K7, the "me too" camera...

<p>Michael, thanks!<br />Well, I am not sure about the battery charge issue because I usually have it charged up on a regular basis, at least every couple of days. I will wait and see what you have to report.<br />JP</p>

<p>Ivan,<br>

I also started with Pentax back in 1976 with a ME model. Then, it was off to university and being broke most of the time, I had sold a lot (almost all) of my stuff. Back to Pentax during the late 80's with a MZ-6 and a couple of chep lenses. Took me over 20 years to decide to upgrade ... to a K10D!<br />I did think of "switching" to Nikon, but as a satisfied customer of Pentax products, I decided to stick with the brand. Granted, maybe not as many lenses as opposed to Pentax, but at least some great 3rd party finds.<br />I am also eagerly waiting for the REAL specs for the K7 ... seems to be quite a hype! By the way, the Pentax Canada site does work well with all of the available descriptions. Phyllis had just pinted that out earlier, I am repeating her link here:<br /><a href="http://www.pentaxcanada.ca/digital/digital_slr/k-7/index.php">http://www.pentaxcanada.ca/digital/digital_slr/k-7/index.php</a><br>

JP</p>

<p>I have a K10D with the 7Omm and 35mm limited's, but I haven't yet begun exploring the camera and lenses full potential. I bought the K10D as it was the best price / quality out there when it was first introduced, and, the fact that the first camera I used was a Pentax ( P 30 ) might have played a role also...</p>

<p> I also use Nikon's ( not my own ) and was thinking about first getting the D5O for it's video capability, and then eventually the D700 with the D50 becoming the back up... Now with the K7, with videocapability and lot's of other useful features, I'm seriously considering staying with the pentax system, even for commercial use. </p>

<p>The HD feature, if it works well, isn't gimmicky to me, as I can see it's practical purpose in high production interior shoots : having images straight out of the camera with clearly defined details in both dark areas as in lighter ( window ) areas is a boost in productivity.</p>

<p>Also, the added video capability, making moving images, intrigues me more and more for personal work....</p>

<p> But after all the tech talk, John Kelly said it best : " I'm sure good photographic craftsmanship can beat Pentax's engineering/marketing.. "</p>

 

<p>Both my K20D batteries have not been charged in several weeks, at least. I am absent minded regarding such matters, a reason I am not very agreeable to proprietary regargeable-only battery requirements. With my other DSLRs, I can just reach for a set of AA lithiums.</p>

<p>My DA* 200mm would not AF at all!! I last used it about 2 weeks ago with no problems. Furthermore, it will not even meter properly!! It just flashes "MF" when set on AF, and the meter goes crazy! Now the battery shows down 1/2. Yesterday I did some shots with another screw-drive lens, no problems. So I put on the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, and the AF, metering worked fine, even with the depleated battery! If the SDM lenses are so finicky and power-hungry, no more for me!! I will give Pentax a call on this issue. I have one of the batteries on the charger now.</p>

<p>I'll post again after testing with a fresh battery. Maybe Pentax DSLR battery spec should be with flash, without flash, with SDM and with SDM plus flash!!!</p>

<p>I've been away for a few days and have a bunch of catch-up reading to do but adding a 1/8000 shutter without bumping X-sync to 1/250 at the same time is a pretty big disappointment. The smaller dimensions are welcome but I wish it could have been thinner as well.</p>

<p>Well, aside from appearing to be a troll, feel free to point out the Nikon that has built in image stabilization, a 100% viewfinder, weather sealing, and in body HDR for the same, or even close price.</p>

<p>It appears it's Nikon's move to be the Me Too camera</p>

<p>Jacques, I did my test again with freshly-charged battery, and the DA* 200mm now works perfectly!! Evidently, this lens requires more juice than the DA* 50-135mm!</p>

<p>Is that flash snoot less obnoxious? Might I be able to clear the focal reducer on the observatory telescope? Can I mount a Pentax bellows set without a song and dance? Can Justin FINALLY shift his lens without opening the dust collector?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Your huge disappointment is my dream DSLR for my many K-mount and 6x7 Pentax lenses (w/K-mount adapter). It will be a huge upgrade from my Pentax *ist DS2.<br>

http://pentaxk-7.blogspot.com/</p>