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PRODUCT REVIEWS
Keeping pace with Pentax's KP DSLR; hands-on with On1 Photo RAW 2017 and going deep with the Vuze virtual reality camera. BY GREG SCOBLETE
PENTAX KP
If you've followed the evolution of the Pentax product line, the KP is an extremely familiar species. It's weatherproof, bedecked with dials and outfitted with the by-now-familiar suite of niche features that set Pentax models apart from the competition. But the KP boasts a few unique touches all its own.
FEATURES
The KP features a 24-megapixel, APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor. The ISO range stretches from 100 to the rather unorthodox value of 819,200 (Pentax doesn't publish a native range).
You'll enjoy in-body five axis image stabilization good for up to five stops of correction, per CIPA standards. Like most of the Pentax DSLR lineup, the shifting sensor plays a starring role in several unique features. First there's the AA Filter Simulator which can mimic the effect of an anti-aliasing filter when you want to reduce the chance of moiré (it can be turned off and bracketed as well).
There's also a Pixel Shift Resolution mode that compiles a series of images by shifting the image sensor in tiny increments and then combining the images in camera to create a single photo with less noise and more accurate colors. The KP adds a motion correction function to Pixel Shift Resolution which can compensate for subject movement and prevent or reduce image blur if a subject sways during an exposure.
The KP uses a 27-point AF system with 25 cross-type points with metering available down to -3 EV. The mechanical shutter tops off at 1/6000 sec. but there's also an electronic shutter to push speeds up to 1/24,000 sec.
You'll have Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfers. The camera doesn't offer built-in GPS but can work with an accessory unit to enable Pentax's ASTROTRACER feature for shooting long exposures of the night sky without losing the stars in blur.
DESIGN
One of the distinguishing features of the KP is its design. The camera features an interchangeable hand grip. You'll get one grip (attached) in the box but Pentax sells two additional grips for $50. You can remove the grip using a hex key and the screw remains in...