Pentax K-7

Opinion: I was glad on one hand that I'd passed on the K-20D for the K-7, but on the other hand hugely disappointed when the K-5 rolled out 5 months after I got my K-7. Most impressive about the K-7 and the K-5 as well, is the very nice & compact magnesium body, that Pentax put forth a very good design in its feel and ergonomics. The camera has an incredible feel in your hands. The thing that I like most about this body style is that it offers so much in such a compact design and it doesn't take away from being able to use the camera efficiently. I love the much sharper 930,000 3" LCD. This is probably the 2nd most important and noticeable thing about the camera over the older body styles of my K-10D and K-20D. Let's face it, "You've got to be able to look in your instant viewfinder and get a good idea that what you just shot was in-fact, in-focus." Another huge thing that was very important for me was the sub-zero 14 degree low operating temperature range that these new body styles brought fourth starting with the K-7. This is very important seeing as I often find myself active in sub-zero conditions, but not often in conditions below 10 degrees—too cold for the gear that I have, and it doesn’t happen often where I go during the daytime. I like the automatic orientation when your reviewing you pictures—very nice for portrait shots. I don’t understand why the K-5 isn’t capable of this? Is it a Hardware Capability issue because of the additon of the vertical axis level detection?

Opinion: When I held the camera for the first time I said, "WoW!, Pentax really stepped-up the cameras ergonomics wih this new body design." The camera has an incredible feel to it when you hold it, as does the K-5 which is even nicer with the taller shooting function knob. This body style is unlike anything I've ever got my hands on. It's such a small and capable design that takes so much and putsinto the smallest package w/o sacrificing the ability to operate it easily and efficiently. Much more accurate metering system than the K-10D & K-20D.

Opinion: The A700 Sony refused to make! Compact, full-featured, weather resistant, long-life shutter, exposure versatility and more custom options than I can keep up with! Some day I will try live view and video, but they are not what I'm about. I've seen some hi-iso issues online but don't shoot past iso1250 often so I'm not concerned.

Opinion: Great camera, in every way it is what I had been waiting for with one small reservation (see below).

Opinion: The bottom line is Image Quality , and this camera
deliver average image quality. High noise is present
even in ISO 200.
* Build Quality - is very good, But build quality is hiding
a very average image quality.
* It seems that Pentax engineer did not finish the
work, so they had to wrap it with build quality and
tones of settings that are not needed.

I also have the Pentax DS2 and K200D, and I have
compared image quality from these camera with the K-
7. and it is just not up to the level of these camera.

If you are thinking to buy it better to go with the K-x,
or just wait for the next model.

Opinion: I bought my k7 last year in Sep in Singapore & since then it has been thoroughly soaked in Thailands Song Kran festival dropped fallen out of my scooter basket & it still works without a hitch I am really amazed, as my 6x72 nor my 645 would stand up to what the k7 has already been through.

Opinion: Almost perfect.. but... (Hello, are you listening Pentax???)
Truly needs ISO and low light improvement. Even on a tripod results can be a bit disappointing.

Packed with features... though I'd much prefer better low light performance as apposed to more in camera filters etc...

Small small size, very solid construction and weather sealing is perfect for me.

Opinion: I simply love this K-7... my first dSLR was the *ist DS, later jumped ship to Olympus (having owned before E-330, E-510, E-520 & E-3) & now back with Pentax. I use the K-7 with Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 OS HSM lens.

Opinion: Well, almost perfect. Best usability, very thoughtful functions,
weather proof is a godsend sometimes. Very responsive. Great
upgrade from K20D. Does what it should and does it very
good. Quite improved metering from K20D.
Two things I miss:
better high ISO performance (It's not bad, but I shoot so
much low light that I could use every bit I can get) and a
integrated GPS.