Pentax K-7 -720p video, serious competition

PENTAX UK is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-7 lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. The K-7 combines a variety of advanced functions and user-friendly features to ensure outstanding reliability and capability within a compact, lightweight body (says the press release from Pentax in the UK).

The K-7 joins the current PENTAX K digital SLR camera series as a high-end model in the range. True to its series concept, it has been designed to deliver outstanding image quality combined with ease of use, to benefit photo enthusiasts of all levels, including advanced amateurs. The K-7 also includes revised and upgraded features including viewfinder, shutter unit, continuous-shooting capacity, and exposure and autofocus systems.
Protected by a durable, high-quality metallic body, the K-7 is extremely compact and functional — as with all other K-series models — delivering enhanced portability and manoeuverability. The model includes several new user-friendly features, including video recording, high dynamic range (HDR), and automatic horizon correction. All of these features serve to deliver a highly effective photographic tool, perfect for all discerning digital SLR photographers.
Main Features
1. Durable and functional body, smaller than any other in its class
The K-7 is exceptionally solid and durable in design, with a stainless-steel alloy frame and lightweight magnesium-steel alloy body. With 77 special seals applied to the body, it also features a dustproof, weather and cold-resistant construction, ensuring reliable operation even under harsh conditions and at temperatures as low as -10°C. It also features a newly designed shutter unit providing a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and the outstanding capability to withstand 100,000 shutter releases.
2. Optical viewfinder featuring  approx. 100% field of view
The K-7’s glass prism finder offers approximately 100% field of view along with approximately 92% magnification to facilitate focusing and framing operations. It also features a new Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen to improve focusing accuracy during manual-focus operation.
3. High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 5.2 images per second
The K-7’s high-speed continuous shooting mode captures as many as 40 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 5.2 images per second, allowing the photographer to follow the movement of an active subject or preserve a sequence of the subject’s expressions.
4. New DR II mechanism to minimise dust spots
The K-7 comes equipped with the newly developed DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, designed to effectively minimise annoying dust spots on recorded images, even after changing lenses in dust-prone outdoor settings. The K-7’s unique dust-alert system also lets the user check for dust on the filter prior to actual shooting.
5. High-quality image reproduction
(1) Approximately 14.6 effective megapixels for true-to-life image reproduction
The K-7 incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.4mm by 15.6mm featuring a high-speed, four-channel image data read-out. With approximately 14.6 effective megapixels, this image sensor can faithfully and accurately reproduce fine-detailed, gradation-rich images. With the adverse effects of digital noise greatly reduced, the sensitivity can be increased from ISO 100 up to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).
(2) High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The K-7 features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II as its imaging engine, an upgrade of the original PRIME,. This new imaging engine offers greater data-processing speed and produces improved quality images with richer gradation and more accurate colour rendition. It also offers high-speed movie data transmission.
6. New 77-segment multi-pattern metering
Newly developed for the K-7, a sophisticated 77-segment multi-pattern metering system greatly improves light-metering accuracy. By accurately analysing various types of data (such as the image’s composition and format between upright and horizontal, and the subject’s distance and magnification) transmitted from the sensors in the camera body, this system greatly improves the accuracy of exposure control.
7. New-generation SR mechanism for improved shake-reduction effect
The K-7 features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) feature, which effectively minimises the adverse effect of camera shake by approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter steps, assuring sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions. This innovative feature is compatible with all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — including a selection of the lenses designed for film-format cameras.*
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645-and 67system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

8. Live View real-time, on-display image confirmation with Face Recognition AF and high-speed continuous shooting modes
The K-7 features the Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor during shooting. You can take advantage of this convenient function not only in the Contrast AF mode, which optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast, but also in the Face Recognition AF mode, which automatically and accurately focuses on the subject’s face.
9. High-quality still image recording at 1280 x 720 pixels; 30-frames-per-second movie recording at HD-television proportions
The K-7 adds a new movie recording function, extending the benefits of SLR photography to the world of movie shooting. Beautiful movie clips can be recorded at various sizes — 640 x 416 pixels, 1536 x 1024 pixels, or 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 high-definition TV proportions) — at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The K-7 is also equipped with an HVMI terminal and an external microphone input terminal.
10. New 11-point wide-frame AF sensor
The K-7’s new SAFOX VIII+ wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with 9 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). This AF system ensures reliable, responsive autofocus operation superior in speed and accuracy to the previous system. The K-7 also incorporates an AF-assisted spotbeam projector in its built-in flash unit to improve autofocusing accuracy in the dark.
11. Custom Image function to easily create desired visual effects
The K-7’s Custom Image function allows the user to provide a finishing touch to an image by highlighting the ambience of the scene. The user can select one of seven modes, including the new “Muted” mode designed to recreate an image with delicate, subdued colours. In addition to saturation, tone, contrast and sharpness — the functions previously available — it is now possible to adjust “key” and “contrast highlight/shadow” to the desired levels. The effects of these factors can be effortlessly confirmed on a preview image using the Digital Preview or Live View function before finalising the settings.
12. Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions
(1) Hyper Programme function
The K-7’s Hyper Programme function allows the user to instantly switch from the Programmed AE mode, to the Shutter or Aperture-Priority AE mode with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip.
(2) Hyper Manual function
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.
(3) Sensitivity-Priority mode
The K-7 features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.
(4) Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode
The Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. It allows the user to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions simply and effectively.
13. Large, easy-to-see 3.0-inch wide-view LCD monitor with approximately 920,000 dots
The K-7 features a large 3.0-inch colour LCD monitor with approximately 920,000 dots on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally, facilitating low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.
14. Powerful rechargeable battery
The K-7 is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 980 images** when fully charged.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash.
15. Other features
1)      HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with
an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures
2)      Dynamic-range expansion function to compensate for both
white-washed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas
3)      Digital level function for easy checking of the image’s levels
4)      Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic
aberration (available only with DA- and DFA-series lenses)
5)      White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasise
the colour components of sunset scenes and a new
incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode
6)      Multi-exposure function, with a super-imposition of already-recorded
images on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance comparison
7)      Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
8)      RAW button for single-action switching of image file format
9)      16 digital filters to add a range of visual effects; a new function to
record an overwritten history also available
10)     Colour-specific control buttons/dials for easy recognition and
quick access, based on the universal colour design
11)     PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including
a RAW-data processing application (based on the popular
SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed
by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and a browser application
Optional accessory: Battery Grip D-BG4
Exclusively designed for the PENTAX K-7 camera body, the Battery Grip D-BG4 is powered by either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or six AA-size batteries. Since it supplements the camera’s battery as an additional power source, the number of recordable images is greatly increased. To facilitate vertical-position shooting, this grip features an extra shutter-release button, preview lever, electronic dials, AE-lock button, Green button and AF button. It also provides the same dustproof, weather and cold-resistant function as the camera body.
PENTAX K-7 Specifications:
Effective Pixels  approx. 14.6 megapixels
Image Sensor Total pixels approx. 15.07 megapixels
Type CMOS with a primary colour filter
Size 23.4mm x 15.6mm
Colour Depth  8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)
Recorded Pixels Still JPEG: [14M] 4672×3104 pixels, [10M] 3936×2624 pixels, [6M] 3072×2048 pixels, [2M] 1728×1152 pixels
RAW: [14M] 4672×3104 pixels
Movie [0.9M] (1280×720, 16：9), [1.6M] (1536×1024, 3：2), [0.3M] (640×416, 3:2)
Sensitivity (Standard output sensitivity )  Auto, Manual : 100-3200 (1EV steps or 1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps) can be expand to ISO6400
Bulb mode : up to ISO1600
Recording file Format Still RAW(Original/DNG), JPEG (Conforms to Exif 2.21), Conforms to DCF (Design rule of Camera File system) 2.0
Movie Motion JPEG (AVI) 30fps
Formats Still Compressed: JPEG – Baseline  (****: Premium , ***: Best , **: Better, *: Good)
Compressed: RAW (PEF)
Non compressed: RAW (DNG)
Storage Media  SD, SDHC memory card
RAW+JPEG : available
White Balance  Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light ( D, N, W, L), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE,
Manual setting , with WB fine adjustment
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism type
Focusing screen Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen
Field of view approx. 100%
Magnification approx. 0.92x (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1)
Diopter adjustment approx. -2.5 – +1.5m-1
Live View Type TTL by Image sensor
Field of view approx. 100%
Display Enlargement (2X, 4X, 6X in case of AF mode, 2X, 4X,  6X, 8X, 10X in case of MF mode)  Grid pattern
Autofocus Mode Contrast detection + Face detection / Contrast detection /  Phase difference detection
LCD Monitor Type TFT colour LCD monitor, brightness adjustable, colour adjustable, Wide angle view, AR Coating
Size 3.0 inch
Dots approx. 921,000 dots
Preview Method  Optical preview , Digital preview
Playback  One Image, Two Images, Index (4 or 9 or 16 or 32 or 81 thumb nails),
Enlargement (up to 32X, scroll available), Image Rotation, Folder view,
Slideshow, Histogram, Resize, Cropping, Bright/Dark area, Calendar view, Index view
Digital Filter Recording Mode Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Extract Colour, Soft, Star Burst, Fish-eye, Custom
Playback Mode Toy Camera, Monochrome, Retro, Colour, High Contrast, Soft, Extract Colour, Star Burst,
Water Colour, Fish-eye, Pastel, Slim, Miniature, HDR, Base Tweaking, Custom
Focusing System Type TTL phase difference detection, 11-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII+)
Focus Mode AF-single (with focus lock); Manual focus
AF-continuous
Focus Point Auto, Select, Centre
AF assist lamp available
Exposure Control Metering System TTL open-aperture 77-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information)
Metering Mode (1) Multi-segment metering, (2) Center-weighted metering, (3) Spot metering
Exposure Range EV 0-22 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm F1.4 lens)
Modes (1) Green,  (2) Program AE, (3) Sensitivity-Priority AE, (4) Shutter-Priority AE, (5) Aperture-Priority AE
(6) Shutter and Aperture Priority AE, (7) Metered Manual, (8) Bulb, (9) X speed
Exposure Compensation ±5 EV
Auto-bracketing 3 or 5 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV, ±2.0EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV,
±0.7EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.3EV, ±1.7EV, ±2.0EV (0.3EV steps)
AE Lock available
Shutter Shutter Type Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed 1/8000 – 30 sec. and bulb
Drive Modes  Single-frame, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote control (0s, 3s), Remote Continuous Shooting,
Exposure Bracketing, Exposure Bracketing+Self-timer, Mirror Lock-up Shooting, Mirror Lock-up Shooting+Remote control
Continuous shooting approx. 5.2 fps, sequence : until approx. 40 frames (JPEG and continuous (Hi)),
approx. 15 frames (RAW(PEF)) ,
approx. 14 frames (RAW(DNG)),
approx. 3.3 fps, sequence : until the memory card becomes full (JPEG and continuous (Lo)) ,
approx. 17 frames (RAW(PEF)) , approx. 17 frames (RAW(DNG))
Built-in Flash Type Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
Guide number approx. 13 (Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m)
Angle of view coverage 28mm wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm)
Flash Exposure Compensation -2 EV – +1EV (1/2EV steps)
Flash Synchronisation  Hot shoe, X-sync socket, sync-speed: 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash
Image Stabiliser Type Image sensor shift mechanism , Max 4 stops
Dust Removal  Image sensor cleaning function by supersonic vibration
Time World Time 75 cities (28 time zones)
Data Folder Folder Name Date (100_MMDD･･･), PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX･･･) ,
File Name Standard, User customise
Power Sources  Rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery
Optional AC adapter also available.
Battery Life Number of recordable images approx. 980 (Normal Recording)*2 , approx. 740 (50% use Flash)*1
Playback time approx. 440 minutes*2
Interfaces  USB2.0(Hi-Speed)/AV output, DC input , Cable switch, X-sync socket,  HDMI output, Streo microphone
Video Output  Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats
Lens Mount  PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount
Usable Lens  PENTAX KAF３, KAF2-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses.
* Power zoom function available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses,
67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions.
Dimensions  approx. 130.5(W) x 96.5(H) x 72.5(D)mm  (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches)
Weight  approx. 670g (22.9 oz.) without battery and SD memory card.
approx. 750g (26.5 oz.) loaded and ready with battery and SD memory card
*1 Recording capacity shows approximate number of shots recorded during CIPA-compliant testing.  Actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.
*2 According to the result of PENTAX in-house testing.

* PENTAX, K-7, and PENTAX Digital Camera Utility are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
* HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
* All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
* Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice