Do Japanese gadget makers think we're not superficial enough to appreciate
specially repainted editions of their gear? Because we are, we totally are. Pentax is producing a mere 1,000 units of the above slice of DSLR beauty and predictably they all seem to be headed to the Japanese market. The Limited Silver variant of the K-7 adds a few enhancements, too, with a specially reinforced glass plate protecting the LCD and adding to the original's
robust weatherproofing, as well as updated firmware and photo processing software. The most intriguing addition is the inclusion of a "golden section ratio" focusing screen with curved guiding lines that are supposed to make image composition even easier. We'd say that's just the sort of cosmetic enhancement you'd expect on a prettied up limited edition shooter, but that'd make our bitterness at not being able to buy one too obvious.
posted February 22nd 2010 8:29AM
I see these humongous cameras using pure digital tech and I have to simply wonder "Why?".
Afterall, no need to fit in a roll of film anymore.
Maybe those WFT (is that the right acronym) are the middle ground that settles better with me.
Nah, it's "MFT", not "WFT".
@Freakin Ijit
Despite being digital, the lens systems remain the same. Can't make the cameras too much smaller for ergonomic reasons. Also, a K7 is far from humongous, no where near some of the Canon and Nikon models in the same class.
You also have to remember that while you remove the roll of film, you replace it with a computer and media card reader.
@Freakin Ijit The physics of having a larger sensor result in substantially better image quality, and larger cameras are needed to place the make on a larger sensor. In addition, people want to use legacy lens mounts, and again physically there's limits to how small you make lenses when you have a big sensor.
Secondly, many enthusiasts and professionals prefer or require a larger, heavier camera. Ergonomics, placement of more buttons for manual controls, bigger and brighter viewfinders all make photography easier (if you're bothered to bring the big camera in the first place). In addition, many require big and heavy accessories such as a large, bright flash or a heavy lens with nicer glass, so sometimes the size of the camera is moot. Sometimes, your dedication to your art / craft outweighs the need for convenience.
Micro Four Thirds cameras aren't really that much smaller than the smallest DLRs, just less shorter (viewfinder cut off) and come with compact pancake lenses (you sacrifice zoom for those, amongst other things). Barely pocketable, I suppose.
Well, no need to have a prism or flipping mirror, for example. Electronics somehow seem to fit fin in much smaller cameras without the need for bulk, too.
I think we're just seeing marketing at work here though, as noted, the MFT cameras seem to be a middle ground that may end up being mainstream.
@Freakin Ijit
Two words:
OPTICAL
VIEWFINDER
Until technology achieves or exceeds the feel of the old-school viewfinder, I will never ever want to give it up. Mirror box and all.
"I see these humongous cameras"
No, you don't.The K-7 is minute.
@Freakin Ijit If you are doing pro photography, seeing through your lens can be really important. Small LCDs don't have the resolution nor color reproduction. It will be a while before the flip-up mirror vanishes.
The body shape works. We know we want a circle lens connected to a box with the sensor and viewfinder. We need something to grip on both sides and the larger grip on the right is very handy for extra support when pressing the button.
If you are left-handed, DSLRs might suck though.
Oh, but for video, this form isn't great. It is hard to support for a long time steady. Although you can run some great video these days, you really need some extra gear to get more points of contact for steady shooting - or a steadycam unit or something.
http://www.pentax.jp/japan/imaging/digital/slr/k-7/limited/
This Japanese page has some prettier pictures and shows the focusing screen in more detail.
No word on price.
A used K-7 is getting pretty cheap these days, if that's what you're into and you don't mind black.
For me, it's a bit too small and and I find the controls too cramped. I prefer the more substantial bulk - and more graceful lines - of a D200/D300. Nicely built camera though.
Very beautiful. Even though I am not a fan of Pentax, I wish I had one of these. It for sure gives you a very pleasant feeling to hold and use this camera.
Besides pentax is not worse than canon and Nikon in entry level DSLRs.
Entry level? The K-7 is a poor man's D300. As in "almost but not quite", in the same way as my K10D is "almost but not quite" as good as my D200. Pentax gives tremendous value for money in the "prosumer" class, or whatever you want to call the upper-advanced-amateur market segment.
The K-x is a nice entry level dSLR.
@bebop D300 and D200 are mid level. Aren't they? So a poor man's mid level can be considered a rich man's entry level :)
Seriously though, Pentax does not have anything comparable to D3, 5D and 1D. Besides I have experienced the limited lens availability in another brand. That's why i do not like to lock myself into another medium performing producer.
@wmac True, Pentax does not have a full-frame camera yet... but their cameras are great bang for the buck for the enthusiast photographer. And 3rd party lens manufacturers, like Sigma and Tamron, do a great job of expanding the lens availability for the Pentax cameras. Plus, the low profile Pentax limited primes are one of a kind.
@wmac PENTAX may not have a Full Frame camera, but soon they'll have a Medium Format one :D. Does Canon and Nikon have one?
http://www.camera-pentax.jp/new/
@joemex Yeah. Medium format makes more sense than full-frame. APS-C for folks that walk around, and Medium format for studio photographers who care only about the best possible IQ. We'll see if pentax can pull it off successfully.
@wmac
or lock you into 35 years worth of lenses; you'd never want to be locked into that limitation.
each to his own.
WANT WANT WANT
Nice silver.
When and why did dour black ever become the standard color for SLRs?
@BK Phil
The silver became associated with the Digital Rebel. I prefer black because it's less conspicuous and the paint can't get rubbed off.
A silver metal body would be cool, silver plastic is most definitely not.
@BK Phil
White Pentax K-x FTW!!
@BK Phil
I actually prefer black. Looks more expensive than silver (unless it's metal). It's also less striking, more robust, you won't see scratches etc. that easily, etc. I don't mind choice though, as long as I can get my beloved black. Silver to me means entry level.
would love to see how my prized silver 77mm ltd would look slapped on that! Sexy!
this pentax camera is cute, but quality of their matrix is worse then canon
http://www.assolux.com