Pentax K-7 Digital Camera
(4 out of 5)
A solid midrange D-SLR with features found on cameras costing 2 or 3 times as much.
Review by Jeff Keller | Sep
30, 2009 |
+ ShareThe Pentax K-7 isn't just an excellent midrange digital SLR -- it's also an incredible value. It may not have the fastest burst rate or lowest noise in its class, but it offers more features per dollar than anything else out there. It has very good image quality, stellar build quality, snappy performance (in most situations), more manual controls than you'll need, unique exposure modes, an HD movie mode, and lots more. Downsides are few. The camera tends to underexpose, and its image are on the soft side. The movie mode could use some work, contrast detect autofocus is slow (when using live view), and the menu system looks like a relic of the last century. Ultimately, the K-7 is a high-end camera at a midrange price, and it's a great choice for Pentax owners looking to upgrade, or first time D-SLR buyers who want something more capable than an entry-level model.
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|
- Very good photo quality
- Compact, very well built, weather-sealed body
- Great value for the money
- Sensor-shift image stabilization, even works for rotational motion
- Dust reduction system
- Super high resolution 3-inch LCD display, with well implemented live view
- Full manual controls, including unique Sv and TAv exposure modes
- Tons of bracketing modes, tweakable image parameters, two RAW formats supported
- Good-sized buffer allows for long continuous shooting bursts at over 5 fps
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Insanely customizable
- Shadow and highlight adjustment, high dynamic range tool, and unique composition adjustment feature
- Distortion, chromatic aberration, and horizon correction
- Multiple exposure and time-lapse photo features
- Handy electronic level
- Built-in wireless flash support
- HD movie mode with image stabilization and input for stereo microphone
- Redeye not a problem
- Good battery life -- optional grip doubles battery life, supports AAs
- HDMI output
- Very good manual
| - Camera tends to underexpose -- images are soft straight out of the camera
- Slow contrast detect AF in live view mode -- manual focus image enlargement not very sharp
- Archaic menu system
- Movie mode issues: huge file sizes, limited recording time, no continuous AF, needs a wind cut filter
- Easy to accidentally turn the control dials --large number of buttons, switches, and dials make camera a bit intimidating
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