This What Sony should have done first

rickeselgroth · May 22, 2009

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http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0028N7442/ref=dp_otherviews_z_5?ie=UTF8&s=photo&img=5

<h2>Product Description</h2>

From the Manufacturer

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. 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:

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<li>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). </li>

<li>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. </li>

<li>A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure for even the most complex and dynamic lighting situations. </li>

<li>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. </li>

<li>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. </li>

<li>A Dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions. </li>

<li>An Electronic Level function ensures that images have truly level horizons to minimize post-capture editing. </li>

<li>An innovative in-camera Lens Correction function that electronically adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations to maximize image quality with DA series lenses. </li>

<li>A dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures. </li>

<li>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. </li>

<li>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. </li>

<li>A programmable embedded copyright function preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during capture via a keypad that may record ownership in metatag data. </li>

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*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. Pentax K7 Digital SLR Highlights

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<td>The K7's magnesium alloy body is light, durable and weather-resistant </td>

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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.

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<td>A wealth of inputs--including HDMI--make it simple to share images and video captured on the K7 </td>

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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.

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<td>3.0-inch LCD monitor with Live View </td>

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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:

<ul>

<li>HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures </li>

<li>Dynamic-range expansion function to compensate for both white-washed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas </li>

<li>Digital level function for easy checking of the image’s levels </li>

<li>Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA- and DFA-series lenses) </li>

<li>White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the color components of sunset scenes and a new incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode </li>

<li>Multi-exposure function, with a superimposition of already-recorded images on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance comparison </li>

<li>Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images </li>

<li>RAW button for single-action switching of image file format </li>

<li>16 digital filters to add a range of visual effects; a new function to record an overwritten history also available </li>

<li>Color-specific control buttons/dials for easy recognition and quick access, based on the universal color design </li>

<li>Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including a RAW-data processing application (based on the popular </li>

<li>SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and a browser application </li>

</ul>

Product Description FEATURES Compact, magnesium alloy body is lightweight and durable. New high resolution 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor is ideal for large, detailed prints and cropping flexibility. Beautiful 3 inch, 921,000 dot LCD features autofocus and face detection Live View. Weather resistant, dustproof, and coldproof (14 degrees F, -10 degrees C) design is at home indoors and out, in most any environment. Fast 5.2 FPS shooting is possible with the PRIME II processing engine?s 4 channel output. Ideal for fast action photography! A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest subject. Highly sensitive 77 segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure in even the most complex lighting. High quality pentaprism viewfinder provides 100% field of view with 0.92X magnification to achieve complete composition accuracy. Movie capture in HD 720p video at 30 FPS, movie Shake Reduction, and built-in mono audio or external 3.5mm stereo microphone terminal. HDMI interface can output high resolution images and 1080i, 720p, or 480p video to HDTV?s. NTSC video is also available. Responsive and accurate autofocus is possible with the 11 point SAFOX VIII+ autofocus system. SAFOX VIII+ features 9 cross sensors, 2 wide angle sensors, and a dedicated AF assist lamp. The PENTAX original Shake Reduction system provides stabilized images in low lighting, and now features rotational compensation. Compatible with 25+ million PENTAX 35mm lenses! Advanced Dust Reduction features supersonic low pass filter vibration. Electronic level indicator ensures images have level horizons.

waltflanagan · May 22, 2009

Sony should have made a camera with a Pentax lens mount?

robert_paul1 · May 22, 2009

Rick, since you think so highly of the new Pentax, go buy one and then go over to the Pentax forum.

rickeselgroth · May 22, 2009

I don't think so highly of them, I just think the stats on this camera look pretty good. I'm way too far into sony minolta product and am a devoted Minolta/Sony user with G lenses and CZ lenses and camera bodies. Thanks anyway Robert. And No I like the A mount lenses Walt.

ricardovaste · May 22, 2009

I don't see the problem? The A700 replacement is around the corner, waiting a little longer won't make people jump mount. They already have the a900 if they need a serious upgrade. The new lower class cameras will bring in far more users to the mount.

paul_de_ley · May 22, 2009

I've always been interested in both systems and I remember Pentax aficionados hoping the K7 would have an FF sensor in the days when it was just a wild rumour, some people even thought/hoped it would have a square form factor. To me it doesn't look like a huge jump forward from the K20D (I'm not too interested in video capability or in-body HDR) and it's definitely not in the same league as the A900, so regardless of our frustration over the A800/A7xx(?) slow birth, Pentax still has a lot more catching up to do than Sony.

paul_de_ley · May 22, 2009

Although 9 AF cross sensors sure would be nice :)

jiun_der_chung · May 22, 2009

I think the point is that Sony needs to offer cameras at a number of different levels in order for them to be profitable. And in order to take on the big boys in the camera market, they need to be able to offer more for less money. Ultimately, despite the fact that Minolta had a number of ground breaking advances, they were never able to gain ground on Nikon and Canon in terms of sales.

Of course we all have our wish lists. It would be great for have a D3X equivalent for less than $1000. So yes, there are things that can be improved on the A700. But for me, going from the A100 to the A700 was a huge improvement. For the first time in my life, I actually started wanting to use a dslr rather than using my M7 all the time. Dollar for dollar, it is still a very capable camera which is impressive when you consider that it is Sony's 2nd dslr.

At some stage, I'm sure that there will be an upgrade to the A700. I agree with Richard, if you need more right now, then step up to the A900. I won't be buying the A700 upgrade myself I don't think, it will feel like to much of a sideways step. I'm looking to step up to FF so will look at the next FF that Sony brings out. In the meantime, my M7 serves as my FF.

rickeselgroth · May 23, 2009

I really don't need to upgrade. I'm shooting a 7d and a A700 with G and CZ glass, I just think that this camera (K7) offers a lot of good features for the DSLR maket too look at. 1- the fact that it can shoot at 5.2 fps, 2- it has a onboard HDR mode, 3- weather & dust sealed, 4- it can produce DH video and has a mike jack , 4- you can put copyright data on your images as you shoot them.

What is wrong with liking another brand of camera, can't we do that without getting slammed over it.

jiun_der_chung · May 23, 2009

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that Rick and it is certainly fine for discussion. I would ignore Robert's usual abrasive ways.

The A700 already does 5 fps does it not? It already has onboard HDR, it's called DRO. It just has some limitations for people shots as Steve C has pointed out. But for non people shots, it does work. So the questions is whether the K7 will improve how it works. Personally, that feature means nothing to me, I don't really like HDR at the best of times and the last thing I want to do it to execute it in camera.

Actually of all the features listed, the only ones I would be remotely interested in would be the weather and dust sealing and the copyright input. I imagine the A700 doesn't have weather sealing because they are trying to differentiate from the A900, even though it prob doesn't cost much to to integrate it into the manufacturing process. But even then, not sure how useful that is given that our lenses are sealed.

The one important feature that you didn't mention is the 100% viewfinder.

I think my problem is that I am old fashioned. I want my camera to be a camera and not a video camera. I take the same attitude to mobile/cell phones. *laugh*

robert_paul1 · May 23, 2009

"Actually of all the features listed, the only ones I would be remotely interested in would be the weather and dust sealing and the copyright input. I imagine the A700 doesn't have weather sealing because they are trying to differentiate from the A900, even though it prob doesn't cost much to to integrate it into the manufacturing process. But even then, not sure how useful that is given that our lenses are sealed."

Jiun, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Sony A700 is (according to the A700 brochure), "protected against dust and moisture", although it is not waterproof or splashproof. The brochure states that the "buttons, dials, and switches are protected by gaskets and sealants for worry-free shootingoutdoors."

And for your information the Sony lenses are NOT sealed. One of the big complaints against the higher-end lenses is that they lack weatherproofing.

Perhaps, you should do some research on the subject.

Jiun, but don't mind me, I'm 'abrasive'. Especially when posters like you get the facts wrong.

jiun_der_chung · May 23, 2009

Robert, weather sealing to me implies splash proof in the case of inclement weather. Otherwise what is it sealing out? Therefore, I agree with you, the A700 is not weather sealed whilst the A900 is. I'll even go so that as to back my opinion up with action by saying that I'm quite definitely NOT going to be using my A700 in the rain.

As for the lenses not being sealed, you are quite correct and that is what I meant to say if you look at the context of the rest of the paragraph. But I'm sure you'll have a comment to make about my bad typing.

As for you being abrasive, I'm sure that has nothing to do with whether I get facts right or wrong and everything to do with you.

ricardovaste · May 23, 2009

Robert, weather sealing to me implies splash proof in the case of inclement weather. Otherwise what is it sealing out? Therefore, I agree with you, the A700 is not weather sealed whilst the A900 is.

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Eh? Have I read Robert's post wrong? I don't seem to think he's saying the A700 has no weather proofing :S

My A700 has been wet and dusty countless times. Just this week, I took it into a rain storm and it came out fine. It was soaked. Worked faultlessly the day after.

rickeselgroth · May 23, 2009

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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.

<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=1717037">Jiun Der Chung</a> , I don't think this is the same as our DRO . The K7 can do what others do in photshop. DRO is a enhancement feature, you can't expose Hi key and Low key and combine them in camera with the A700. The DRO optimizer just gives you a little more shadow detail, depending on the level you set it on. Then again if you set it too high you end up with color issues, we saw that in a posting last week.

<a href="00TKj6">'m DONE with DRO levels 1 thru 5 on the A700...no more ruined shots of people</a> | <a href="00TKj6" >38 Responses</a>

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ricardovaste · May 23, 2009

I don't deny the HDR is a useful feature, I've applauded it in another thread, i just don't feel it's a 'what they should have done first' scenario. I trust Sony.

robert_paul1 · May 23, 2009

Jiun, for your information, the A900 is NOT 'splashproof '. The level of weather-sealing is similar to the A700. The Sony website says this about the A900-

"Sealed viewfinder optics and rubber gasket surrounds on all buttons, dials, and switches help resist the entry of dust and moisture into the camera, and allow for safe use in a wide range of environments."

Compare that to what the A700 brochure stated about its weather-sealing, and which I posted earlier. The A700 brochure has a drawing showing a gasket under the shutter release button, as well as a couple of pictures of the buttons on the back of the camera, with a caption reading- "Sealed rear and top button units."

And, you haven't admitted that you were wrong about the Sony lenses being 'sealed '. If you consider that your lenses are 'sealed', then I don't see why you don't think the A700 is sealed. The sealing in the A700 is greater than the sealing in your lenses.

Jiun, I've posted evidence to back-up my statements, where is your evidence to back-up your statements? If you can't then you're the one being abrasive, just making up staements without proof.

robert_paul1 · May 23, 2009

Hey Jiun, I found this for you-

Shoot anywhere, anytime, in any condition. The E-3 body, the built-in flash and the LCD are all splashproof and dustproof. Constructed from a magnesium-alloy with a homogeneous composition, the E-3 is lightweight yet strong and rugged. The same goes for Zuiko Digital lenses. You'll find splashproof and dustproof models that are as tightly sealed as the camera - copied from the OLYMPUS website.

Looks like you've confused the SONY A900 with the OLYMPUS E-3, and the Sony/Zeiss lenses for the Olympus Zuiko lenses.

Maybe you should be posting on the Olympus forum, rather than the Sony forum.

paul_de_ley · May 23, 2009

One thing I do emphatically like more about Pentax is that their PN community of users is a lot less prone to bickering than the rest of us. And a lot more happy to post some of their latest shots, regardless of what the thread happens to be about.

robert_paul1 · May 23, 2009

Paul, you sure there's a lot less bickering on the Pentax forum? You might want to read some of the comments in this topic-

http://photo.net/pentax-camera-forum/00TOSn

I see people talking about 'whiney babies', and other nice things.

jiun_der_chung · May 24, 2009

Wow! Richard, you take your A700 into rainstorms? I must say that you are more game then I am.

Robert, if you actually read my last post, I quite clearly say that I agree with you that the Sony lenses are not sealed and that was actually what I meant to say in my 2nd post. The point that I was trying to make in my 2nd post was that whilst I would value weather sealing in the camera body, I was wondering how useful it would be given that the lenses are not sealed.

I would admit that I could be wrong about the A900 in light of what you are telling me. A900 claims to have all buttons, slots, openings etc weather sealed which is different to the A700. Once again, I assumed weather sealing to splashproof, which is perhaps different to what the manufacturer might intend.

I don't think whether someone is right or wrong dictates whether they are abrasive. I think most of us, with the exception of you, would admit to being wrong about something occasionally. However, I think telling people whom you have disagreements with, to go to other forums is abrasive. If we were all do that, that would pretty much leave you alone on this forum by yourself.

I find it hilarious that you would even be bother to trawl through the Pentax forum in order to find a thread that would back up your point. Certainly shows the sort of guy you are.

robert_paul1 · May 24, 2009

Jiun, I trawled the Pentax forum, because I do research before I post. It took me all of two minutes. I don't just shoot my mouth off, like you. And tell me, what do you think of Peter, and his long posts.

And 'bad typing' would be some thing like spelling 'not', as 'knot', or 'ont', but you completely left the word 'not' out, which means you have a 'bad' brain.

Also, the major complaint against the A700 sealing, from what I can see, is that the A700 doesn't have sealing around the memory card door. Although numerous comments on difference forums have indicated that this is not a major problem. A number of A700 users have talked about taking their A700 into 'wet' conditions.

As, for me being 'abrasive', I think you need to look in the mirror. Look at the numerous 'abrasive' comments you have made towards me. But, I don't let that bother me. You are the pot calling the kettle back.

Anyway, you wrote- "...I would value weather sealing in the camera body, I was wondering how useful it would be given that the lenses are not sealed." You mean that Sony couldn't come out with weather-sealed lenses in the future to work in conjunction with the body?

ricardovaste · May 24, 2009

Richard, you take your A700 into rainstorms? I must say that you are more game then I am.

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Jiun, you shouldn't worry about it so much, the body is more than capable. As has been stated, the A700 has seals to protect it against moisture/dust. It does just that and very well too. There was an article after the A700 was released from a woman who had used her's in tropical conditions and it had performed faultlessly, but I can't find it anymore :-(. Anyway, don't fear it, have more confidence in your camera - there are a lot of A700 users out there that use their's in similar/worse conditions to mine.

paul_de_ley · May 24, 2009

Robert, I stand corrected on a matter truly requiring fact-checking, so let me correct the caption to my pic accordingly & forthwith!

Since you mentioned Peter, I was actually wondering too why we haven't seen him give us his two cents yet on the subject of weatherproofing. Although he may go off on a tangent every once in a great while, his posts always include interesting pointers and thoughts, and he does regularly contribute some of his own photos to PN, so we know he really loves photography. Plus, I haven't seen him lose his cool yet when under verbal fire. So in my mind he's invariably the hawk and not the kingbird, when feathers do get ruffled.

I remember reading sporadic reports a few months back on the A900 being taken out to shoot under pretty extreme conditions and holding up very well (see <a href="http://www.swiatobrazu.pl/sony_dslr_a900_at_dakar_rally.html,2">here </a>and <a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/antarctica-2009-worked.shtml">here </a>for example). I'm not sure if any A700s have been put through those kinds of tests, but various users in dyxum have commented on its good performance in rain and dust as well. So my impression is that Sony purposely remained cautious when describing the level of sealing built into the A700, rather than calling it truly weather-sealed and then getting smacked whenever one fails, especially with the lenses remaining the weak link in terms of protection.

To get back to the OP subject of new Pentax developments, the K10D and K20D were already weather-sealed to begin with, so the K7 is a continuation of that tradition. I do remember a small eruption of feebay listings a while back, for dead K10Ds and K20Ds that were accidentally dropped into a river or a lake by their respective owners. So there is definite reason to curb your enthousiasm and not take too many chances, even when you have sealed bodies and lenses!<div></div>

jiun_der_chung · May 24, 2009

Robert, I'm not quite sure why Peter's name is being brought up here.

But for the record, whilst I have had some differences in opinion with him and I don't always read his long posts in detail, I think he is a great member of this forum. Why shouldn't he post what he thinks? If you don't agree with his opinion, then don't read his posts and don't respond. I really admire his philosophical attitude to photography and his passion. It is safe to say that he is far more "precise" than I am but he definately always has something interesting to say.

Paul, yes I have to say that the big asterisk disclaimer on the brochure for the A700 saying "not splashproof and waterproof" is certainly off putting in terms of wanting to get my A700 wet! I have lost a number of electronic items from having been rained on before. Perhaps it does perform better than Sony will warranty. But I must admit to being nervous about exposing a $1000 camera to the rain when the manufacturer won't stand behind it.

Thanks Richard for the advise, I have been wanting to taking some lightning photos but have kind of held off because it is invariably raining at the same time. Maybe I'll have a go now, though the CZ24-70 is definately staying at home!

jiun_der_chung · May 24, 2009

Robert, I'm not quite sure why Peter's name is being brought up here.

But for the record, whilst I have had some differences in opinion with him and I don't always read his long posts in detail, I think he is a great member of this forum. Why shouldn't he post what he thinks? If you don't agree with his opinion, then don't read his posts and don't respond. I really admire his philosophical attitude to photography and his passion. It is safe to say that he is far more "precise" than I am but he definately always has something interesting to say.

Paul, yes I have to say that the big asterisk disclaimer on the brochure for the A700 saying "not splashproof and waterproof" is certainly off putting in terms of wanting to get my A700 wet! I have lost a number of electronic items from having been rained on before. Perhaps it does perform better than Sony will warranty. But I must admit to being nervous about exposing a $1000 camera to the rain when the manufacturer won't stand behind it.

Thanks Richard for the advise, I have been wanting to taking some lightning photos but have kind of held off because it is invariably raining at the same time. Maybe I'll have a go now, though the CZ24-70 is definately staying at home!

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