Pentax's new compact SLR
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Pentax's new compact SLR

Lilian Dach
8.2.2017
Translation: machine translated

With its Pentax KP, the Japanese manufacturer presents a compact SLR camera that will appeal to beginners and experienced photographers alike. This model is perfect for everyday use, is an excellent travel companion and can be used to capture superb images during outdoor activities.

Why it's such a good partner

For the KP, Pentax has focused first and foremost on ease of use and good ergonomics. The swivelling 3-inch screen, integrated WiFi function and reduced-to-essentials control elements all contribute to this. The compact, stable body with its typical Pentax design is dustproof and weatherproof. What's more, the Pentax KP can easily withstand temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees and houses a high-performance 24.3 megapixel sensor. As a gadget, you'll receive three interchangeable grips with the camera. And to make sure you get the best shots even in poor lighting, Pentax has raised the ISO range to 819,200. The 5-axis image stabiliser ensures sharp images. A selection of 40 lenses and various accessories perfectly complements the Pentax KP.

Pentax KP Body (24.32 Mpx, APS-C / DX)
Cameras

Pentax KP Body

24.32 Mpx, APS-C / DX

Pentax KP Body (24.32 Mpx, APS-C / DX)
Cameras

Pentax KP Body

24.32 Mpx, APS-C / DX

Product highlights

  • High-resolution 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor
  • Powerful image processor
  • Resistant to dust, weather and cold down to minus 10 degrees
  • Compact and lightweight
  • 5-axis image stabilisation
  • Astrotracer function
  • Live View function - to see the result of your adjustments live
  • ISO 819 200 for good images when the lighting is poor
  • Full HD video
  • 27 autofocus points
  • 3-inch screen, rotatable
  • WiFi so you can share photos with ease
  • Up to 400 shots on a single battery charge

Safe to hold and easy to use

To make holding the Pentax KP safe and comfortable, you can screw on a grip in size S, M or L. For long and heavy lenses, we recommend using a power grip. To do this, take the handle in size L. Using the camera can be simplified: there are many ways to adapt its functions to your needs.

The camera is particularly easy to hold and use. Pentax has ensured that only the most important buttons and controls are integrated. The simplified menu helps you quickly understand the camera and how to use it. For example, there are two rings for shutter speed and shutter release. There's one of the "Smart Function" rings from the Pentax K-1 professional camera and three programmable function keys that can be individually adapted. In addition, four different modes are pre-programmed as standard. You can, for example, make ideal settings very quickly for landscapes, macros and astrophotos. What's more, the Pentax KP also has a Live View function. If you activate it, you can see the end result of the settings you've made on the camera screen. This means you see what your photo looks like at the end and can, if necessary, further adjust your settings.

Thanks to the built-in WiFi function, you can control the camera with your mobile phone and share photos with your friends. To do this, the WiFi function must be used with the "Image Sync" app for iOS / for Android. The latter allows you to email your photos and videos directly or share them on social networks.

Fast autofocus, image stabilisation and Astrotracer function

The Pentax KP's autofocus has been reworked. It is more precise and faster than that of previous models. Its 27 autofocus points, 25 of which are crossed, allow you to select the pattern more quickly and focus it faster. There's an additional pre-programmed mode that helps you focus at 8 frames per second or, in Live View mode, provides distance measurement with facial recognition. When focusing manually, you can enlarge the screen by up to 16 times. Built-in 5-axis image stabilisation ensures sharp images: it compensates for horizontal and vertical movements, as well as tilting.
To adapt the framing horizontally and vertically, you can use the "shooting assistance" function. This sensor shift function can also be used for the Astrotracer function - which makes it easier to photograph stars.

High ISO for difficult lighting conditions and Full HD video

To enable you to achieve the best results even when the lighting is poor, in its new SLR camera, Pentax has increased the maximum ISO value to 819,200. With the high-performance sensor and fast image processor, your sunset photos will be nice and sharp. Admittedly, the KP doesn't have a 4K video function, but can still take 4K photos and gives you good Full HD video with up to 30 frames per second.

Header image: The compact Pentax KP is available in black or silver.

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Lilian Dach
Category Development Manager
lilian.dach@digitecgalaxus.ch

I’ve had a fascination for content marketing ever since uni. My aim is to generate great content – any requests are welcome. Photography is what I’m passionate about and so is shopping. So I’ve definitely found my place in the online business at digitec!


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