May 20th 2009: Pentax have announced a new DSLR, the K7. It's a mid-priced "prosumer" camera with all the features you'd expect from a state-of-the-art DSLR...and a few more.
As is expected with all new DSLRs, the Pentax K7 can shoot video as well as still images. There are three video resolutions. It can shoot at 640x416 or 1536x1024, both of which have the standard 3:2 aspect ratio of 35mm film. Note that the lowest resolution is 640x416, not the more common VGA 640x480 (aspect ratio 4:3) found on many other cameras. There's also an HD mode, 1280x720 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The frame rate is 30 frames/sec for all video modes. There is a jack provided for the use of an external stereo microphone.
In line with Pentax's philosophy on image stabilization, the Pentax K7 uses sensor shift technology to provide image stabilization in the body rather than in the lens. This has the advantage of providing stabilization with any (and every) lens you mount on the camera. Pentax claim between 2.5 and 4 stops of stabilization.
The Pentax K7 uses a 14.6MP CMOS sensor. This (around 15MP) is about the current upper limit for pixel density in an APS-C sensor without running into noise problems and seems to be where all manufacturers are currently going with APS-C DSLRs.
Among other features, the Pentax K7 also offers a 100% viewfinder, sealing against dust and moisture, an HDR mode which combined 3 images taken with different exposures in the camera, an electronic level for keeping horizons straight, a 100,000 cycle shutter with a 1/8000s top speed and in-camera correction of distortion on chromatic aberration when used with Pentax DA series lenses.
All in all it looks like the K7 is a fully featured camera, capable of going head to head with similarly priced models from Canon, Nikon and Sony. The Pentax K7 has an initial selling price of $1299.95 and should be in stores by July.
Here's what Pentax have to say about the new Pentax K7:
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:
- 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.Pentax K7 Digital SLR Highlights
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.
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.
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: