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To KP, or not to KP, that is the question.

Started Dec 7, 2017 | Discussions thread
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To KP, or not to KP, that is the question.

I had convinced myself to get a K-70 to replace my failed K-50, which I really loved but it had the aperture issue and finally died. I just finished selling off what remained of the K-50 (body and accessories, less the lenses which I kept). However, now I'm wavering between the K-70 and the KP. For about the same cost, I could get the K-70 with the 18-135 lens (with the lens discounted as part of the kit, and it seems like a very nice lens) and the KP body only. Any thoughts? After reading many reviews, below are my key comparison points.

Plus and minus for the K-70:

+ Similar in handling to the K-50, which I really enjoyed for ergonomics

+ Overall value of the body, plus the value of the discount on the 18-135 when purchased with the kit.

+ More powerful built-in flash (GN12). I know many people dislike built-in flash, but I definitely want one and was always pleased with the K-50 flash which had equal power.

+ Better autofocus during video (I don't do much video, but this seemed like a good feature).

- On-board flash no longer serves as a wireless controller (I own a AF360FGZ flash, but I rarely used this wireless feature. But still, why take that away when the K-50 had it?)

- Less autofocus and exposure points (though I never had a problem with the 11 points on the K-50).

- Perhaps of more substantial concern - I just can't find a definitive answer to the question as to whether or not the K-70 might suffer from the same aperture solenoid issue as the K-50 as the units age in the marketplace.

Plus and minus for the KP:

+ Supposedly higher quality construction. I don't care too much about magnesium vs. plastic, but if this means the shutter won't have the aperture problem, that is a definite plus.

+ Better specs on autofocus, exposure points, and high ISO

+ Flash can server as wireless controller

+ Extra control wheel and more customization on controls. Though the two wheels and the green button on the K-50 were just fine for me.

- Rear screen not fully articulated (never had a camera that was fully articulated, so not sure how important this would be. Tilt is handy though.)

- Flash under powered at GN6. Though, with the higher ISO capability, maybe this is not a problem? Any opinions on this?

- Heavier. I do value light weight.

- Maybe the biggest: The "retro" look doesn't do much for me. And I'm quite concerned about the grips. Even the larges of the interchangeable grips is much smaller than the grip on the K-70. I loved the grip and handling of the K-50, and the K-70 is very similar. I'm afraid I won't like the KP nearly as much. And I've read many people suggesting you could switch out the grips depending on lens used, but I don't want to bother with that.

So my thinking has gone from K-70, to briefly deciding on the KP, then back again to the K-70. Should I change my mind again?

Pentax K-50 Pentax KP
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