A durable, functional body, smaller than any other in its class
The K-7 is built exceptionally solid and durable with a chassis made of a highly rigid stainless-steel alloy and a housing made of a durable but lightweight magnesium-steel alloy. Construction includes 77 seals for weather, dust and cold-resistance for reliable operation even under harsh conditions and at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The camera also features a newly designed shutter unit providing a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and the outstanding durability to withstand 100,000 shutter releases.
Despite all these features, the K-7 is one of the most compact and functional photo enthusiast level models in the market.
High-quality image reproduction
The K-7 incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.4mm by 15.6mm and featuring a high-speed, four-channel image data readout. With approximately 14.6 effective megapixels, this image sensor more accurately produces fine-detailed, gradation-rich images. With the adverse effects of digital noise significantly reduced, the sensitivity may be increased from ISO 100 up to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).
High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The K-7 features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II, an upgrade of the original PRIME, as its imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers faster data-processing speed for higher quality images with richer gradation and more accurate color rendition. The system also offers high-speed movie data transmission.
High-quality movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels; 30-frames-per-second
The K-7 adds a new movie recording function, extending the benefits of SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For instance, reduce the depth of field to make the subject stand out, or use different lenses to create distinctive visual effects. Beautiful movie clips can recorded at different sizes – 640 x 416 pixels, 1536 x 1024 pixels, or 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 high-definition TV proportions) – at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The K-7 is also equipped with an HDMI terminal and an external microphone input terminal for high quality sound to match your videos.
Large, easy-to-view 3.0 inch wide-view LCD monitor with 921,000 dot resolution
The K-7 features a large 3.0 inch color LCD monitor with 921,000 dot resolution. The wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally, facilitating low and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.
High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 5.2 images per second
The high-speed continuous shooting mode captures as many as 40 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 5.2 images per second, allowing photographers to follow the movement of an active subject or preserve a sequence of the subject’s expressions.
New 77-segment multi-pattern metering
Newly-developed for the K-7, a sophisticated 77-segment multi-pattern metering system greatly improves light-metering accuracy. By accurately analyzing various types of data (such as the image’s composition and format between upright and horizontal, and the subject’s distance and magnification) transmitted from the sensors in the camera body, this system greatly improves the accuracy of exposure control.
Live View image confirmation with Face Recognition AF and high-speed continuous shooting modes
The K-7 features the Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor during shooting. This function is available not only in the Contrast AF mode, which optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast, but also in the Face Recognition AF mode, which automatically and accurately focuses on the subject’s face. A newly developed diaphragm-control mechanism allows the Live View function be used during Continuous Shooting mode with the mirror at lock-up position.
Optical viewfinder provides 100 percent field of view
The K-7 glass prism finder offers 100 percent field of view and an approximately 0.92X magnification to facilitate focusing and framing operations. A new Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen improves focusing accuracy during manual-focus operation.
New 11-point wide-frame AF sensor
The K-7′s new SAFOX VIII Plus wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). By adding the light source type to its data range, and driven by a greatly improved algorithm, PENTAX improved the AF system assuring reliable, responsive autofocus operation superior in speed and accuracy to the previous system. The K-7 also incorporates an AF-assist spotbeam projector in its built-in flash unit to improve autofocusing accuracy in the dark.
Next-generation Shake Reduction mechanism*
The K-7 features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively compensates the adverse effect of camera shake by approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter stops, assuring sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions. This innovative mechanism is compatible with all PENTAX interchangeable lenses ever produced. This new-generation version allows complete shift freedom, including rotationally, of the image-sensor regardless of the camera’s inclination. The mechanism also provides user-friendly new functions such as Automatic Level Adjustment and Minute Angle Adjustment (up/down, right/left and clockwise/counterclockwise) to help photographers compose images exactly to their specifications.
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
New DR II mechanism to minimize dust spots
The K-7 is equipped with a newly developed Dust Removal (DR II) mechanism to more effectively remove dust and minimize spots on recorded images even after changing lenses in dust-prone outdoor settings. Using a piezo-ceramic vibration action, the system shifts or vibrates the low-pass filter located in front of the CMOS image sensor at supersonic speed to remove dust more efficiently. A unique dust-alert system also allows users to check for dust adhering to the low-pass filter prior to actual shooting.
Custom Image function to easily create desired visual effects
The K-7′s Custom Image function lets the user control the image’s finishing touch to capture their photographic intention, or reproduce the ambience of the scene. With the K-7, the user can select one of seven modes, including the new “Muted” mode designed to recreate an image with delicate, subdued colors. In addition to saturation, tone, contrast and sharpness, the function now makes it possible to adjust “key” and “contrast highlight/shadow” to the desired levels. The effects of these factors may be effortlessly confirmed on a preview image using the Digital Preview or Live View function before finalizing the settings.
Versatile exposure system for exceptional reproduction of creative intentions
Hyper Program function
The K-7′s Hyper Program function allows users to instantly switch to the Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode, with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. To return to the Programmed AE mode, simply press the green button positioned next to the shutter release button.
Hyper Manual function
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.
Sensitivity-Priority mode
The K-7 features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.
Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode
Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras permitting automatic shift of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. This allows the user to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions with great ease.
Powerful rechargeable battery
The K-7 is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 980 images* when fully charged.
*Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash.
Additional features:
- HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures
- Dynamic-range expansion function to compensate for both white-washed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas
- Digital level function for easy checking of the image’s levels
- Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA- and DFA-series lenses)
- White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the color components of sunset scenes and a new incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode
- Multi-exposure function, with a superimposition of already-recorded images on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance comparison
- Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
- RAW button for single-action switching of image file format
- 16 digital filters to add a range of visual effects; a new function to record an overwritten history also available
- Color-specific control buttons/dials for easy recognition and quick access, based on the universal color design
- PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including a RAW-data processing application (based on the popular SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and a browser application
Optional accessory
Battery Grip D-BG4
Exclusively designed for the PENTAX K-7 camera body, the Battery Grip D-BG4 is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery or six AA-size batteries. Since it supplements the camera’s battery as an additional power source, the number of recordable images is greatly increased. To facilitate vertical-position shooting, this grip features extra shutter-release button, preview lever, electronic dials, AE-lock button, Green button and AF button. It also provides the same dustproof, weather- and cold-resistant construction as the camera body itself.
Official Pentax K7 Press Release
Related Content:
Pentax Digital SLR User Reviews
All Digital SLR Reviews
Pentax Cameras Forum
Digital SLRs Forum
All Pentax News And Articles
Pentax Web Site
This camera looks awesome. My only regret is that it does not feature a full frame sensor.
Yay!
Tough competition for Canon and Nikon!
Thanks for the comment, Amy. Why are you concerned about full frame? What are you shooting with now? Personally, I think full frame is over-hyped and unnecessary for most photographers. Sure, it has its benefits. But if the K7 fits your needs and has good image quality, why worry about whether or not it has a full frame sensor?
“A Dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions. ”
Finally! What i’ve been waiting for. Usually on friends’ gatherings i usually dont bring a flash coz i find it cumbersome and too unstable placing it among the beers on the table. The very first reason why i got rid of my canon system in favor of Nikon. If you’re having fun – you don’t go about worrying about mounting and unmounting the flash.
Pentax people – am also waiting for the tiltable LCD. If you can do that this year – before the d400 shows up – i might be tempted to divert the budget for a secondary system again. Canon is too engrossed with their sensor making ability that they forgot all about the other aspects of the camera and the innovations thereof.
Great camera Pentax.
“Canon is too engrossed with their sensor making ability that they forgot all about the other aspects of the camera and the innovations thereof.”
Funny – and you might be right. Although at the moment think Nikon is the sensor leader. I’ve been using the Olympus DSLRs with tilt/swivel LCDs for a while and I love them. It’s gotten so I hate not having a tilt/swivel LCD. It really is a no-brainer, big benefit feature.
How many of you would pay twice the price for a FF version of the K-7 like the Canon 5D Mark II ? I pre-ordered the K-7 and don’t mind that it’s not FF. BTW I still have the Pentax 67 system.
I own ist D, K10D, K20D, FF never has been an issue to being published. The K20D I loved with one exception the lack of frame per second for sports work. I am salivating for the K-7 though with economy I need to wait unitl the end of the year to get it. might need to be my Xmas present
Have been a happy K20d avec da* lens for over a year – the main reason was ergonomics and IQ if the K7d retains the same high level of comfort with decent sized glass may need to upgrade.
Although fps is not a major concern focusing speed particularly in low light is the only thing i am a little (only little) dissappointed with can’t wait to suss it out in Australia!
Focus speed and accuracy is one of my main concerns too, Michael. Pentax did say that the K7 has an improved auto focus system and I am looking forward to seeing how it measures up to the competition.
I absolutely love my K10 and have taken it places I wouldn’t dare take other brands. Slightly smaller should be a real advantage and the option of not having to cary around my Sony HDR-SR11 as much will be a real life saver.
i was about to purchase a K20d but was put off by the lower resolution of the screen (320k dots?) compared to the D90 and 50D. i held off because i have a MZ-5N with 2 Sigma lenses and couldn’t justify starting a new kit all together. Welcome to Australia, K7!!!
I own the old ist D and shots with adequate lighting are no problem. But focussing in poor lighting is frustrating. Hope the K7 is an improvement in this aspect. Will save to buy K7 if it’s much better.
I’m at a toss-up between Nikon’s D90 and Pentax’s K7. The only two things that keep me looking at Nikon are lens availability and the commander function for their flashes… Ortherwise it’s looking more and more like the K7 for me, especially since I may be inheriting a Pentax Super Program and 3 lenses…
Surf Wolf
For the benifit of those who are considering buying a K7 and are interested in the rebate of $100, you should think twice. Pentax changed the packaging on K7 about the time that the rebates were announced, but apparently did not tell their rebate vendor, nor did they change the rebate form. The problem now is that everyone’s rebate is being rejected. Both the retailer and Pentax are sympathetic, but in the end you are at the mercy of the third party rebate center. You can only communicate with them via US Mail. It is really a mess.
I love the k7 as a camera. I am not a big fan of they way Pentax is treating the customers
that’s why I bought D90 instead of k7 because of the treatment they gave my friend who bought it… it really sucks tobe treated as such….