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Pentax K-7 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Pentax K-7

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    Main Features

    • 15MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 2000( expands to 6400)
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
    • 5 fps continuous shooting
    • HD - 1280 x 720 video
    • 750g. 131 x 97 x 73 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced by Pentax K-5
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Pentax K-7 Overview

    First introduced in October 2009 , Pentax K-7 is a 15.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Pentax later replaced K-7 with K-5. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Pentax K-7 vs Pentax K-5

    Pentax K-7 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Pentax K-7 has an Overall Score of 64/100 and ranked #83 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #232 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Pentax K-7 Physical Specs
    Pentax K-7 weighs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz) and has external dimensions of 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.16 x 3.82 x 2.87″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 73mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K-7
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    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K-7
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    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Pentax K-7 with the dimensions:

    Pentax K-7 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax K-7 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax K-7, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Pentax K-7 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Pentax K-7 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax K-7 with its main competitors:

    Pentax K-7 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs K-7 Thickness vs K-7
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-5
    Compare
    740g 10g lighter 73mm equal thickness
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-70
    Compare
    688g 62g lighter 74mm 1mm thicker
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-30
    Compare
    650g 100g lighter 71mm 2mm thinner
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    650g 100g lighter 71mm 2mm thinner
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-3
    Compare
    800g 50g heavier 77mm 4mm thicker
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-x
    Compare
    580g 170g lighter 68mm 5mm thinner
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-5 II
    Compare
    760g 10g heavier 73mm equal thickness
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K20D
    Compare
    800g 50g heavier 70mm 3mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Pentax K-7 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Pentax K-7 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Pentax K-7 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Pentax K-7 Sensor and Photography Features

    Pentax K-7 has a 15.0MP APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Prime II processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4672 x 3104 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. K-7 has a native ISO range of 100 - 2000 which can be boosted to 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Pentax K-7 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax K-7 vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Pentax K-7 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Pentax K-7 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 61 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Pentax K-7 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Pentax K-7's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Pentax K-7 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Pentax K-7 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Pentax K-7 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Pentax K-7 has a Pentax KAF2 lens mount and currently there are 155 native lenses available for this mount. Pentax K mount has backward compatibility for all the K mount lenses produced since 1975 so Pentax users has access to a large selection of manual era native lenses in addition to the modern AF lenses.

    K-7 also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on K-7. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 25 lenses with weather sealing for K-7 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Pentax K-7 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses for Pentax K-7
    Model Focal Length on K-7 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 Lens Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4
    75mm 35mm FF 220gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD Pentax  DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 466gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
    27-75mm APS-C / DX 158gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Lens HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
    36-105mm 35mm FF 787gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW Lens Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW
    105-300mm 35mm FF 1755gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 471gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc DA 50mm F1.8 Lens Pentax smc DA 50mm F1.8
    75mm 35mm FF 122gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM
    27-405mm APS-C / DX 453gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Pentax K-7 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Pentax K-7 LCD and Viewfinder

    Pentax K-7 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Pentax K-7 back view and LCD

    K-7 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.61x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Pentax K-7 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect K-7 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Pentax K-7 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 980 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Advanced DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K-7
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Nikon D780 with its 2260shots is the model with longest battery life among Advanced DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax K-7 vs Nikon D780 or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Pentax K-7 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-5
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 980shots No No No
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-70
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots Yes No No
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-30
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots No No No
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots No No No
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-3
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 560shots No No No
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-x
    Compare
    1280 x 720 1900shots No No No
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K-5 II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 980shots No No No
    Pentax K-7 Camera Pentax K20D
    Compare
    None shots No No No

    Pentax K-7 Video Features

    With Pentax K-7, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    K-7 has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker.
    Pentax K-7 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Pentax K-7 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Pentax K-7 can shoot continuously at max speed of 5 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    K-7 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Pentax K-7 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.

    Pentax K-7 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Pentax K-7 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax K-7 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    11 Focus Points
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    Long Battery Life (980 shots)
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port
    AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
    Report a correction

    Buy Pentax K-7 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    Low Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 2.000
    Heavy Body: 750g
    Poor Low Light Performance
    Not so wide AE Bracketing Range: ±2 EV
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Pentax K-7 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Pentax K-7 in 5 different photography areas.

    Pentax K-7 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K-7 has a score of 66 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Average Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-7 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K-7 for Street Photography

    Pentax K-7 has a score of 81 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-7 for Street Photography

    Pentax K-7 for Sports Photography

    Pentax K-7 has a score of 79 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    11 Focus Points
    Good Battery Life: 980 shots
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-7 for Sports Photography

    Pentax K-7 for Daily Photography

    Pentax K-7 has a score of 66 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    750g
    Body Thickness 73mm

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-7 for Daily Photography

    Pentax K-7 for Landscape Photography

    Pentax K-7 has a score of 40 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Environmental Sealings
    Average Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-7 for Landscape Photography
    Pentax K-7 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Pentax K-7 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax K-7 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Pentax K-7

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax K-7 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Pentax K-5
    Pentax K-5
    Compare
    Pentax K-70
    Pentax K-70
    Compare
    Pentax K-30
    Pentax K-30
    Compare
    Pentax K-50
    Pentax K-50
    Compare
    Pentax K-3
    Pentax K-3
    Compare
    Pentax K-x
    Pentax K-x
    Compare
    Pentax K-5 II
    Pentax K-5 II
    Compare
    Pentax K20D
    Pentax K20D
    Compare

    Pentax K-7 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Pentax K-7 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Pentax K-7's price range.

    Panasonic G5
    Panasonic G5
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL5
    Olympus E-PL5
    Compare
    Panasonic GX1
    Panasonic GX1
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL1
    Olympus E-PL1
    Compare
    Nikon 1 J3
    Nikon 1 J3
    Compare
    Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC
    Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax K-7
    Does the Pentax K-7 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Pentax K-7 have RAW support?
    Does the Pentax K-7 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Pentax K-7 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Pentax K-7?
    What is the Sensor Size of Pentax K-7?
    is the Pentax K-7 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Pentax K-7 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Pentax K-7 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax K-7?
    What is the Weight of Pentax K-7?
    What are the Dimensions of Pentax K-7?
    Pentax K-7 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Pentax
    Model Pentax K-7
    Announced 2009-10-02
    Body Type Mid-size SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Pentax KAF2
    Number of Lenses 155
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT color LCD with AR coating
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.61x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 13.00 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 61
    DxO Color Depth 22.6
    DxO Dynamic Range 10.6
    DxO Low Light ISO 536
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.4 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 365.04mm2
    Sensor Resolution 15 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4672 x 3104
    Max Native ISO 2,000
    Max Boosted ISO 6400
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 11
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 1536 x 1024 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 750g
    Physical Dimensions 131 x 97 x 73mm
    Battery Life 980 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model D-LI90
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/MMC
    Storage Slots 1


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