The Pentax K-7 is a perfect digital SLR camera. The Pentax K7 features a durable, functional body, smaller than any other in its class and high-quality image reproduction.
Our Rating 
(4/5)
Good: Excellent anti-shake system; extended dynamic range; distortion and aberration correction; durable
Bad: Coarse and noisy autofocus; produces noisier pictures than rivals at high ISOs
The Pentax K7 Digital SLR Camera was designed not only to assure outstanding image quality, but also to provide exceptional ease and comfort of operation and the utmost satisfaction to photo enthusiasts of all levels, including advanced amateurs.
With the introduction of the K-7, Pentax appears to be positioning itself as a leader in the rugged camera category, making a smaller camera that is better sealed against the elements, with 77 seals that deliver “weather, dust, and cold resistance.” That latter point is perhaps the most unique, with no other digital SLR of this class offering a promise of durability down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, it has added several user-friendly features, including video recording, high dynamic range (HDR), and automatic horizon correction. All of these make the Pentax K7 Digital SLR Camera a tremendous photographic tool, perfect for all discerning digital SLR photographers.
dpreview.com writes:
“Pentax has announced the K-7 mid-level DSLR, based around an updated version of the Pentax/Samsung 14.6 MP CMOS sensor. The specifications – magnesium alloy body, 5.2 fps shooting, 720p HD video, 920,000 dot LCD – will not come as a surprise to the Pentax faithful, following comprehensive leaking of its details. However, we’ve been lucky enough to get hold of a pre-production camera to bring you a detailed hands-on preview of the K-7.”
whatdigitalcamera.com writes:
“The new model features a 14.6MP CMOS sensor, measuring in at 23.4mm by 15.6mm, and featuring a high-speed, four-channel image data read out. Said sensor boasts an ISO range of 100 to 6400, with the highest setting offered through a custom function.”
photoreview.com.au writes:
“Featuring a solid body with a chassis made from high-rigidity stainless-steel alloy and housing of durable but lightweight magnesium steel alloy, the K-7 has 77 special seals to make it weatherproof, dustproof and cold-resistant.”
TrustedReviews writes:
“Pentax K-7 is a superb camera, and really puts the cat among the pigeons at the top of the APS-C DSLR market. It has rugged weatherproof build quality, superb handling and offers every creative feature you could possibly want and more besides. Performance and image quality are a match for anything else in its class. It’s a tempting package for any keen amateur or semi-pro. “
CrunchGear writes:
“the K-7 is much, much faster at locking on than the K200D and the 50mm f/1.4 that I primarily use with the K200D feels alive. However, I did notice that the K-7 struggled to lock onto multiple subjects even in continuous AF mode and would focus in on something stationary that didn’t seem to be focused on from my point of view.”
ImagingResource writes:
“Small, solid, and sealed, the Pentax K7 makes a superb candidate for the outdoor photographer, occupying the space of a small Rebel, but with the ruggedness to handle both wet and cold weather like a pro. When you make the Pentax K7 your daily shooter, the interface becomes second nature, and you can focus on your photography.”
Sample Photos
- Sample Photos @ TrustedReviews
- Sample Photos @ ImagingResource
- Sample Photos @ NeoCamera
- Sample Photos: 1 – 2 – 3 @ InfoSync
- Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
Pocket-Lint writes:
“The camera’s new kit lens is suitably sharp and benefits from the weather sealing; I used the 18-55mm kit zoom for this test and performance is very good, but in the final analysis, what we have here is a camera that is well made, provides a stunning array of features, has superb build and styling and is perfectly suited to the market into which it is pitched.”
NeoCamera writes:
“Image quality is very good with generally low noise and high details. Color accuracy and white-balance are impressive and extremely flexible, as are image parameters for detailed control over the way images are captured. The K-7 is also a fast and responsive camera..”
PhotoReview.au writes:
“Camera response times were occasionally slower than competing DSLRs. Although the review camera powered-up smartly in a little less than one second, the average capture lag of 0.5 seconds is significantly slower than most recent DSLRs we’ve tested. With pre-focusing, this lag reduced to less than 0.1 seconds, which is par for the course.”
InfoSync writes:
“Pros: Great overall RAW image quality. Packed to the brim with features. Excellent lens compatibility. Cushy handling and advanced interface made shooting a delight.Cons: Inconsistent HD video quality. Menu graphics could use a little sprucing up. Certain features like HDR mode require more effort than expected. “
Video Preview by WDC:
TechRadar writes:
“Image quality is great. Comparing the JPEG with the converted RAW of the same image the JPEG is noticeably noisier. The difference between JPEG and RAW files is more marked as you ascend the ISO scale, until you hit ISO 6400, where the JPEG looks smoother than the RAW.”
PhotographyBlog writes:
“The K-7’s image quality is very good. Exposures were generally 1/3rd EV stop under-exposed, perfect for retaining detail in the highlight areas without sacrificing the shadow areas too much, and colours were accurate using the default Bright setting. The HDR mode makes it easy to create images with greatly expanded dynamic range”
ePhotozine writes:
“I’m liking the noise results from the Pentax K-7, not only because they’re among the best I’ve seen from a Pentax model but also because the control that the new processor is commanding over the noise is excellent…..I’m so impressed with the K-7 that I think this is one of the most exciting cameras released this year.”
Pentax K-7 DSLR camera features
1) HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures
2) Dynamic-range expansion function to compensate for both white-washed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas
3) Digital level function for easy checking of the image’s levels
4) Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA- and DFA-series lenses)
5) White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the color components of sunset scenes and a new incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode
6) Multi-exposure function, with a superimposition of already-recorded images on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance comparison
7) Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
RAW button for single-action switching of image file format
9) 16 digital filters to add a range of visual effects; a new function to record an overwritten history also available
10) Color-specific control buttons/dials for easy recognition and quick access, based on the universal color design
11) Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including a RAW-data processing application (based on the popular SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and a browser application