Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only) | 
| Brand: Pentax
Category: Photography
List Price: $1,099.95
Buy New: $909.00
as of 3/10/2010 23:03 CST details
You Save: $190.95 (17%)
New (24) Used (4) from $827.99
Seller: PORTABLE GUY
Rating:  36 reviews
Sales Rank: 1800
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Maximum Resolution: 14.6
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.5
Dimensions (in): 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9
MPN: K-7
Model: K-7
UPC: 027075155145
EAN: 0027075155145
ASIN: B0028N7442
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | High-resolution, 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, magnesium alloy body | | • | Body only; lenses sold separately | | • | Weather resistant, dustproof, and coldproof (14 degrees F, -10 degrees C) | | • | Fast 5.2 fps shooting with the new PRIME II Image processing engine; top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well-lit settings | | • | 3-inch LCD; Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display | | • | Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included) |
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Product Description
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.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 36
 PENTAX need improve its QA/QC system March 3, 2010
Z. Zhou (CT USA)
I ordered one K7 from Amazon last week and received a defective one this Monday. The manufacturer package box was worn out obviously with all corners and edges white and dented. Other than this, all packed parts in the box looks original.
Unfortunately, I found one part in the camera is too loose. If I tilt the camera to its side, I can hear that part sliding and rattling in the camera body. The other problem I noticed is this camera can't auto focus when LV is on (tried with DA* and FA lenses).
Called Amazon and they shipped out a replacement right away. Now I'm still waiting it to arrive.
Comparing to my old K-10D, K7 does have some pros and cons:
Pros:
better auto white balance;
better auto focusing speed;
better focusing ability in low light conditions;
shutter sounds better to me;
Cons:
video quality is not as good as I expected;
LV function uses too much power;
compact build makes it feels too different from K-10D (my wife prefer it than K10D though);
Will update once I received the replacement.
Update:
Just received the replacement Amazon sent me using 2nd air. I really appreciate such great service, however, it confirmed me that I've been sold used/refurbished item.
First, again, the PENTAX box of the replacement had worn-out looking with some edges white and some corners broken.
Then, just after I pull the camera body out from the plastic bag, I found 2 tiny fabric fibers on the LCD screen and couple of dust paticles on interior wall in battery compartment. I also found another tiny dust particle on the surface of reflecting mirror inside of the camera body, which gave me even more affirmative evidence. I tried to blow the dust off by gently blowing on the mirrow surface so the moisture in my breath condensed on the mirrow for a second before it started to evaporate. While it evaporate, I clearly saw multiple horizontal marks across the mirrow which must be residules from some kind of wipes. It's just like the marks Windex and mop would leave on window glasses before they evaporate.
Maybe it's Amazon who needs better QA/QC in its refurb/repacking shop.
I'm trying to returning it now. (BTW, I bought this item on that day when Amazon provided a ~$100 discount)
 Sometimes the best things in life don't get mentioned. February 23, 2010
Dave Duy Le
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Great camera, big improvement in low-light AF from previous Pentax DSLR's. One thing you must know is Pentax is one of the very few companies who make in-body stabilized DSLR's and used the same mount since film, allowing all current 3rd party lenses and manual lenses from 30 years ago to work on this body and still maintain optical stabilization. Huge advantage for Pentax over it's competitors, but sadly the world is brainwashed by what they see in Best Buy and the advertisements.
Pentax builds cameras for photographers and hobbyists at the best of their ability. Pentax does not create 3 DSLRs in the same class, pricing them one over another after stripping features. Pentax are a loyal company to their loyal consumers; you will never see them screw their consumers over by producing a bunch of half-baked bodies and advertise them as everything. They make one DSLR for entry-level and one DSLR for semi-pro and putting all they have to offer for a more than reasonable price.
Aside from the quality of Pentax's craftsmanship throughout the years, the superb build quality of the K-7 is not to be forgotten, that over 50 years of producing some of the finest film SLR's and DSLR's, all of that innovation and time spent have been put into creating this masterpiece. 77 weather-seals making it resistant to dust, rain, and cold temperatures, this is truly the most powerful Pentax ever built to date.
Sometimes the best just don't get talked about, in fact most of the best things in life don't get talked about. Most people can't think for themselves. Out of all the people in the world, only a very select few who knows what's best for themselves. People don't come to realize the best things in life until it's too late. I'm glad to be part of the few who figured it out for myself. I do things in life that's best for me, not what others think is best for me. I go Pentax when others say otherwise, because when I held a Pentax in my hands for the very first time, I knew that was it.
Great buy February 12, 2010
K. Stromme (Bergen, Norway)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I'm a pentax guy, I probably wouldnt rate this item down under any circumstances. But, that doesn't make this anything else than a great camera. I have never used a Canon or Nikon. My track record is a Pentax SuperA from the 80ies, and most recently a Pentax *ist DL. Moving up from up from the istDL was quite a leap, and you quickly realize the differences in weight and construction. But the K7 still doesnt feel too big. It appears to be quite smaller than the recent Pentax top model, K20.
As far as functions go, it seems to have everything you would ever need. I mostly shoot with aperture priority, or full manual when I use my old non-automtic lenses. See, that's the beauty of Pentax, and the reason I would never switch system, it has full backwards compability, lenswise.
So, does it work?
I took my camera for a ski trip recently. I had no issues about taking it along in the slopes. It seems so sturdy and well built, that even if I would have a fall or two, it wouldnt affect the camera (I was more afraid I would break my back if I fell on the camera). And what if it would fall in the snow? It claims to be pretty weather proof, so no worries there either (even though I didnt make a big dive with the camera).
But what I did get to try out, was the battery life, in sub freeze temperature. The battery showed no sign of use after two full days in -10 celsius. And in the evening I had the camera standing outside taking interval pictures for 4hours, in -15 degrees celsius.
This is a new camera, with a new battery, so guess it should be good. But compared to what I have been used to, this is great.
Also the focus seemed to work quite well. We did some action photography, ski jumping etc. And many of them were spot on (some not, but that was more caused by a stupid idea of locking focus, but with too low field of depth).
Also, the video quality is excellent
So, there you go. If you want a review with pixel tests and number crushing, go to dpreview, or wherever.
Most cameras in this category today, have all the features and qualitys you need - in the end it's all about some sort of personal preference. In my case, I stick to what I like (Pentax - I guess it has some sort of Indie-feel).
Highly recommended for the serious photographer! February 11, 2010
E. Mackay
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I've used Pentax and Nikon equipment since the mid 1960's. They're both excellent and have never failed me. I eventually gravitated toward Pentax because their equipment was always smaller, lighter and less expensive than their Nikon equivalent. I had a Pentax LX and MX 35 mm that went all over the world and the US with me. When I first picked up the new K-7 it felt like my LX on steroids! This is not to say it's large. It's the smallest of the "pro" or "pro-sumer" level cameras available. My hand almost began looking for a film wind lever! The view finder was also the best of the bunch! It was large, clear, bright and gave me a 100% view.
Although I use a hand held incident light meter most of the time, I found the New internal metering system to be almost as accurate. All reflective light meters are error prone and must be interpolated. The white balance is "spot on"!
I always shoot in the RAW+jpg mode. When I open images in photoshop RAW the white balance eyedropper has practically no effect! Amazing!
The build quality of this camera is spectacular! You feel it the instant you pick it up! The control placement is perfect! The top LCD is indespensible and illuminated. The new 920k rear LCD is simply beautiful! I like to shoot wildlife on the California coast with a manual focus 600mm f8 mirror lens. I focus exclusively with the LCD in "live view"! It's sooo cool! I mount the lens, the camera instantly asks me what focal length, I enter 600mm, push the live view button and away I go! I can focus with or without glasses in daylight! I can use all my old Pentax lenses! I Love it! There's even an electronic level built in that is viewable in both LCD's! AND! The shake reduction works with any lens! This is what turned me off to Canon and Nikon with their lens based shake reduction!
I've taken many indoor and outoor shots so far using the wireless flash. All I can say is: "wow"! I've taken quite a few macro shots with my Pentax 100mm f2.8 macro lens, the K-7 and my AF360FGZ strobe. They are just perfect.
I will warn any potential buyer that this camera has so many (customizable) features that you must "read the book"! And Pentax has the very best "book" I've seen! It is very logically and intuitively laid out. It has an excellent index and appendix! Take the time to "set up" your K-7 the way you like to shoot and you will not be disappointed! I carry my book in my camera bag because we all get stupid now and again!
I would say that the quality of this little machine and it's resultant pictures coupled with the quantity of features makes it a "no brainer" for just about any serious photographer!
The nearest competitor to this little brick is about $700 more! Just pick this one up after playing with the "others"! You'll see what I mean!
New at this hobby, but I LOVE my camera! February 4, 2010
A. Harris (Maryland)
Hi. If you are looking for technical information about this camera this is not the reveiw to read. Photography is a new hobby for me. I've always admired well-taken photographs, but am just starting, and just understanding how to shoot using something other than the auto focus function; so, I stated, this is not the reveiw to read if you're looking for anything more than a personal and lay opinion.
With that said, however, I do know a good picture when I see one! And this is exactly what I see when I use the K7. I've only had this camera for a few weeks. I upgraded from the K 20D which was also a relatively new camera for me (had it for 6 months). What I like about the K7 is that it's lighter, can withstand rain and dust and it seems to take a clearer pic (which is saying a lot because the K 20D also took great pics).
The only aspect of the camera Pentax could have done a better job on is the "door" to where you insert the computer cable. It's made of rubber as opposed to the same hard material the body of the camera is made out of. I worry that it may not be a durable at the hard exterior of the K 20D, but I guess only time will tell.
So, if you're looking to take great pictures(whether you're a novice, like me, or not)I think you will like this camera. Heaven knows I have A LOT to learn about how to work it, but until I do, I'm still able to take and enjoy great pics; and the idea of learning how to take AWESOME pics (based on technique) is exciting. At least I know I won't have to upgrade when I get to that point.
I love taking pics of flowers. I recently showed some that I had developed and everyone thought they were postcards! And, this was shooting in autofocus mode! The color and clarity were amazing. You could see the smallest of details!
As I wrap this up, I'd like to let everyone know that you can take photography lessons through Ritz Cameras (I hope I can say this). I looked high and low for classes from anyone (other than on-line) without success. Then I found out how, for about $70 you can take about 6 different classes at various Ritz locations. These are great for people new to photography. Unfortunately, they spend a tad bit too much time pushing their services, but for a little over $10 a class you do walk away with basic, yet useful information.
So, YES! Get this camera. It's a great price and Amazon's service is always excellent.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 36
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