K-7 on Sale at B&H...with Specs

<p>Not in stock yet, obviously, but <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/622079-REG/Pentax__K_7_SLR_Digital_Camera.html">it's listed.</a> And the price as of May 20, 2009 at 07:55 is...<em><strong>$1,199.95</strong> <strong>!!!!!</strong> </em></p>

<p>I wrote that correctly: $1,200 minus change. Wow, I am impressed. Expected release date: July.</p>

<p>Here are the specs. I think some people are going to be pissed off at the fps...and I'm still not seeing anything about custom AF adjustments. If anyone cares, the external mic is stereo (I think the internal is mono).</p>

<dl><br /> </dl> <dl><br /> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Imaging">Imaging</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Resolution</dt> <dd>Effective: 15.07, Recorded: 14.6MP </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Sensor</dt> <dd>23.4 x 15.6mm CMOS </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Bit Depth</dt> <dd>12-Bit </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>File Formats</dt> <dd>RAW, JPEG, AVI </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>File Size</dt> <dd><em>Not Specified By Manufacturer</em> </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Color Spaces</dt> <dd>sRGB, Adobe RGB </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Image Stabilization</dt> <dd>Yes </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Crop Factor</dt> <dd>1.5x </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Optics">Optics</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Lens</dt> <dd>N/A </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Zoom</dt> <dd>N/A </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Lens Mount</dt> <dd>Pentax K Mount </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Focus Type</dt> <dd>Auto and Manual Focus </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Focus Range</dt> <dd>N/A </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Accessory Lens/Filter Mount</dt> <dd>N/A </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Shooting Controls">Shooting Controls</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Sensitivity</dt> <dd>ISO: 100-3200 (expandable to 6400) </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Shutter Speeds</dt> <dd>1/8000 - 30 sec, bulb </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Metering</dt> <dd>77 Multi Segment, Center-weighted, Spot </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Exposure Modes</dt> <dd>Auto, Program, Manual, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>White Balance</dt> <dd>Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (4 Settings), Tungsten, Flash, CTE, Manual </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Mirror Lock-Up</dt> <dd>Yes </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Burst Capability</dt> <dd><em>High-speed continuous:</em> 5.2fps, <em>Low-speed continuous:</em> 3.3fps </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Self Timer</dt> <dd>12 seconds or 2 seconds </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Interval Recording</dt> <dd>No </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Remote Control</dt> <dd>Yes: Pentax Cable Switch 205, Remote Control F </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Flash">Flash</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Built-in Flash</dt> <dd>Yes </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Effective Flash Range</dt> <dd>Up to 42' (13 m) </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>External Flash Connection</dt> <dd>Hotshoe, PC terminal </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Dedicated Flash System</dt> <dd>Pentax P-TTL series </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Max Sync Speed</dt> <dd>1/180 second </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Memory">Memory</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Built-in Memory</dt> <dd>No </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Memory Card Type</dt> <dd>SD/SDHC </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Still Images per GB</dt> <dd>RAW: 40<br /> JPEG: High Res:73 - Low Res:2518 </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="A/V Recording">A/V Recording</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Video Recording</dt> <dd>Video with Audio, HD & NTSC Output </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Video Resolution</dt> <dd>1536 x 1024 @ 30fps, 1280 x 720 @ 30fps, 640 x 416 @ 30fps </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Video Clip Length</dt> <dd><em>Not Specified By Manufacturer</em> </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Audio Recording</dt> <dd>Audio with Video only </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Viewfinder/Display">Viewfinder/Display</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Viewfinder Type</dt> <dd>Eye-level Pentaprism </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Viewfinder Coverage</dt> <dd>100% </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Display</dt> <dd>3" LCD </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Connectivity/System Requirements">Connectivity/System Requirements</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Connectivity</dt> <dd>USB 2.0, A/V Out, HDMI (Type C), 3.5mm Stereo Mini Input </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>System & Software Requirements</dt> <dd>Windows XP, Vista<br /> Mac OS X (10.3.9 or later) </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Environmental">Environmental</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Operating/Storage Temperature</dt> <dd>Operating Temperature: 14-104°F/-10-40°C </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Weatherproofing</dt> <dd><em> Not Specified By Manufacturer</em> </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Durability</dt> <dd><em> Not Specified By Manufacturer</em> </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Power">Power</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Battery Type</dt> <dd>D-LI90 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Power Adapter</dt> <dd>D-AC50 AC Adapter Kit (optional) </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a name="Physical">Physical</a> </dt> <!-- one liner --></dl> <dl><dt>Dimensions</dt> <dd>5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9" (129.5 x 96.5 x 73.7mm) </dd> </dl> <dl><dt>Weight</dt> <dd>22.9 oz (649g) <em>body only</em> </dd> </dl>

<p >shame there is no pre-order button!! I would order today! As long as AF speed is really improved and 5.2FPS good enough for me! Just a shame on the x-sync. Also this seems to be price for body only?</p><div></div>

<p>K-7 look quite nice with a very competetive launch price.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/622079-REG/Pentax__K_7_SLR_Digital_Camera.html#features">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/622079-REG/Pentax__K_7_SLR_Digital_Camera.html#features</a></p>

<p>I like the magnesium shell image too ;^)</p>

<p><a href="http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2009/05/yet-another-published-k-7-specs-and.html">http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2009/05/yet-another-published-k-7-specs-and.html</a></p>

<p>I looked yesterday and called and it wasn't there yet. Im seriously considering it.</p>

<p>"As long as AF speed is really improved"<br>

Amen to that brother. My biggest gripe is AF speed in low light.<br>

May be time to upgrade the K10</p>

 

<p>There's no more TAv and Sv modes?? I thought I saw those on the dial on one of the pictures...?</p>

<p>hello</p>

<p>found this on flickr can someone please translate and say if it says AF adjust somewhere??<br>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/szoboti_tamas/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/szoboti_tamas/</a></p>

<div></div>

<p>part 2</p><div></div>

<p>My K10D is getting a little long in the tooth now that I see the new K7... I did not see either of the new WR kit lenses on the site yet. Wonder how much they will be?</p>

<p>30 seconds till K-7:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.pentaximaging.com/">http://www.pentaximaging.com/</a></p>

<p>....nothing.</p>

<p>PentaxSite won't load now.</p>

<p>Somanna, they are both there. I just checked.<br>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brendan-bhagan/3543516471/in/pool-pentaxk7</p>

 

<p>

<blockquote><dt >Electronic Level Indicator</dt><dd >Finding the perfect horizon is fast and easy using the K-7's built-in Electronic Level Indicator.</dd><dd ><br /></dd></blockquote>

<dd >Is it sad that I think this is the most interesting thing? </dd><dd ><br /></dd><dd >It is an unusual feature though. I don't think I've heard of any other camera having this.</dd></p>

<p>Douglas, thanks for the link. <br>

Brian, I think its great and really wish I had it right now on my k10! I suck at keeping level horizons...<br>

and yea the pentax website is not loading.... interesting... probably the first time that their website has had this much traffic all at one go!</p>

<p>Yvon's got the specs up. Pentax site still down.</p>

<p>Oh, the level thing isn't new. My Nikon D700 has it. I agree its quite handy.</p>

<p>If the K-7 offered an articulated viewscreen I'd get one. HD dslrs should really have this feature. I'll guess K30D will.</p>

<p>Anyways heres the K-7 specs and 15% off coupon link for extras from Yvon:</p>

<p><a href="http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com/">http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com/</a></p>

<p> " Hi Pentaxian friends.<br /><br />It's finally here. Let me first list the new features, then you can read all the details.<br>

<br />1. New smaller Magnesium alloy body<br>

2. New 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor <strong>rebuilt from the ground up</strong><br>

3. New 77-segment metering system<br>

4. HD Movie capture (1280x720) with stereo sound capability<br>

5. Dedicated AF assist lamp<br>

6. Electronic level function<br>

7. In-camera lens correction of distortion and Chromatic aberrations...imagine that!<br>

8. Dedicated mirror lock-up<br>

9. New High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture mode...in-camera...A fulfilled dream!<br>

10. Composition adjustment in Live View<br>

11. Real live view with AF<br>

12. New 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution<br>

13. 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with the new PRIME II image processing engine<br>

14. Top speed of 1/8000 sec</p>

<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EO9piAKCkcU/SgumnBkYD8I/AAAAAAAAEhQ/4NN-PR0qc9A/s1600-h/8000.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335541372916600770" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EO9piAKCkcU/SgumnBkYD8I/AAAAAAAAEhQ/4NN-PR0qc9A/s200/8000.bmp" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />15. 100% field-of-view viewfinder<br>

16. Improved focus algorithm providing faster and more responsive AF<br>

17. Shake Reduction (SR) updated to compensate for rotational sensor movement<br>

18. New higher capacity battery (D-L190)<br>

19. Advanced image capture settings including digital filters and aspect ratio flexibility, + more...<br>

20. New optional battery grip (D-BG4) using new D-L190 or six AA batteries<br>

21. New AF button on battery grip<br>

22. New optional weather-resistant 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses</p>

 

<p align="justify">Now the Official Pentax release.<br /><br />PENTAX INTRODUCES ADVANCED PENTAX K-7 DIGITAL SLR<br />New Camera Boasts Variety of Technological Firsts and Major Improvements<br />Over Previous K Series Cameras<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335533680653864690" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EO9piAKCkcU/SgufnRqBjvI/AAAAAAAAEhI/K5vEIHdYZrY/s400/Water+repellant.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />GOLDEN, CO. (May 20, 2009)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the launch of the PENTAX K-7 digital SLR camera.</p>

<p align="justify">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. The PENTAX K-7 features a rugged, yet compact new body design, a new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up, and advanced features such as HD Movie Capture and new, unique-to-PENTAX camera controls. Compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made, the high-end K-7 features an abundance of long-anticipated new and improved features that are exclusive to the camera and combine to make it a tremendous photography tool.</p>

<p align="justify"><br />“The K-7 will appeal to many current PENTAX SLR photographers who have been asking for more advanced features, but in a smaller, solid, comfortable-to-hold body,” said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company. “We also believe the combination of the K-7’s smaller, high quality construction coupled with the growing line-up of our Limited compact prime lenses will appeal to serious shooters who currently don’t own or previously hadn’t considered adding a PENTAX to their camera bag.”</p>

<p align="justify"><br />The most significant features of the PENTAX K-7 that have never been offered before in any K series digital camera, and in some cases any camera, include:<br /><br />· A compact, magnesium alloy body that is one of the smallest in the advanced photo enthusiast category to reduce bulk and allow users to travel light while maintaining durability and build quality (seven percent smaller than the K20D and up to 25 percent smaller than other cameras in the same class).<br />· A new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up to minimize noise, adds four channel output for fast image capture, and the ability to capture HD quality movies. It is the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing very large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility.<br />· A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure for even the most complex and dynamic lighting situations.<br />· HD Movie capture features adjustable quality and resolution settings, aperture control, as well as mechanical Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound.* The K-7 will capture video at the default standard of 1280x720 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio (equivalent to 720p), 1536x1024 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio, or 640x416 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio (equivalent to VGA quality), all shot at 30 frames per second.<br />· An HDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on modern high definition TV’s.<br />· A Dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions.<br />· An Electronic Level function ensures that images have truly level horizons to minimize post-capture editing.<br />· An innovative in-camera Lens Correction function that electronically adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations to maximize image quality with DA series lenses.<br />· A dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures.<br />· A High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture mode captures three images then combines them in camera to widen the exposure gamut to bring out detail in all exposure areas of images.<br />· A composition adjustment feature in Live View allows minor shifts in the framing and composition of images using the Shake Reduction mechanism without having to physically move the camera. This feature is ideal for tripod use.<br />· A programmable embedded copyright function preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during capture via a keypad that may record ownership in metatag data.<br /><br />*Due to the compact size of the K-7 camera and the in-body Shake Reduction mechanism, a camera mounted microphone is a highly recommended accessory for optimal audio quality when capturing video.<br /><br />A variety of K series camera features that are significantly improved in the PENTAX K-7 include:<br /><br />· A striking 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review using the Live View function.<br />· A weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C) body makes the K-7 the perfect camera for use in any environment, inside the studio or when travelling in any weather.<br />· Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with a new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and 4 channel output that is ideal for sporting events or any fast action situation.<br />· A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well lit settings.<br />· Live View mode, now with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having your eye against the viewfinder.<br />· A 100 percent field-of-view viewfinder (92X magnification) and bright focusing screen are ideal for accurate image composition and accurate focus.<br />· The PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous generation K series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF.<br />· The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture.<br />· The K-7’s Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor’s low-pass filter for dust-fee image capture.<br />· A new high capacity battery features extended battery life, ideal for travel photography or video work.<br />· Advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation.<br />· Custom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment allow users to customize the processing mode to suit personal creative style.<br /><br />Other K series innovations featured on the PENTAX K-7 include:<br />· Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels.<br />· Advanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures in even the most difficult lighting.<br />· Dynamic Range setting with adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows for even the highest-contrast, dynamic lighting.<br />· Dedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hot shoe adapters.<br />· Advanced capture options include multi-exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography.</p>

<p align="justify"><br />Along with the body, PENTAX announced a D-BG4 battery grip for exclusive use with the PENTAX K-7. This battery grip may be used in combination with the camera’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery to double camera’s battery life. The D-BG4 also accepts 6 AA batteries in a alternate battery tray for added freedom when shooting in the field. With a vertical shutter-release button, e-dials, AE-lock and a new focus button, the grip features the same weather-resistance, dustproof and coldproof construction as the PENTAX K-7.</p>

<p align="justify"><br />PENTAX also announced two weather-resistant lens models developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs. The smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR and the smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR kit lenses feature weather-resistant seals to handle damp, inclement conditions. Complementing K series camera bodies, both lenses blend versatility with affordability, giving the casual photographer a broader canvas without having to carry a multitude of lenses.</p>

<p align="justify"><br />The PENTAX K-7 body only will ship in July 2009 for $1,299.95 USD. The PENTAX D-BG4 battery grip also will ship in July 2009 for $229.95. The newest weather-resistant lenses will be priced at $199.95 for the DA 18-55mm and $249.95 for the DA 50-200mm. These products also will ship in July 2009.</p>

<p align="justify"><br />Every PENTAX K-7 purchased includes an exclusive coupon for up to 15 percent savings on a variety of PENTAX products. More information about all of these products is available at: <a href="https://paicmail.pentax.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.pentaximaging.com/" target="_blank">https://paicmail.pentax.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.pentaximaging.com/</a> and preorders may be placed now at <a href="http://www.pentaxwebstore.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pentaxwebstore.com/</a>.</p>

<p align="justify"><br />Enjoy a preview of the PENTAX K-7 and the advanced features the camera offers on the PENTAX youtube.com channel<br>

"<a href="http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com/"></a></p>

<p>Does anyone know the VF eyepoint distance in mm, I wear glasses and find its hard to see things on some finders.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/pentaxian1">Pentax YouTube channel.</a> There's a video of the K-7 already up :-)</p>

<p>Not that it makes a huge difference, but the B&H price is $1300, not $1200.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Not that it makes a huge difference, but the B&H price is $1300, not $1200.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>It just went up. When I posted the price this morning I purposely copy+pasted the price from B&H so I wouldn't make a mistake.</p>

<p>What many of us suspected is true: <a href="http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/05/new-pentax-flagship-the-k7.html">Mike Johnston has had a K-7 in his hands.</a> Sneaky, sneaky.... :-)</p>

<p>Edit: Let me ammend that, he had <strong><em>TWO</em> </strong> K-7s in his hands!!!!</p>

<p>At the end of the day, I will only buy the K-7 in a moment of depression or something. The view finder pretty much kills it for me. They went backwards there...What a shame. I can't see anything else in the k-7 that will give me better pictures than the K20D. I am not even sure the AF speed is faster as it uses the same components, unless it is firmware...If it is firware, why can't I have that for the K20D???? In truth, the K-7 makes the K20D @$700.00 LOOK PRETTY GOOD and it will drop even more now. It seems to me that folks looking to spend $1300.00 (and it is a great price!) would be better off in getting a good lens and keeping their K10D,K20D's...my opinion of course, but the view finder has me depressed, though not enough to buy it...I will instead use that money to buy me a good wide angle lens for my D700 that I can actually see what I am shooting...</p>

<p>It's the silent shutter that's selling me. </p>

 

<p>javier, I have to agree with you on the viewfinder, I'm not sure why I'd want less magnification... so it seems like a bad move... I'm still gonna buy a k-7 though, small is beautiful.</p>

<p>I think the pricing is very significant. Frankly, I haven't been paying much attention to the comparisons to other brand models but now we have a reference point: according to the pnet preview, "The US list price of $1299.95 would put it in the same price class as the Canon EOS 50D and slightly above the Nikon D90 ." Obviously, Pentax chose that match-up very deliberately. </p>

<p>The site is up but slooow to load. The YouTube video was informative. Seems like they did a lot. No info on AF adjustment. I was hoping the Spritswasser mentioned in one of the jpegs posted was a sensor cleaning system, but no luck. The camera looked really small in the announcer's hand - a street camera?</p>

<p>Javier,<br>

I must have missed something. What's wrong with the viewfinder?</p>

<p>Howard</p>