Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II
56 Imaging
57 Features
70 Overall
62


60 Imaging
57 Features
82 Overall
67
Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 18MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Increase to 12800)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Canon EF/EF-S Mount
- 860g - 148 x 111 x 74mm
- Announced November 2009
- Replacement is Canon 7D MII
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Revealed June 2013
- Old Model is Pentax K-5

Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II Overview
In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon 7D versus Pentax K-5 II, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by rivals Canon and Pentax. The resolution of the 7D (18MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is pretty similar and they possess the same exact sensor measurements (APS-C).

The 7D was released 4 years before the K-5 II which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the 7D scores versus the K-5 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS 7D and Pentax K-5 II. The complete galleries are available at Canon 7D Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon 7D over the Pentax K-5 II
7D | K-5 II |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 II over the Canon 7D
K-5 II | 7D | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | June 2013 | ![]() | November 2009 | More modern by 43 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 920k | Sharper screen (+1k dot) |
Common features in the Canon 7D and Pentax K-5 II
7D | K-5 II | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More exact focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen measurements |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither offers Touch screen |
Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon 7D offers exterior dimensions of 148mm x 111mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 2.9") and a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 II has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).
Take a look at the Canon 7D versus Pentax K-5 II in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the 7D compared to the K-5 II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 7D and K-5 II is 56 and 60 respectively.

Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II Sensor Comparison
Normally, its tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading technical specs. The picture underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 7D and K-5 II.
As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Canon 7D to offer more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged 7D is going to be behind in sensor tech.

Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon 7D vs Pentax K-5 II Specifications
Canon EOS 7D | Pentax K-5 II | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Canon | Pentax |
Model type | Canon EOS 7D | Pentax K-5 II |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2009-11-06 | 2013-06-04 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Dual Digic 4 | Prime II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 22.3 x 14.9mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 332.3mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 18MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 5184 x 3456 | 4928 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
Highest boosted ISO | 12800 | 51200 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Minimum boosted ISO | - | 80 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 19 | 11 |
Cross type focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Canon EF/EF-S | Pentax KAF2 |
Number of lenses | 326 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.6 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 920k dot | 921k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen technology | TFT color LCD, liquid-crystal monitor | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.61x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 8.0 frames per sec | 7.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/250 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 860 grams (1.90 lbs) | 760 grams (1.68 lbs) |
Dimensions | 148 x 111 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 2.9") | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 66 | 82 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.0 | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.7 | 14.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 854 | 1235 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 800 photographs | 980 photographs |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | LP-E6 | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive cards | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch cost | $1,050 | $830 |