Pentax K-7

[Lore]

http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr/K-7

Interesting features packed into this little weatherproof package, things I pulled out that I liked if one finds they don't want to click the link

Lens Correction function
A Lens Correction function adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations, allowing you to maximize your image quality for every digital lens.

I'm not a 'creative modes' type person... but this is neat... if it really does do it right.

HDR image capture mode
An HDR image capture mode blends three separate image exposures to widen the exposure gamut, bringing out detail in all exposure areas of your images.

clearly this can be done IN PP... but to be in camera is very interesting

Embedded copyright feature
Programmable embedded copyright information preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during image capture.

this is pretty neat IMO...

Electronic level function
Electronic level function ensures your pictures have level horizons, minimizing post-capture editing.

[Mocows]

I was interested in the two Weather Resistant Lenses here:

18-55mm for 199.95 USD
50-200mm for 249.95 USD

Pretty sweet prices for protected lenses.

[robojack]

Yes, but they're not constant aperture, which is why they're lower-priced. And for some reason, the green stripe on the lenses really cheapen their appearance.

[Lore]

Originally Posted by robojack

Yes, but they're not constant aperture, which is why they're lower-priced. And for some reason, the green stripe on the lenses really cheapen their appearance.

IF one were to go that route, the better professional grade + weather resistant combo to go with would be

smc PENTAX DA Star 16-50mm F2.8
http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-...D_AL_(IF)_SDM/

smc PENTAX DA Star 50-135mm F2.8
http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-...8_ED_(IF)_SDM/

& if you wanted to go weather resistant crazy throw in a WR prime! :P
http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-...55mm_F1.4_SDM/

[Lore]

Originally Posted by Lore

HDR image capture mode
An HDR image capture mode blends three separate image exposures to widen the exposure gamut, bringing out detail in all exposure areas of your images.

http://www.adorama.com/ALC/BlogArtic...ookieSupport=1

[palmor]

Originally Posted by Lore

IF one were to go that route, the better professional grade + weather resistant combo to go with would be

smc PENTAX DA Star 16-50mm F2.8
http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-lenses/smc_PENTAX_DA_Star_16-50mm_F2.8_ED_AL_(IF)_SDM/

smc PENTAX DA Star 50-135mm F2.8
http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-lenses/smc_PENTAX_DA_Star_50-135mm_F2.8_ED_(IF)_SDM/

& if you wanted to go weather resistant crazy throw in a WR prime! :P
http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-...55mm_F1.4_SDM/

You also have the DA* 60-250mm f/4, DA* 200mm f/2.8 and DA* 300mm f/4 all of which are weather sealed.

The only one I own is the DA* 300mm which I can say is a great lens. Anyway, as a person who runs both systems I was interested to see if the K-7 was going to cause any talk the Canon forums.


John

[Lore]

Frankly I was surprised it wasn't posted in the 'news' section yet.

[KenjiS]

That sounds like a really cool camera..

the in-camera HDR definately sounds like a neat feature...and the K-7 looks to be pretty robust with its weathersealing...

It also has a 100% viewfinder...

The only sad bit is the AF is probubly not terrific...

And the lack of any Pentax lenses above 300mm

[foxesamu]

Does it replace something, or is it a totally new line? Seems like a D300/50D competitor, but I thought that was the K20D's position.

It sounds nice but there's not much that's shocking about it. Movie mode, 3" screen, CMOS 14MP, 100-3200 ISO. Will it be marketed as a sports camera?

[CronoDL]

I'm also confused as to how the K7 and K20D are positioned. But as it is, the K7 seems like it's almost perfect, except for the sync speed of 1/180. I actually shoot with a Sony A700, and the K7's features and button placement seem to be awesome. Makes me want to switch to Pentax and get a bunch of sealed lenses. The nice thing is that their lenses are very nicely priced, although many of the high end lenses still exhibit CAs and/or fringing, according to reviews.

[Lore]

Originally Posted by foxesamu

Does it replace something, or is it a totally new line? Seems like a D300/50D competitor, but I thought that was the K20D's position.

It sounds nice but there's not much that's shocking about it. Movie mode, 3" screen, CMOS 14MP, 100-3200 ISO. Will it be marketed as a sports camera?

It's being marketed as a new line.

PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the launch of the PENTAX K-7 digital SLR camera. This latest PENTAX K series camera is designed for advanced photographers seeking high-end design and features without the cost of a professional DSLR system.

"not much shocking about it?"

Lens Correction function ( for CA & Micro Adjustment )
HDR image capture mode
In Camera Embedded copyright feature
Electronic level function

None of these things are present in any other DSLR at this present moment that I am aware of. Good for Pentax, they grabbed a wishlist and slapped it in their new little magnesium alloy camera... which is a first for them as well.

IF they marketed a little better & IF their name was out there a little more... this camera would be BIG, IMO... but I really dont see that they are the kind of company to advertise it correctly, they wont have it in Best Buy, Big Box stores, for people to hold and see... it'll be tough to make people want it even if it reads well on screen.

As it was I was I followed the announcement of it & was suprised how horribly disorganized it was.

Originally Posted by CronoDL

I'm also confused as to how the K7 and K20D are positioned. But as it is, the K7 seems like it's almost perfect, except for the sync speed of 1/180. I actually shoot with a Sony A700, and the K7's features and button placement seem to be awesome. Makes me want to switch to Pentax and get a bunch of sealed lenses. The nice thing is that their lenses are very nicely priced, although many of the high end lenses still exhibit CAs and/or fringing, according to reviews.

Lenses... which is probably why they added this feature...

Lens Correction function
A Lens Correction function adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations, allowing you to maximize your image quality for every digital lens.

[KenjiS]

Originally Posted by Lore

Lens Correction function ( for CA & Micro Adjustment )
HDR image capture mode
Embedded copyright feature
Electronic level function

The Panasonic G1 has the lens correction function to adjust for distortion and CA

Embedded copyright you can do on Canon DSLRs, you just have to program it on the computer, not in the camera...i think Nikon lets you do this as well

Electronic Level is in the D300 and D700...

[Lore]

Originally Posted by KenjiS

The Panasonic G1 has the lens correction function to adjust for distortion and CA

Embedded copyright you can do on Canon DSLRs, you just have to program it on the computer, not in the camera...i think Nikon lets you do this as well

Electronic Level is in the D300 and D700...

clearly you can add copyright info on any image in LR or photoshop, my point was it was 'in camera' ...

I was unaware about the electronic level bit, I dont research Nikons nifty lil feature... dunno that I'd use it as it looked like it could only be seen in LV not through the viewfinder... as someone who doesnt have LV... I dont ever see using that feature.

So its kind of like the camera has nifty bits from several manufactures.

[KenjiS]

Originally Posted by Lore

clearly you can add copyright info on any image in LR or photoshop, my point was it was 'in camera' ...

I was unaware about the electronic level bit, I dont research Nikons nifty lil feature... dunno that I'd use it as it looked like it could only be seen in LV not through the viewfinder... as someone who doesnt have LV... I dont ever see using that feature.

So its kind of like the camera has nifty bits from several manufactures.

No no, what you do is you use the EOS Utility to put your name/copyright in the Camera's EXIF info, and then the Camera adds it into the EXIF on every image you take...

I know it does come to think of it, because its been discussed when people buy used cameras that werent reset or anything and had someone elses name stuck in them...

I think Pentax just made it so you can enter it on the camera body itself versus using the computer utilities to do it...

Andddd..its not in the viewfinder but it is on the top display..not on the D300 however like i thought it was..

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD700/page8.asp

[Scampo]

I love how Canon users can't accept that a camera might be better than theirs.

This has everything the 50D has and more.