Pentax's enthusiast APS-C DSLR with a compact body, IBIS, and pixel-shift resolution.
The Pentax KP was released in January 2017 as Pentax's compact professional APS-C DSLR — smaller and lighter than the K-3 series while carrying the same 24.32MP sensor without an anti-aliasing filter and the SAFOX 11 AF module. Weather and dust sealing covers 67 individual points on buttons, dials, covers, and body joints, with freeze protection to -10°C. The ISO range reaches 819,200 in expanded mode — a combination of native sensitivity and multi-frame compositing. Three interchangeable grip sizes are included.
The 24.32MP APS-C CMOS sensor without AA filter pairs with the PRIME IV processor. The SAFOX 11 AF system provides 27 points with 25 cross-type sensors. Burst shooting runs at approximately 7fps. ISO extends to 819,200 in expanded mode. Weather sealing covers 67 individual points with freeze protection to -10°C. Battery life approximately 390 shots using the D-LI109, body weight approximately 703g with battery and card, single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.
The 25 cross-type AF points out of 27 total is the SAFOX 11's key practical specification: most APS-C DSLRs of the era provided cross-type coverage only at the centre point or a small cluster, while the SAFOX 11's near-complete cross-type coverage extends reliable tracking to off-centre subjects. The 67-point weather sealing with freeze protection to -10°C provides protection for outdoor and winter photography. The compact body size relative to the K-3 series reduces pack weight for mountain and field use.
On the used market the Pentax KP is available at affordable Pentax DSLR prices. Condition checks: SAFOX 11 AF response across the 27 points, shutter count via EXIF, weather sealing at port covers and body joints, and D-LI109 battery health. The D-LI109 is specific to KP, K-70, and K-r bodies. Compatible with all Pentax K-mount lenses including DA, DFA, FA, and older K-mount manual-focus glass.