Pentax gets official with 14.6MP K-7 DSLR: HD movies, HDR mode
By Darren Murph 
posted May 20th 2009 10:00AM
posted May 20th 2009 10:00AM
PENTAX INTRODUCES ADVANCED PENTAX K-7 DIGITAL SLR
New Camera Boasts Variety of Technological Firsts and Major Improvements Over Previous K Series Cameras
GOLDEN, CO. (May 20, 2009)...PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the launch of the PENTAX K-7 digital SLR camera. 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.
"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."
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:
• 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).
• 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.
• A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure for even the most complex and dynamic lighting situations.
• 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.
• 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.
• A Dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions.
• An Electronic Level function ensures that images have truly level horizons to minimize post-capture editing.
• An innovative in-camera Lens Correction function that electronically adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations to maximize image quality with DA series lenses.
• A dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures.
• 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 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.
• A programmable embedded copyright function preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during capture via a keypad that may record ownership in metatag data.
*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.
A variety of K series camera features that are significantly improved in the PENTAX K-7 include:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well lit settings.
• 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.
• A 100 percent field-of-view viewfinder (92X magnification) and bright focusing screen are ideal for accurate image composition and accurate focus.
• The PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous generation K series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF.
• The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture.
• 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.
• A new high capacity battery features extended battery life, ideal for travel photography or video work.
• Advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation.
• Custom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment allow users to customize the processing mode to suit personal creative style.
(more)
Other K series innovations featured on the PENTAX K-7 include:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hot shoe adapters.
• Advanced capture options include multi-exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography.
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.
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.
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.
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: www.pentaximaging.com and preorders may be placed now at www.pentaxwebstore.com.
Enjoy a preview of the PENTAX K-7 and the advanced features the camera offers on the PENTAX youtube.com channel http://www.youtube.com/pentaxian1. Images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html. Professional photographers interested in equipment loans may learn more about the PENTAX Pro Program by calling 1-800-877-0155.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For almost 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
Specifications:
CAMERA HARDWARE
MODEL: K-7
TYPE: Digital SLR
PRODUCT CODE:
Body Kit: 17811, UPC: 027075155145
SENSOR
Type: CMOS with primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system
Size: 23.4 x 15.6mm
Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 12 bits/channel RAW
Effective pixels: 14.6 MP
Total pixels: 15.07 MP
Recorded resolutions
Still: 14M 4672x3104, 10M 3936x2624, 6M 3072x2048, 2M 1728x1152
Movie (resolution/FPS): 1280x720p30, 1536x1024p30, 640x416p30
Quality levels: Premium, Best, Better, Good
Dust Removal: Supersonic vibration to low pass filter
LENS MOUNT
Type/construction: PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable lenses: PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w/ adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM function: Yes
Power zoom function: Yes
FOCUS SYSTEM
Type: TTL phase-difference 11 point (9 cross) wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII+)
Focus modes: AF Single (w/ focus lock), AF Continuous, Manual
Focus point adjustment: Auto, user-selectable, center
AF assist: Yes, via dedicated AF assist lamp with SAFOX VIII+ system
VIEWFINDER
Type: Pentaprism
Coverage (field of view): 100%
Magnification: 0.92X (w/ 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte III
Diopter adjustment: -2.5 to 1.5
Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop down), Digital
LCD MONITOR
Type: 3.0" TFT IPS (In Plane Switching) color LCD with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating
Resolution: 921,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes
LIVE VIEW
Type: TTL by CMOS image sensor
Field Of View: 100%
Display Modes: Magnification (2-6X AF, 2-10X MF), grid pattern overlay
Autofocus: Yes, contrast w/ face detection, contrast, phase difference
BUILT-IN FLASH
Type: Retractable P-TTL popup flash
Guide number: 13 (100/m)
Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equivalent to 35mm)
Flash modes: On, redeye, slow sync, slow sync + redeye, trailing curtain sync, wireless
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV in 1/2 steps
EXTERNAL FLASH
Type: Hotshoe (P-TTL, high speed sync available), wireless with PENTAX dedicated flash, X-sync socket
Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec
STORAGE MEDIA
Internal memory: n/a
Removable memory: SD, SDHC
INTERFACES
Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out, DC in, cable switch, 3.5mm stereo microphone
Video out: HD (1080i30, 720p30, 480p30), NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: n/a
POWER SUPPLY
Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG4 Battery Grip (optional) for second D-LI90 battery or 6X AA batteries
Recordable images: Approx 980 (approx 740 w/ 50% flash, CIPA)
Playback time: Approx 440 min
AC adapter available: Yes (optional)
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Body dimensions (W x H x D): 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9"
Body weight
Without battery or removable memory: 22.9 oz
Loaded and ready: 26.5 oz
Construction material(s): Magnesium alloy shell over stainless steel chassis
Operating temperature: 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C)
LANGUAGE SUPPORT
English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional/Simplified Chinese, Japanese
IMAGE STABILIZATION
Type: Sensor-shift Shake Reduction with rotational compensation (4 stops max)
Electronic level function: Yes, verification via viewfinder and top LCD panel
METERING SYSTEM
Type: TTL open-aperture 77 segment metering
Sensitivity range: EV 0 to 22 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Multi-segment: Yes, 77 segments
Center weighted: Yes
Spot: Yes
Exposure compensation: +/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure lock: Yes
Exposure bracketing: Yes, 3 or 5 frames, up to +/- 2 EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps)
ISO SENSITIVITY
Auto: ISO 100-3200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range available to ISO 6400, auto ISO range selectable
Manual: ISO 100-3200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range available to ISO 6400
WHITE BALANCE*
Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE
Manual mode(s): Yes, manual and 3 color temperature selections available
* WB fine adjustment available in all modes
SHUTTER
Type: Electronically controlled, vertical run, focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec, bulb
CAPTURE MODES
Mode selection: Green, Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv), Metered Manual, Bulb, X-Speed, USER, Movie
Green simplified mode available: Yes
P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv)
Date stamp: n/a
Digital filters (capture): Custom Image Function includes Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, and Muted modes, each with gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustment for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia warm/cool), high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Other capture filters include Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Extract Color, Soft Focus, Starburst, Fisheye, Custom Filter.
Data record: Folder name (standard, date), file name (standard, customizable), embed copyright
DRIVE MODES
Mode selection: Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s, continuous), Bracketing (standard, timer, remote), Mirror Lockup (standard, remote), HDR Capture, Multi-Exposure, Interval
Continuous FPS
- 5.2 FPS (40 JPG Continuous Hi, 15 RAW PEF, 14 RAW DNG)
- 3.3 FPS (unlimited JPG Continuous Lo, 17 RAW PEF/DNG)
Self-timer: Yes (12s, 2s)
Remote control: Yes, infrared (0s, 3s, continuous) and cable switch
PLAYBACK MODES
Mode selection: One Shot (no data, basic data, full data, color channel histogram), Multi Image Display (4, 9, 16, 32, 81 thumbnails), Calendar Filmstrip, Folder, Magnification, Select & Delete, Movie Playback (no data, basic data, full data)
Mode pallet: Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Slideshow, Save as Manual WB, RAW Development, Index Print, Image Comparison, Protect, DPOF
Magnification: Up to 32X, scrollable
Digital filters (playback): Toy Camera, Monochrome (filter effects, toning), Retro, Color (6), High Contrast, Soft Focus, Extract Color (6), Starburst, Water Color, Fisheye, Pastel, Slim, Miniature, HDR, Base Parameter Adj, Custom Filter
FILE FORMATS
Still: RAW (PEF, DNG), JPG (Exif 2.21), DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, Print Image Matching III
Movie (compression): AVI (Motion JPG)
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS
Functions available: 37
I'm still torn between a dedicated camcorder and a DSLR/micro 4/3'rds. Right now I've just got an old Digital8 camcorder and a canon s5is.
Anyone care to comment?
It seems like the best thing to do is get a camcorder and an SLR. The video from SLR's isn't impressive yet.
DSLR is something to consider for artistic video, playing with interchangeable lenses, narrow depth of field and high ISO capabilities of their large sensors - things that are too expensive on an HD video camera. They still have a way to go to replace the flexibility and ease of use of relatively affordable HD camcorders.
Nikon and Canon models have both made sacrifices that I think make them little more then bullet points on the box. Panasonic is looking to get it right with the GH1, but who wants to invest in a $1500 camera using micro 4/3rds lenses. It looks like Pentax may get it right as well (at least they have 30fps and external audio, hopefully it can autofocus and has manual controls).
as long as you aren't panning dslr video is amazing.
If its your looking for a device primarily for video the micro4/3rds Panasonic GH1 is hard to beat. It has full manual controls, 24p/30p/60p options and full-DOF control. For camcorders you won't get the nice bokeh, film-like effect without an expensive and cumbersome adapter.
Also, the micro4/3rds system has a larger selection of lenses via adapter. The short focal flange distance means you can mount Nikon, Canon, Leica, Pentax, Minolta, Arri PL lenses, etc.
Keep in mind that on all of these DSLRs with video, the FAT32 maximum file size is 4GB, which means you will get between 5 and 20 minutes before you need to stop recording, open a new file, or maybe swap out your ($20-100) card. Better bring a lot of cards if you plan on shooting a lot.
@ fieldcar
I am in the exact same boat. And frankly, I'm getting sick hearing "if you want video, buy a camcorder; if you want pictures, buy a DSLR". Sure, the video performance gap is still there, but it's closing fast. Things have come a very long way in only 12 months.
I think the real question is "do you want to wait until Q2 2010 to buy an affordable DSLR or u4/3 with camcorder-like video recording." I'm betting we'll see it by then (Autofocus+Stabalizer+GoodLowLight @ under $1,000). But if you want HD video right now, I'd go with a standalone camcorder. The new Canon line with the big sensor looks quite nice.
I'll probably wait since I have no real reason that I need to upgrade either device from my current gear.
@temple - from what I've read though, you'll be manually focusing anything but micro 4/3rds and a few contrast-detect compatible 4/3rds - and many of those don't support continuous focusing. That's a non starter for most people, though it might be neat to play with. Am I wrong about that?
As a longtime filmmaker and broadcast video editor, I'd recommend an HD DSLR over any prosumer camcorder.
I'm not sure people appreciate what these cameras can do. I still can't believe it.
These cameras will revolutionize indy filmmaking as much as computer-based editing has.
The only comparison I haven't seen is colorspace compared to a 3 chip prosumer camcorder.
For a cinematic look, you want shallow depth of field and 24fps. You just cant find that in a camcorder until you start paying tens of thousands of dollars.
One thing no one has mentioned is the Canon 5D Mark II. It shoots full 1080p24 HD, and has a massive 36 x 24 mm sensor (a 35mm film equivalent) which allows very shallow depth-of-field.
Way to go, Pentax! This one is a winner! Now all they need is good marketing and have the stores stock these... hard to find Pentax gear on the shelves these days...
This is not a winner if they made the same blunder as Canon: No 24 FPS.
Sensor Size: 23.4 x 15.6mm - how close is this to full frame?
Jack
Niot very. A full frame is 36mm x 24mm.
It's APS-C sized, like most dSLRs.
I owned a D90 and used it as a combo video/still camera.
When used with a fast lens (f/2.8 or faster) it was very useful, otherwise for video I felt did not live up to dedicated prosumer video cam.
Jack
Is it true that people are using cameras like this instead of prosumer cams? I mean I just dont like the way CMOS looks for full motion. Am I crazy?
Pentax, still waiting for your full frame dslr beforeI upgrade my k10d. I find myself using the old k10d over both the Canon 50d and Panasonic L10 that I also own, something about using those old manual pentax lens ...
Ditto. This is a high-end, expensive, consumer-level...well...toy. If you want to take video, take video. If you want a camera, get a camera.
Don't hold your breath. This is not Pentax's market and I doubt it ever will be.
Pentax has shown zero interest in a full frame model. And it would be a confusing mess to even find an appropriate lens for one.
The 5D Mark II shoots at 24 fps, which is considered by video professionals I know and work with as better than 30 fps, and more like film.
I shoot with one, and I certainly hope Pentax puts Canon to shame on just how convoluted getting the thing to take videos is.
People like 24fps because it's supposedly more film like, slower with more blur. However, if blur is what you want, you can get blur with shutter speeds of 1/24, 1/30 or even 1/60. Shutter speed is independent of frame rate and it controls the amount of blur. Personally I find nothing appealing about 24fps - and with fast motion it's headache inducing. I imagine as we get farther from film more people will see the light.
Also, most people don't have 24fps displays so your lovely 24fps video will get converted to 30fps for many people, with judder to go along with it.
Unfortunately, the 5DII only shoots at only 30p. It does not do 24p.
@glenn you don't know what your talking about and wasted 2 paragraphs of letters.
@Joseph - Wow, awefully aggressive post without saying much. I don't know which part of my post you think is wrong, but I'd be curious.
Yes, if you filming a movie on a DSLR, you might want 24fps for some reason based on tradition and faulty science, but chances are your shooting something more like family, sports or nature where it's generally the more FPS the better.
Aaahhhhh Engadget! Do a little, even a tiny bit of research please. This isn't targeted at the D90 / D5000 range. It's competitors are the D300 and 50D, and it's half the damn size not to mention hundreds of dollars cheaper. In camera HDR has been around for ages, the K20D even has it.
Geez Louise.
DP Review have a preview available, and they love it stating:
"Pentax appears to have produced a Pocket Battleship to Nikon's (D300) Dreadnought."
This is a direct competitor of the D300, it got everything better but probably less AF performance, judging from past Pentax models.
Dang! Yesterday I was loving my K20D. Now, not so much. I don't need to drop the coin for this camera, but I might have to! Looks like a winner.
no one actually commented on the HDR yet?
This is a huge little feature! Just for an instant I'm happy pentax did this because others will follow soon. c'mon Canon/Nikon/Sony/Oly... go ahead and do it too.
http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11608
A little more detail on the HDR feature. This is not a rehash of the K20D HDR setting. This is completely new and from what the article says is similar to what is done out-of-camera in photoshop, correll etc. Tripod use is a must but for landscape photogs this camera may be the go to choice if you aren't shooting MF.
It's a neat feature, could be a nice gateway into people doing more HDR. It lacks the control that post processing allows you, which is good and bad. I don't like the thought of the camera basically shutting down for 10-15 seconds while it processes the images though, never know what you could miss.
What file format will the "HDR" images be stored in? JPEG can't handle HDR, so will it write a float EXR file or something?
Or will this be more LDR ignorantly labeled as HDR?
@Information Central - I think there is a difference between HDR imaging and HDR rendering. This is a technique to exceed the dynamic range possible in a single exposure, not exceed the dynamic range possible on standard displays and media.
Ya know, if I wanted a video camera, I'd buy a bloody video camera.
Ya know, that's a stupid and ignorant statement, maybe, just maybe the two are merging..., happens, you know.
The crucial bit, the glass is, ya know, is pretty similar.
What if you want a video camera aaaand a nice still camera too? What would you do then?
The sensor is similar too. And photojournalists may be required to shoot video too, it's cheaper than sending a photographer and a videographer. Filmmakers are also interested in these cameras. The only problem is that the video functions of DSLRs is more something for pros, consumers want autofocus etc. But oh how beautiful the DSLR videos are... haven't seen a videocamera except for the Red One that can compete.
Pentax is junk, it doesn't have as much heritage and widest selection of lenses like Canon has. I would reccommend the 50D. Pros use Canon, I never saw anyone with a Pentax these days.
Canon fanboy strikes again! Not going to bother pointing out the holes in what you're saying, just GTFO.
Lack of "heritage"? DUMB. You clearly don't know anything about cameras. The Pentax Spotmatic was the first camera to have a built-in light meter.
Clarification (and for iKurt 5D).
I am a pro, and I use a Pentax K20D, K10D, and istDL. Pentax has been around for a long time, and for a long time outsold Canon and Nikon combined. The medium-format 645 is still a great camera and used by many.
This K7 is high-end, expensive, consumer-level entry. I kinda figured this would be the case from the teaser pictures of it and the toy strap mounts.
People who want to take photos take photos and want a camera that, shockingly, takes photos. Not video. I'm trying to figure out how much HD video would fit on an 8GB SD card, and I'm guessing the answer is "not too much." Live view is cute, but pretty worthless outside, and and a real viewfinder does a better job anyway. A full-frame sensor would definitely put Pentax more in the pro camp. But if this is the way that Pentax is headed, maybe I'll just sell my whole kit and get a 5D.
Haha, I'm sure you're a top notch pro. Incidentally, I'm a total amateur, but I have both a K20D and a EOS 5D. Guess what? The 5D is my sub :LOL:
The full frame sensor is great for some things, and that's what I use my 5D for; shallow DoF shots and tilt shift photography. For everything else, there's Pentax. Seriously, take a 5D and a non-IS lens out for a walk. You'll be shocked at the limitation of not having in-body SR. You can't shoot anything below 1/60s handheld.
Of course, if you were a real pro pro, you'd get the 5D MkII and only Canon L lenses with IS so there shouldn't be a problem. Then again, if you were a real real pro pro, you're gonna look silly using a toy like the 5D Mk II, when real pros will be shooting a 645D in a year from now :-P
"Live view is cute, but pretty worthless outside"
Not really, LV is the best thing ever with MF lenses or when working with macro or when on tripods. I used to think its worthless until I got a camera with a high res screen (like this Pentax has right now) and some old lenses tilt shift lenses.
Engadget is clueless on camera's
"The body alone should ship in July for $1,299.95 -- which is notably more expensive that recent wares from Canon, Nikon and Sony"
Um yea because this body is in a different class as the new bodies from Canon, Nikon and Sony. All the new bodies released by Canon, Nikon and Sony are entry level DSLRs, this is not a entry level DSLR
And you're clueless on apostrophes.
Agreed.
I didn't see it in the article; does it do autofocus while shooting video? Not likely, as it probably would've said it in 10 FOOT HIGH LETTERS if it did.
I believe it uses Contrast AF while in live & video mode
*shakes head*
Again engadget... this is Pentax's answer to the D300 and 50D. Of course it is priced (and equipped with features) as such. Please, I know HD video is a big deal to you guys, but thats not the only thing to compare against Nikon and Canon's cameras. Helloooo mag. alloy body, weather sealed body (And kit lens! Now theres a first), 5fps, 100% view finder, and 1/8000th sec shutter speed just to name a few. I highly doubt entry level consumers would find much need for these features. The K200D is priced to compete with the d5000 and t1i (under $600 with the kit lens).
Pentax K-7 is NOT the same level with Canon Ti or Nikon D5000.
It sits on the same level with:
- Canon 50D
- Nikon D300
- Olympus E30
- Sony A700
Check this link for preview from DP Review:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/pentaxk7/page4.asp
How is that true when all they are doing is comparing it to the weight of the other cameras?
It's not set in stone, but dpreview chooses cameras in those preview comparisons that it views as competitors. I think most would agree that the folks at dpreview know what they are talking about on that subject.
@Ken: The features, materials used, the buttons it has for just about everything that no beginner would even know about, the lack of automatic mode except for the obligatory green one (no special portrait mode, no special firework mode, etc.), it all makes it pretty clear that this camera is aimed at photographers who know what they are doing and want control over everything. The only thing that lacks in this camera is that they have left in a JPEG mode. I liked the Sigma SD9 and 10 which didn't even bother having JPEG support.
Does it have microphone inputs?
In a few months, I'd like to buy a nice interchangeable lens camera with a video function, and mount a Rode Videomic on top.
I'm thinking Panasonic GH1 so far.
Okay, it does.
Another cool feature about this camera:
"3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution"
"INTERFACES
Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out, DC in, cable switch, 3.5mm stereo microphone"
Yup, on the mic input.
Yes, stereo mic input.
"The real kicker, however, is the High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture mode, which snags a trio of images, then combines them in-camera to widen the exposure gamut."
I am pretty sure that the HDR was available on the last model (k20d). So this is not new. Correct me if I am wrong.
The K20D had something like EDR (Enhanced Dynamic Range). It didn't combine images.
Actually it could combine images in a custom function. It was limited to JPGs but you could take multiple exposures and combine them in camera. Wasn't labeled HDR, and was a manually process, but it had it.
Cheers, Tim.
Official video highlighting the new features: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNCHdsZI88g
I want.
I've been waiting for an HDR mode. I hope the next gen 5D has it.
Is it really 720p if it is shooting at 30 fps? Does the camera upsample the video to double the framerate to make it the same as 'real' 720p?
Per wikipedia: 720p is encoded in at least 5 popular frame rates: 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 Hz
I thought 720p meant the picture is 720 pixels tall - doesn't have anything to do with the fps. The "p" means "progressive", meaning each frame is a full frame, rather than a half-frame stitched with the next half-frame (which is called "interlaced" or "i"). I could be wrong on this...
According to the YouTube video linked above, the video mode has "contrast control" auto-focus during filming.
As a Pentax DSLR owner (K100D) with an upgraded zoom lens, I'm pretty excited about this as a body upgrade. Seems like a really solid camera.