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Pentax K-7

Discontinued

Reviewed

November 2011

Pros

Rugged, weather-resistant body
1024p HD video at 24 fps
Good viewfinder

Cons

Midrange image quality for its class
Relatively slow frame rate
Autofocus struggles in low light

Where to Buy

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The Pentax K-7 is the company's current high-end digital SLR camera, boasting a more professional-grade body than the Pentax K-r (*Est. $630 with kit lens). The magnesium-alloy casing has weather seals that keep out moisture and dust, and there are other nice touches such as a built-in level. While reviewers like the K-7's physical features, they aren't as happy with performance, citing a relatively slow frame rate and issues with the autofocus. Critics and users also find that the K-7's 14.6-megapixel sensor tends to generate images that are overly noisy. On the other hand, because image-stabilization technology is built into the camera itself, the lenses are much less expensive, and reviewers add that even decades-old Pentax lenses are compatible. They suggest that the Pentax K-7 is a good choice for those wanting to build a relatively inexpensive SLR system, especially shutterbugs that already have some Pentax lenses and want to trade up.

Pentax has a smaller range of digital SLR cameras than market leaders Canon and Nikon, so reviewers don't pay as much attention to the Pentax K-7. PopPhoto.com's coverage is an exception. EPhotoZine.com and DPMag.com also review the K-7, though not with the same authority. Users on Amazon.com post their views on the K-7, with the vast majority expressing satisfaction with their purchase.

Where To Buy

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only)

(65 reviews)
Buy new: $1,099.95 $899.00 12 Used & new from $560.00

In Stock.

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Our Sources

1. PopPhoto.com

Philip Ryan reviews the Pentax K-7 digital SLR, singling out the camera's tough build and very good viewfinder. However, since its image test results don't outshine similar cameras from Canon and Nikon, Ryan suggests that the K-7 is best for owners of Pentax lenses who are looking to upgrade.

Review: Camera Test: Pentax K-7, Philip Ryan, Oct. 2009

2. ePhotoZine

Matt Grayson pits the Pentax K-7 against Canon's EOS 50D digital SLR in this review for Britain's EPhotoZine.com. Grayson says that the Pentax camera is slower than the Canon, but he finds that the built-in features are more sensible, and its battery lasts longer. Numerous side-by-side photos from both cameras round out the review.

Review: Canon EOS 50D vs. Pentax K-7 Digital SLR Review, Matt Grayson, Feb. 2010

3. DPMag.com

DPMag.com includes the Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera in its buyer's guide of $1,000 to $2,000 cameras. Though the single-product review isn't terribly critical, the K-7 is distinguished by a very rugged, versatile body. The reviewer also notes that all Pentax lenses have the same weather- and dust-resistant properties.

Review: Pentax K-7, Editors of DPMag.com

4. Amazon.com

The Pentax K-7 gets more than 60 user reviews at Amazon.com, with most contributors giving the camera the maximum 5-star rating. The few who give the K-7 a lower score mostly cite the sensor quality (too much noise), with one saying the camera is simply too slow.

Review: Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR, Contributors to Amazon.com

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