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Pentax K-7 dSLR Review
Review posted 2/1/2010
The K-7 is Pentax's latest K-series model, featuring all of the options and technologies we have come to enjoy from this rugged line of enthusiast to professional level dSLRs. The K-7 improves upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, the K20D and K10D. With a similar feature set, this new model boasts several improvements, like a newly designed 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, Pentax's latest PRIME II processing unit, 77-segement metering system, broadened shutter speed range, HD video recording with automatic or manual aperture control, and much more.
Quick Take |
Pros |
| Durable weather, dust and cold resistant body; Speedy performance in normal shooting modes; Produced pleasing photos in a wide variety of conditions; Great ISO performance up to ISO 3200; Awesome 3.0-inch LCD; Capable movie mode with aperture control; Cool in-camera HDR mode; Excellent battery life; Competitively priced |
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Cons |
| Slow Live View performance; ISO 6400 is riddled with noise; Buffer fills quickly in burst mode |
Bottom Line |
| Pentax has created a versatile dSLR model that is sure to please a wide range of photographers. With a durable weather, dust, and cold resistant shell, the K-7 is ready for action no matter what the environment may be. Read more in our Full Conclusion. |
The K-7 is Pentax's latest K-series model, featuring all of the options and technologies we have come to enjoy from this rugged line of enthusiast to professional level dSLRs. The K-7 improves upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, the K20D and K10D. With a similar feature set, this new model boasts several improvements, like a newly designed 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, Pentax's latest PRIME II processing unit, 77-segement metering system, broadened shutter speed range, HD video recording with automatic or manual aperture control, and much more.
PENTAX K-7 Features:
- Redesigned 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Shake Reduction compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced
- 3.0-inch high resolution (920k pixel), wide-view LCD monitor
- PRIME image processing engine
- Custom Image modes, with six preset options
- Enhanced Dynamic Range mode
- In-camera HDR with two level options
- Durable, weather, dust and cold resistant body
- Dust Reduction and Dust Alert features
- Advanced 77-segment metering and 11-point AF, with 9 cross sensors
- Lens mount: PENTAX KAF2
- Compatible with PENTAX K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required)
- Imporved glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field of view
- Up to ISO 6400 in the Expanded Sensitivity setting
- Custom Settings to personalize camera operations
- Auto P-TTL pop-up flash - Guide number approx. 13 at ISO 100
- Shutter speeds from 1/8000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
- 10 exposure modes options, including Green mode, Programmed auto, Shutter speed priority (Tv), Aperture priority (Av) Sensitivity priority (Sv), Shutter & Aperture priority (TAv) Manual (M), Bulb (B), Flash sync speed (X), and USER
- Record video at 1280x720, 1536x1024, and 640x416 at 30fps with sound
- Continuous shooting at 5.2fps in Hi mode
- Optional infrared remote control model F
- Uses SDi and SDHC type flash memory cards
- USB 2.0 hi-speed connectivity, PictBridge and Print Image Matching III compatible
- Powered by Lithium-Ion battery pack D-LI90 (7.4 V, 1860 mAh) AC charger included
The K-7 body only kit has a MSRP of $1,299.95 US, and is available now.
In the box:
- K-7 Body
- Li-ion Battery D-LI90
- USB Cable I-USB7
- AV Cable I-AVC7
- Battery Charge Cradle D-BC90
- AC Plug Cord
- Strap O-ST53
- Hotshoe Cover FK
- Eyecup FR
- Body Mount Cover
- Finder Cap for ME
- Focusing Screen MF-60 Frame Matte
- Bottom Cap
- PC Socket Cap
- Manual
- Software CD-ROM
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
