K7, the "me too" camera...

renato_aranghelovici · May 18, 2009

Complete specs have leaked, a huge disapointement.

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

Nothing inovative, just attempt to follow nikanon HD video, live preview train... lame...

14mm 2.8l · May 18, 2009

<h2>From ricehigh, his countdown beat out everyone else ;^)</h2>

Me? I think it looks intersting. its been what , years since Pentax had a 5 frame per second camera right?

Now what's the admission price ???

Lindy

<h2>Tuesday, May 19, 2009</h2>

<h3><a href="http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2009/05/pentax-k-7-is-here-finally.html">The Pentax K-7 is Here! Finally!</a></h3>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>Camera Name:</td>

<td>Pentax K-7 </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Body Material: </td>

<td>Magnesium Alloy Outer Shell on Stainless Steel Chassis </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Body Reliability:</td>

<td>77 Places Sealed, Cold-Resistant: Can be Operated under Temperature at -10°C</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Sensor: </td>

<td>New Version of Samsung 14.6MP CMOS APS-C Imager in 23.4 x 15.6mm (Aspect Ratio 3:2), 4 Data Channels Readout </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Dust Removal:</td>

<td>New DRII System, Low-Pass/Anti-Aliasing Optical Filter Placed in Front of Sensor is Capable to be Moved in High Ultrasonic Frequency; Featuring also the Dust Alert System to the User </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>ISO Speeds:</td>

<td>ISO 100-3200, 6400 Available on Expansion (to be Set via Custom Function)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Image Processing: </td>

<td>Newly Developed PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine) II Image Processor for High Performance and High Speed Still Image and Movie Data Processing; Better-Quality Images with Richer Gradation and More Accurate Color Rendition </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Mount: </td>

<td>Pentax KAF2 (<a href="http://www.geocities.com/ricehigh/K_Mount_Metering_Exposure_Bases.html">Crippled K-mount</a>, Support Both Body Driven "Screw-Type" AF KAF and SDM KAF2/KAF3 Lenses) </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Viewfinder: </td>

<td>Optical Type, Glass Prism, 100% Image Coverage, 0.92X Magnification </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Focusing Screen: </td>

<td>New Natural-Bright-Matte III Focusing Screen, Improved Manual Focusing Accuracy </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Shutter: </td>

<td>1/8000th second Top Speed, X-Sync=1/180s, 100,000 Shutter Actuations Durability</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Continuous Shooting Modes:</td>

<td>Continuous (Hi):- JPEG: 5.2 FPS: Until 40 Frames; RAW(PEF): Until 15 Frames; RAW(DNG): Until 14 Frames Continuous (Lo):- JPEG: 3.3 FPS: No Limitation, until Card Full; RAW(PEF/DNG): Until 17 Frames </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Yes: Real-time, On-display image Confirmation, Activated by One-touch Dedicated "LV" button at the Thumb Position; Continuous Shooting Possible Under the LV Mode (Without Breaking the LV Mode and Exposure will be Adjusted Automatically and Continuously Via Automatic Diaphragm) </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Live View AF Options: </td>

<td>Contrast Detection AF with Face Recognition Option </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Other Preview Options: </td>

<td>Optical Preview; Digital Preview </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Movie/Video Recording: </td>

<td>Movie/Video with Mono-Audio Recording (with Built-in Microphone), Supported Video Modes: 1280 x 720 Pixels (16:9 Standard High Definition), 640 x 416 (3:1.95), 1536 x 1024 (3:2), All Modes at 30 Frames Per Seconds</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Top Monochrome Status LCD: </td>

<td>Yes, with Electro-Luminescence (EL) Backlight </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Rear Colour LCD Monitor: </td>

<td>3.0", 640 x 480 Standard VGA Resolution, Approximately 920,000 Colour Dots, 170° Degrees of View both Vertically and Horizontally</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>e-Wheels Control: </td>

<td>Front and Rear Wheels </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Green Button: </td>

<td>Yes, Directly Under the Rear Wheel </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Exposure Modes: </td>

<td>Green Mode, Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter-Aperture Priority (TAv), Hyper Manual (M), Bulb (B), X-Sync (X), User and Movie </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Metering System: </td>

<td>New 77-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering System, which Divides the Frame Equally in 7 x 11 Segments, Vertically and Horizontally Respectively; More Advanced Algorithm for Higher Exposure Accuracy </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Metering Modes: </td>

<td>Evaluative, Centre-Weighted Average, Spot; Selected via Dedicated Metering Mode Level at Camera Top</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>AF System: </td>

<td>New SAFOX VIII+ AF System, Layout Same As SAFOX VIII (11-Point, 9 Crossed); Improved in Speed and Accuracy</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Focusing Modes: </td>

<td>AF-S, AF-C, MF; Via Dedicated Focusing Mode Selector Level </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Dedicated AF Button: </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Dedicated AF Point Selector: </td>

<td>Yes: Central, Auto and User Select </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Built-in Flash (RTF): </td>

<td>Yes, Manual Pop-Up </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Built-in AF Assist Light: </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Orientation Sensor: </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Shake Reduction:</td>

<td>Pentax Original SR System which is Capable of Compensation Shakes in Up/Down, Left/Right and Rotational (Clockwise/Counter-clockwise) Directions</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>SR Activation: </td>

<td>Preset by Camera in Different Modes or Manually Activated/Deactivated by the User via System Menu </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Image Tone Modes: </td>

<td>Seven Modes: Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Monochrome, Muted (for Delicate, Subdued Colours); Actual Effect Previewable under LV or Digital Preview Mode </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Image Parameters: </td>

<td>Saturation, Hue, Contrast, Sharpness, Filter Effect, Toning, Key and Contrast Highlight/Shadow; Actual Effect Previewable under LV or Digital Preview Mode</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>White Balance Presets: </td>

<td>Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light, Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE (Emphasizing the Colours of Sunset Scenes) and Incandescent-Tinted Fluorescent Light </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Manual White Balance: </td>

<td>Yes: Manual Measurement, Presets and Fine-Tuning (for Green Vs Magenta and Blue Vs Amber) </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Supported Colour Spaces: </td>

<td>sRGB (Default) and AdobeRGB </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Other Features:</td>

<td>HDR (High Dynamic Range) Mode (One Composite Image from 3 Exposure Bracketed Images), Dynamic Range Expansion, Auto Distortion and CA Corrections, Multiple Exposures, Copyright Credits Attachment, Dedicated RAW Button, 16 Digital Filters</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Controls Around Shutter Release: </td>

<td>Optical/Digital Preview; Two Separate Buttons for ISO Speed Selection and +/- EV Compensation / Top LCD Panel Backlight/Illumination</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Direct Control System for Basic Functions: </td>

<td>With the Four Ways / "OK" Buttons for WB, Flash, Drive and Image Tone Mode / AF Point Selection Activation </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Standard Digital Controls: </td>

<td>Play/Delete (at Upper Left), Info/Menu (at Lower Right) </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Dedicated One-Touch RAW Button: </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>PC Sync Socket:</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>IR Remote Control: </td>

<td>Yes, Front and Rear Receivers </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>I/O Ports: </td>

<td>Left: DC In, PC/AV, HDMI Out, Mic In; Right: Cable Switch Connector </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Battery:</td>

<td>New Type High Capacity Rechargeable Type D-LI90, 7.4V/1900mAh (Nominal), Support up to 980 Shots Without Flash</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Storage Media: </td>

<td>SD and SDHC Cards </td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Dimensions: </td>

<td>130.5(W) x 96.5(H) x 72.5(D) mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Weight: </td>

<td>670g (22.9 oz.), Body Only (Without Battery and SD Card) 750g (26.5 oz.), Loaded and Ready (With Battery and SD Card)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Software:</td>

<td>Pentax Photo Laboratory (with SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory), Pentax Photo Browser and Two Other Utilities</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>DA 18-55/3.5-5.6 AL WR (Water/eather Resistant)</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Optional Accessory: </td>

<td>Vertical Battery Grip D-BG4, Weather-Sealed and Cold-Resistant, Support Either Another D-LI90 or Six AA Batteries, Provision of Extra Shutter-Release Button, Preview Lever, e-Dials, AE-Lock, Green Button and AF Button</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

jgredline · May 18, 2009

Can someone explain what the view finder deal means. In other words, when I look through it, will i have a field of view like my D700? If it does, I will buy one, but if it does not, I will not because nothing else in these specs matter to me.

14mm 2.8l · May 18, 2009

No but it'll be bigger than K20D viewfinder Javier. K-7 is still a aps-c crop body so its still smaller view than D700, 5D Mark II, Sony A900. I wonder if its same size as 2x crop Oly E3 as Oly E3 sports a larger than 100% viewfinder. Off the top of my head K-7 may be as big as Nikon D300 viewfinder which is a crop body. Isn't D300 a 100% viewfinder Justin? I think it is. Justin would know how D300 compares to K20D loaner. Or you can Locate a D300 locally to see how it compares to your K20D and your D700 viewfinders.

Anybody got a solid price point on K-7 in USA ?

jptreen · May 18, 2009

the "me too" camera? I really think you're missing the point - what have we been realistically waiting for that Pentax hasn't delivered? Don't forget that it... 1. Is bY FAR the smallest camera in that class (with a sensor bigger than 4/3 size)! 2. Has the FIRST EVER weather sealed kit lens! 3. Has an AF button on the grip! - massive gripe for many! 4. The grip will take AA's as well as your rechargable, on top of the new higher-spec battery! 5. Comes with 5fps in RAW! 6. Magnesium Alloy shell! 7. 100% viewfinder coverage! 8. 1/8000 shutter!

OK, Pentax have not given people everything that their dream camera might contain, on the other hand, they have given us A LOT. And it's not just HD video. I have not even mentioned the exposure and AF improvements, or the in-camera HDR because they have not been tested yet, but I think you are being manifestly unfair Renato.

jorgen_udvang · May 18, 2009

Me to? You must be joking. It's the most compact pro-spec DSLR ever, and with the excellent Pentax lenses, this is a camera that will probably make me buy a Pentax body.

michael_elenko · May 18, 2009

Renato,

What were you expecting? Seriously, what shooting requirements do you have that are unfulfilled by this spec?

Let's use your logic for a second here: since Pentax invented AF, is everyone's implementation of that function simply uninnovative and lame?

I like incorporating HD or even non-HD video. As one who has kids, some situations are simply better suited for moving pictures, and if I can get a few minutes of that without shlepping another camera, then I'm all for it. I've been turning "burst-mode" frames into 1-minute Quicktime movies (it's so easy) and it's just fun for everyone.

Finally, it's just a camera body. The relationship between my best work and what camera body I use is far from 1:1. Now I may or may not purchase a K-7, but at this point the choice has as much to do with economics (resale value of my K20D, tax breaks etc.) as it does functionality. For pure photographic excellence the next body I purchase will be a 4x5 and they haven't had many radical improvements in quite a while.

ME

jptreen · May 18, 2009

apparently RiceHigh's specs may be innacurate anyway, so I'm going to calm myself down again and wait for the 21st, like a good Pentaxian!

miserere_mei · May 18, 2009

I'm with JP, I think the camera is quite a hot piece of metal in a small package. I would have liked a 100% coverage + 1.0x magnification VF (or better still, 1.5x magnification), but I know that's a lot to ask. Having an AF button on the grip and the option to use AAs is great. And maybe the 5fps will shut some of those machine-gunners up. Oh, and they've also buttoned functions that were in menus before. How many people have complained about having to go into the menus for WB or drive mode? Not anymore. Rereading the specs I see there is also a 1.6MP video option available. While I don't care about video, that's a pretty cool feature, especially at 30fps (similar to the K20D's burst mode, expcept faster and longer).

Now all I need to know is how much it will cost in 6 months :-)

prasanth · May 18, 2009

I want it! I want it! I want it!

shaloot · May 18, 2009

"huge disappointment"? Really? I guess anything less than the holy grail FF is a disappointment? I think this is great, though I no way can afford it anytime soon... though it might make the k20d even cheaper ;)

jgredline · May 18, 2009

Funny, how we all seem to have a different need. I feel sorry for Pentax as they have quite a few big babies, me included. Speaking for myself, I could really care less about the 5FPS, (1 more than the K20D) etc, etc, but for me the only thing that matters is the view finder. In all honesty, the K20D is perfectly fine for me, but for the view finder...

Lindy, My daughter has a D300 and the view finder is basically the same as the K20D. Maybe a tad more FOV but nothing earth changing.

mountainvisions · May 18, 2009

50/50.

X sync sucks, no other way to describe that.

Yeah, 5fps, not sure I will be buying one.

Well let me rephrase that, it's unrealistic to expect my K10D to last forever, and if the price is right I might buy it sooner but, I see nothing ground breaking.

That said, as Javier noted, both the K10D and K20D are perfectly fine for most of my needs so again this camera appears to be incremementally improved on an already good camera platform with excellent IQ.

Still it falls short of my expectations by just a little bit, on the flip side the layout looks interesting, although problematic since it changed from the K10D/20D meaning buying one and using the K10D/K20D as a second camera/lens combo is much more complicated. Then again, I shoot 2 different systems with different layouts side by side with minimal issues so perhaps I'm again being a baby about minor issues.

I guess it remains to be seen if the Nikonesque control layout is superior to the old K20D layout!

noah_maier · May 18, 2009

These aren't the final specs

wayne_campbell · May 18, 2009

How's this for an analogy?

Canon 20D is to Canon 30D

as

Pentax K20D is to Pentax K-7

No big changes but the line continues. Are these the radical changes that were whispered on this forum not long ago?

jtk · May 18, 2009

Magnesium shell is more likely to show handling damage than the current plastic, contributing nothing. Too bad the chassis isn't magnesium...would shave some weight.

I hope the new image processing system contributes to B&W converted from RAW...not making it smooth/unsharp like 5D (not true of 5DII), just a bit smoother than K20D.

Maybe the new bright screen will be available for K20D ?

michael_kuhne · May 18, 2009

I think it's a stunning achievement. Mis and JP reflect my thoughts. I just hope the NR user control is still there. Pentax' other innovative features are carried forward, along with now dedicated controls for WB and ISO! The K7 now replaces the old *ist-D as the smallest, and best-built advanced/pro-style APS format model, having a built-in flash, ever made by anyone. It is near the size and weight of my K200D, within and ounce or so, in fact about 1/10 inch less in width. I also like the fact it can use AA batteries, using the grip, and the grip with a body of this size will be a definite plus when using larger lenses.

So those preferring the feel of a larger body, and shooting with the K10D, this would indicate upgrading to a K20D very soon might be a good idea, and at a great price. Actually, with this new model as the compact companion, together with the K20D would be a formidable duo!!

The VF spec is being confused again between 100% coverage and magnification. As Lindy says, it cannot be as "big" as a FF VF because the sensor is smaller, until you get up around 150% magnification! And too much of that can result in causing other problems. In fact the magnification given for the new VF is just slightly less at 92% than the K20D's excellent spec of 95%. The K200D is rated very good, having 96% coverage and 85 % magnification. Having a mirror prism necessitates a drop in magnification to preserve good brightness. Sometimes magnification is cut back slightly due to there being more info in the VF, needing more relief for the eye to view easily. The 100% refers to coverage- what you see is exactly what you will wind up getting in your frame. If you crop something out at the edge, it will not be there.

Next thing to wait for will be the official announcement where some remaining questions may be answered, and then forthcoming test results, probably this fall.

bob_stevenson · May 18, 2009

Yawn,........same again then........

..........If pentax think that hamstrung video with MONO SOUND (??!!) and no articulated screen is going to hack it then they are seriously mistaken........

Only good thing is that hopefully the k20 will ahve to drop in price to get rid of it.

jgredline · May 18, 2009

What about auto focus speed? Is that improved?

miserere_mei · May 18, 2009

What about auto focus speed? Is that improved?

</blockquote>

That's anyone's guess, Javier. Pentax say "[AF] Improved in Speed and Accuracy", so we'll have to wait for the tests.

jgredline · May 18, 2009

Accuracy has never been a problem with me. Not even the speed really, but if it can improve :)

trw · May 18, 2009

I think the continued pretense that an electronic shutter camera has a max X-Sync (and disabling the flash contact above that speed) is a mistake. They could add so much functionality for some users by what is a free (firmware) change.

The built in AF assist light makes me very happy... I often shoot in low light with either no flash or manual flash.

The video modes may not seem like much to the average still art photographer, but I can see a few markets that it could flourish in.

Parents would welcome the compact go-anywhere weather resistant still/video combo

Iff the audio quality is good with an external microphone, mixed-media reporters just had their kit shrink to something that fits in an attache case rather than needing an entire van. With a K7, 16-50, 50-135, Shoe mount LED array and flash, microphones, monopod, and an ultramobile PC with 3G connection the only time they'd need to haul out the van is for doing live reports.

Iff the video mode allows manual focus, aperture, and exposure compensation control and a reasonable amount of footage fits on a card, I think there might be a lot of amateur and independent movie producers chomping at the bit to get one. The resolution modes should be adequate for almost any use short of cinema release.

If you look at this camera as an evolution of everything else on the market... Meh.. just another advanced amateur camera... But if you throw in that it's weather resistant, including the kit lens, and the control layout and picture quality, it looks like a top-end APS-C Pro camera for all but the bird and motorsport photographers. Take into account pentax's usual pricing... WOW!

If you look at this camera from the perspective of motion picture cameras... It's a weather resistant, interchangeable lens, FULL FRAME (for motion picture cameras) high definition, compact, ergonomically designed digital video camera. If the video quality is anywhere close to the K20d's still quality... AMAZING! If it's introduction price is within a few hundred dollars of the K20d's introduction price, and add in the fact that really high quality lenses are available new for a few hundred dollars (not multiple thousands) at any camera shop, JUST STUNNING.

michael_kuhne · May 18, 2009

The Nikon groundbreaker DSLR offering video, the current Nikon D90, is a nice camera, but not near the apparent quality of the K7, and the Nikon's video quality is reported to be quite dismal. The K7 may offer decent performance for doing a video clip when otherwise shooting stills. These are DSLRs not camcorders. Live view appears to have been improved. Other than the mentioned hoped-for higher standard sync speed, and swing-out screen panel, I don't know what else could be expected.

Maybe those upgrades coming in the K7n?

The aspects of more immediate interest- performance. A modified Af system, new metering system, and a DR feature combining 3 shots are interesting to me. Only the testing and comparative images will reveal meaningful differences, if any.

trw · May 18, 2009

If pentax think that hamstrung video with MONO SOUND

</blockquote>

My video camera has stereo sound... but the microphones are right next to each other ... the result is mono sound...

The specs say mono audio recording (with built in microphone). Do you KNOW that the external mic jack is mono? If you're that concerned about sound, wouldn't you put mics on each person and run them into an external multichannel audio recorder?

rparmar · May 18, 2009

So far, based on what we have, I am with Renato. Why? because we were told this is a "new concept" camera that has "soul" and is made for real photographers. What do we get? Feature catch-up with other brands.

Do I care about video? No. Do I care about grip features that will make a smaller body bulkier again? No. Do I care about more frames per second? No. Sure these might be nice incremental updates to what we have now, but they are not a new concept.

I am glad for 100% coverage in the viewfinder, but we lose magnification -- it is worse than the K20D. Gone are the nice latches for the SD compartment and battery. Gone is the one-touch bracketing. Many of the features we get are only icing. But where is the cake?

This is definitively a "me too" camera, at a premium price (1300-1500 euros). This does not feel like Pentax; I think we are in Nikonland now. They make good cameras too, and cram in as many features as possible.

HOWEVER -- I look forward to seeing the IQ and reserve final judgement until then. It's all about the light.

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