Should I upgrade from the Pentax KP to the Pentax K-3 Mark III?
Upgrading is likely worth it. Both use the Pentax K mount, so your lenses fit directly.
What you gain
- 25.7MP instead of 24.3MP
- faster bursts (12fps vs 7fps)
- better video (4K 30p vs 1080p 60)
- 4 years of newer processing and autofocus (2017 → 2021)
What you give up
- a heavier body (820g vs 703g)
What it costs
| K-3 Mark III new | No longer sold new |
| K-3 Mark III used (MPB, typical) | None listed |
| Your KP trade-in (rough estimate) | ≈ £340 |
| Net cost buying used | — |
Trade-in estimates assume about two-thirds of the typical MPB resale price; real offers vary with condition and shutter count.
Specs side by side
Pentax KP specs · Pentax K-3 Mark III specs · best lenses for the K-3 Mark III
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade from the Pentax KP to the Pentax K-3 Mark III?
The upgrade is likely worth it. You gain 25.7MP instead of 24.3MP, faster bursts (12fps vs 7fps), better video (4K 30p vs 1080p 60), 4 years of newer processing and autofocus (2017 → 2021), but you lose a heavier body (820g vs 703g).
How much does it cost to upgrade from the KP to the K-3 Mark III?
The K-3 Mark III costs No longer sold new new. Trading in a used KP might bring roughly £340, so the net cost is around £0 buying used (a rough estimate: get quotes from MPB, Wex and Park Cameras).
Will my KP lenses work on the K-3 Mark III?
Both use the Pentax K mount, so your lenses fit directly.