Pentax K-7

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

Features & build
Pentax is the latest DSLR manufacturer to add HD video to one of its cameras, with the arrival of the K-7. This new DSLR will also provide an interesting comparison to the brand’s key competitors thanks to its sealed, weatherproof body. Pentax claims the body – measuring 130.5x96.5x72.5mm – is also one of the smallest in its class, but looking at the specification of the Canon EOS 500D this is a little tenuous. Packing 14.6MP with its CMOS sensor chip, the K-7 sits between the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000 models in terms of resolution.
The magnesium alloy body is sealed in no less than 77 places, giving the camera great durability. It can also be operated in temperatures down to -10 degrees. The 3in LCD panel on the back of the camera has a very high 921k-dot resolution. It’s a fixed screen, so there's no vari-angle function as found on the Nikon D5000. You also have Live View with contrast AF and Face Detection.
This DSLR utilises a new image processor in the form of the PRIME II engine, which provides a 5.2fps drive speed thanks to its fast circuitry. The shutter range is very much suited to action photography with a top speed of 1/8000sec. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100-3200, with an expandable ISO 6400 available if required, so it needs to be a bright day for you to reach that shutter speed.
One feature that stands out on the K-7 is its viewfinder’s 100% coverage, so you see exactly what you’re capturing. This is especially useful for landscape photographers and anyone else needing to see the whole frame, from one side to the other.
There’s a lot of creative elements built into the K-7 and a quick delve into the menus reveals a few interesting tools. There’s an electronic spirit level that’s displayed both in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen, to ensure you keep your pictures level. You will also find a built-in HDR feature that can be set to standard or strong mode, where the camera takes a series of shots and then processes them into one, which gives the HDR effect for shadow and highlight areas. This works really well, but you should be aware that a tripod is often required when using this mode. Digital filters aren’t new to Pentax DSLRs, and the K-7 has a varied range that can be adjusted and fine-tuned to suit your desires.
Metering is provided from a new 77-segment array that helps the K-7 handle complex lighting situations. There’s also the D-Range setting options to help recover highlight and shadow detail. With an 11-point TTL focusing system, the K-7 offers single, continuous and manual modes. All your lenses are stabilised on the K-7, thanks to the sensor-shift shake reduction system housed inside the camera’s body.

Performance & handling
Our K-7 is a Beta sample, so we can’t assess the image quality as if it was a production product, but it looks good. The metering is generally good, if a little underexposed on our sample, but this is better than the opposite, especially if you choose the RAW file option. Focusing was pin-sharp and the kitted lens (18-55mm) paired well with the body.

Verdict
With features like HD video, the wealth of internal offerings and a robust build-quality that is weatherproof, the K-7 will appeal to many. The suggested retail price of £1200 (body only) is high, but as the kitted body/lens combo comes in at £1220, the body SRP just isn’t realistic. Both prices are likely to fall once the camera is in-store. Our rating reflects the fact that the price is likely to be a lot lower, and therefore it’s the camera we are awarding the star rating for.