Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1
60 Imaging
54 Features
69 Overall
60


77 Imaging
54 Features
43 Overall
49
Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 2000 (Bump to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 750g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Released October 2009
- Renewed by Pentax K-5
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 0 - 0
- No Video
- Sigma SA Mount
- n/ag - 146 x 113 x 80mm
- Released September 2010
- Successor is Sigma SD1 Merrill

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Overview
The following is a comprehensive overview of the Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by companies Pentax and Sigma. The image resolution of the K-7 (15MP) and the SD1 (15MP) is pretty similar and they use the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

The K-7 was introduced 11 months before the SD1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the K-7 grades versus the SD1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-7 and Sigma SD1. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-7 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-7 over the Sigma SD1
K-7 | SD1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sigma SD1 over the Pentax K-7
SD1 | K-7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | September 2010 | ![]() | October 2009 | Newer by 11 months |
Common features in the Pentax K-7 and Sigma SD1
K-7 | SD1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very exact focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither contains Touch screen |
Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Physical Comparison
If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-7 has got external measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 has specifications of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") and a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).
Take a look at the Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the K-7 vs the SD1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-7 and SD1 is 60 and 77 respectively.

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, its tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-7 and SD1.
As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the identical MP therefore you should expect similar quality of files but you might want to factor the release date of the products into consideration. The more aged K-7 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Specifications
Pentax K-7 | Sigma SD1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sigma |
Model | Pentax K-7 | Sigma SD1 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Released | 2009-10-02 | 2010-09-21 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Prime II | Dual True II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS (Foveon X3) |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.4 x 15.6mm | 24 x 16mm |
Sensor area | 365.0mm² | 384.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 15 megapixels | 15 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | - |
Max resolution | 4672 x 3104 | 4800 x 3200 |
Max native ISO | 2000 | - |
Max enhanced ISO | 6400 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | - |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 11 |
Cross focus points | - | 2 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Pentax KAF2 | Sigma SA |
Number of lenses | 151 | 76 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 921k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display tech | TFT color LCD with AR coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 96 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.61x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 15 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 5.0 frames per second | 5.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 13.00 m | - |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless | - |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/180 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
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 | 1280x720 | None |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 750 grams (1.65 pounds) | - |
Dimensions | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") | 146 x 113 x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 61 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.6 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 10.6 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 536 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 980 photographs | - |
Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | D-LI90 | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/MMC | Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail pricing | $599 | $2,339 |