you’re someone who takes a lot of photos or videos, then you’ll definitely want to choose a camera with a long-lasting battery. And if you’re planning on traveling with your camera, it’s worth considering how easy it will be to find replacement batteries for your particular model. Both the Pentax KP and the K-70 use rechargeable batteries, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power while you’re on the go.
Battery level indicator
One of the most important features on any camera is a battery level indicator. This helps you keep track of how much power you have left, so you can avoid running out of juice at an inopportune moment. Both the Pentax KP and K-70 have battery level indicators, so you’ll always know how much power you have left.
Battery power
Battery life can be measured not only in terms of how many shots can be taken with a single battery but also in terms of overall battery power. Both the Pentax KP and K-70 use a similar 1200mAh battery. This means that both cameras use similar amounts of power and neither one is particularly power hungry. [1]
Features
Features are what makes a camera, a camera. It’s the specifications and functions of the device that allows you to take those great photos. Some features are more important to some photographers than others. Different camera models come with different features, and that’s what makes each one unique. It’s important to know what you want before making your purchase.
HDMI output
The HDMI output is important because it allows you to connect your camera to an external monitor or TV. This is useful for two main reasons:
First, it lets you see what you’re shooting in real-time. This is helpful for making sure that your shots are lined up correctly, and for checking the composition of your shot before you take it.
Second, it allows you to playback your footage on a bigger screen. This is great for showing off your work to friends and family, or for simply enjoying your videos and photos on a larger screen than the camera’s LCD display.
HDMI output is also important for connecting certain accessories, like an external audio recorder. For example, if you’re shooting video with the K-70, you’ll need to use an HDMI cable to connect an external microphone if you want to get better audio quality.
Since only K-70 has a HDMI output, this might be a factor that you need to take into account when choosing between the two cameras.
Wi-Fi support
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing between the Pentax KP and K-70 is Wi-Fi support. Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera to your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to transfer photos and videos.
Both Pentax KP and K-70 are fairly recent cameras, so they both offer Wi-Fi support. So, if you’re looking for a camera that you can connect to your smartphone or tablet, either of these cameras would be a good option.
Image stabilization
An image stabilization system (often abbreviated as IS) is a mechanism used in cameras to reduce blur caused by camera shake.
The two main types of image stabilization systems are optical and digital. Optical image stabilization uses mechanical means to stabilize the position of the lens or mirror, while digital image stabilization relies on electronic processing to cancel out the effects of camera shake.
Image stabilization can be very useful for hand-held photography, especially in low light conditions or when using long lenses. Many modern cameras have some form of image stabilization built-in, but it is important to understand how these systems work before relying on them too heavily.
Both the Pentax KP and the K-70 have in-body optical image stabilization, which means that every lens you attach to either camera will benefit from the shake reduction system.
Card slots
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a camera is the number of card slots it has. This is because the more slots there are, the greater the chances that your photos will be safely stored. The Pentax KP has two SD card slots while the K-70 only has one. This means that you have more storage options with the KP and that your photos are less likely to be lost if one of the cards fails.
RAW support
RAW support is important for anyone who wants to get the most out of their photos. RAW files are uncompressed and contain all of the data captured by the sensor. This gives you much more flexibility when editing your photos, as you can make changes without affecting the quality of the image.
Both the Pentax KP and K-70 support RAW files, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your photos no matter which camera you choose.
Remote smartphone support
In the past, if you wanted to control your camera remotely, you needed to buy an expensive remote control and connect it to your camera with a cable. Nowadays, most cameras have built-in Wi-Fi support that lets you connect your camera to your smartphone and use your phone as a remote control. This is a great feature that can be very useful in certain situations (e.g., taking group photos or self-portraits). However, not all cameras have this feature. The Pentax KP and K-70 are two of the cameras that do have remote smartphone support.
If you think you might ever want to use your camera remotely, then the remote smartphone support is a great feature to have. If you never plan on using this feature, then it’s not a big deal.
GPS support
GPS support is important for a number of reasons. First, it allows you to geotag your photos. This means that you can see exactly where each photo was taken, which can be handy for organizing and sorting your images later on. Additionally, GPS can be used to automatically set the correct time and date on your camera (useful if you’re traveling to different time zones), as well as to track your movements for creating time lapses or panoramas.
The Pentax KP has built-in GPS support, while the K-70 does not have any GPS functionality. If GPS support is important to you, then the KP is the better choice. However, if you don’t think you’ll use GPS features, then the K-70 is still a great camera. [1]
FAQ
Is the Pentax KP worth it?
The Pentax KP is a great camera if you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and has excellent image quality. It’s also very affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious photographers.
However, there are some drawbacks to the Pentax KP. One is that it doesn’t have as many features as some of the more expensive cameras on the market. Additionally, its autofocus system isn’t as fast or accurate as some of the other options out there.
Is the Pentax k70 a good camera?
Pentax K70 is a great entry-level DSLR camera. It has a 24.24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and an ISO range of 100-204800. The autofocus system is also very good, with 11 focus points and a maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds.
The only downside to the k70 is that it doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity, so you’ll need to purchase an optional wireless remote control in order to transfer photos wirelessly to your computer or smartphone.
When did the Pentax K-70 come out?
The Pentax K-70 was released in 2016 while the Pentax KP was released in early 2017. Both cameras are fairly new to the market, but the KP is the newer model.
Is Pentax KP waterproof?
Pentax KP is not waterproof, but it is weather-sealed. This means that it can withstand some exposure to the elements, but you wouldn’t want to take it out in a downpour. If you want to protect your camera from the elements, you can buy a waterproof case.
Useful Video: Pentax K-70 vs KP camera review
Conclusion
This concludes our article on the Pentax KP vs. K-70. We hope you enjoyed it and found it useful in helping you make your decision on which camera is better for you. As we can see, both cameras have their pros and cons, so it really comes down to what you value most in a camera. The Pentax KP has a lot of features that makes it a great camera, such as its weather-sealed body, GPS, and better focus. However, it is also a bit more expensive than the K-70. The K-70 on the other hand, is a great camera for its price point. It has many of the same features as the KP, such as weather-sealing and an articulating screen. It also comes with a HDMI port which KP is lacking. So, which camera is better for you? It really depends on what you need and want in a camera. Both KP and K-70 are fairly recent cameras, so they should both be around for awhile. Thanks for reading and we hope this article helped you make your decision!
References
- https://cameradecision.com/compare/Pentax-KP-vs-Pentax-K-70