Pentax K-7: Rugged DSLR Shoots 720p Video for $1,300

Pentax shooters and people looking to make the switch will have another option come July when the 14.6 megapixel K-7 launches. It's powered by a CMOS sensor that's capable of shooting HD video (720p at 30 FPS), something just about everyone has been trying to jump on board with. In order to make it stand out, they've crammed the whole thing into a compact body, that they claim is "rugged" enough to withstand beatings that would have other DSLRs in boxes on their way to the service department.

As for performance, the rebuilt CMOS adds four channel output and is said to produce extremely low-noise images. We'll have more on that once we have our full test. Landscape photographers will probably appreciate the 77-segment metering system and the built-in level for nailing the horizon.

One of the more interesting additional features is the automatic HDR function, which combines three images into a single high dynamic range picture right inside the camera. The rest of the specs can be found in the press release after the break, as well as a few more product shots. That can help you decide if it's worth the $1,300 asking price.

PENTAX INTRODUCES ADVANCED PENTAX K-7 DIGITAL SLR
New Camera Boasts Variety of Technological Firsts and Major Improvements
Over Previous K Series Cameras

GOLDEN, CO. (May 20, 2009)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the launch of the PENTAX K-7 digital SLR camera. This latest PENTAX K series camera is designed for advanced photographers seeking high-end design and features without the cost of a professional DSLR system. 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 K-7 will appeal to many current PENTAX SLR photographers who have been asking for more advanced features, but in a smaller, solid, comfortable-to-hold body," said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company. "We also believe the combination of the K-7's smaller, high quality construction coupled with the growing line-up of our Limited compact prime lenses will appeal to serious shooters who currently don't own or previously hadn't considered adding a PENTAX to their camera bag."
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.

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PENTAX K-7
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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.

A variety of K series camera features that are significantly improved in the PENTAX K-7 include:

A striking 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review using the Live View function.
A weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C) body makes the K-7 the perfect camera for use in any environment, inside the studio or when travelling in any weather.
Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with a new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and 4 channel output that is ideal for sporting events or any fast action situation.
A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well lit settings.
Live View mode, now with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having your eye against the viewfinder.
A 100 percent field-of-view viewfinder (92X magnification) and bright focusing screen are ideal for accurate image composition and accurate focus.
The PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous generation K series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF.
The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture.
The K-7's Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor's low-pass filter for dust-fee image capture.
A new high capacity battery features extended battery life, ideal for travel photography or video work.
Advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation.
Custom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment allow users to customize the processing mode to suit personal creative style.
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Other K series innovations featured on the PENTAX K-7 include:
Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels.
Advanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures in even the most difficult lighting.
Dynamic Range setting with adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows for even the highest-contrast, dynamic lighting.
Dedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hot shoe adapters.
Advanced capture options include multi-exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography.
Along with the body, PENTAX announced a D-BG4 battery grip for exclusive use with the PENTAX K-7. This battery grip may be used in combination with the camera's rechargeable lithium-ion battery to double camera's battery life. The D-BG4 also accepts 6 AA batteries in a alternate battery tray for added freedom when shooting in the field. With a vertical shutter-release button, e-dials, AE-lock and a new focus button, the grip features the same weather-resistance, dustproof and coldproof construction as the PENTAX K-7.
PENTAX also announced two weather-resistant lens models developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs. The smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR and the smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR kit lenses feature weather-resistant seals to handle damp, inclement conditions. Complementing K series camera bodies, both lenses blend versatility with affordability, giving the casual photographer a broader canvas without having to carry a multitude of lenses.
The PENTAX K-7 body only will ship in July 2009 for $1,299.95 USD. The PENTAX D-BG4 battery grip also will ship in July 2009 for $229.95. The newest weather-resistant lenses will be priced at $199.95 for the DA 18-55mm and $249.95 for the DA 50-200mm. These products also will ship in July 2009.

Comments

[Matthew Miller]

Looks very exciting — in addition to the obvious headline changes, there are a lot of small things geared at serious photographers. Pentax may be niche, but they've got really interesting and unique products.

[You Suck]

Wow. This is just terrible coverage.

No wonder there's no writing credit. They couldn't even copy-paste without introducing layout errors. No surprise the competition is reporting this dying title has been sold.

[clicker]

I bet the guys over at the Pentax forums are drooling for the release day. I'm actually glad the masses now have another brand to choose from other than the dominant TWO.

[Larry]

I'm not interested in the video feature, I have a K20D so I'm good for now. I'll wait for the price to drop

[Halai]

I will buy this camera if it's $1000 or below. I think the price is still a little bit high. I love the idea of being compact and light weight. In order for Pentax to compete with Nikon and Canon, the price must be attractive. This is how you attract new buyers.

[Matthew Miller]

Halai — quick, buy the K20D then. It's an insanely great deal for its feature set and image quality.

Part of Pentax's problem is that they have been such a good value for so long that some people perceive them as a cheaper brand in the sense of inferior. The K-7 is an all-out attempt to improve that image, both by offering a very solid camera (both figuratively and literally) with innovative engineering — and by aiming for a slightly higher market point.

I think it will drop to under $1000 in time for Christmas shopping — but I'm buying mine now, because the camera you _have_ is worth more than a couple of hundred dollars more than the one you don't.

[Tom]

I too will wait for the price to go down.shooting video is no big draw for me I"d rather they put thier R/D money into consumer responce before trying to keep up with the big2. Just keepin up with the jones I guess.

[David]

I am excited about this camera and have been following the rumors for the last month. I'm a Pentax user and am glad Pentax is putting out a camera that should bring the company some attention from more serious shooters - Pentax cams easily offer the best feature set for the money and for that reason I think Matthew is right that they've been viewed as inferior. I'd say Pentax is the one camera maker that truly listens to their users and models cameras for the users needs and wants. I'll be heading out to Akihabara tomorrow to test this camera out as it'll be on display for the public there.

[Halai]

Matthew, thanks for the head up on K20D. I already got the K10D when it first came out. I'm not in a hurry to upgrade unless the price is right. However, I have to give some credits to Pentax. They do make nice lenses at half the cost of Nikon and Canon. This was the reason I went for Pentax over the other two, and I'm glad I did.

My favorite Pentax lenses that I use most are:
DA 16-50mm and DA 50-135mm.

[Blue]

I like how the author started out with a cheap shot.

"In order to make it stand out, they've crammed the whole thing into a compact body, that they claim is "rugged" enough to withstand beatings that would have other DSLRs in boxes on their way to the service department. "

It was nice of the author to get out of the line of lemmings long enough to at least write.