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Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1

Portability
60
Imaging
54
Features
69
Overall
60
Pentax K-7 front
 
Sigma SD1 front
Portability
77
Imaging
54
Features
43
Overall
49

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Key Specs

Pentax K-7
(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
Sigma SD1
(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
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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).

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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.

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Reasons to pick Pentax K-7 over the Sigma SD1

 K-7 SD1 
Screen resolution921k460kSharper screen (+461k dot)

Reasons to pick Sigma SD1 over the Pentax K-7

 SD1 K-7 
ReleasedSeptember 2010October 2009Newer by 11 months

Common features in the Pentax K-7 and Sigma SD1

 K-7 SD1 
Focus manually Very exact focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 size comparison

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 top view buttons comparison

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 sensor size comparison

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax K-7 Portrait photography features
Sigma SD1 Portrait photography features
72
you can focus manually
decent MP (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
comes with face detection focusing
supports RAW formats
64
you can focus manually
good megapixels (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
no liveview
Photography Glossary

Street Comparison

Pentax K-7 Street photography features
Sigma SD1 Street photography features
66
image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
environment proofing
screen is fixed
62
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
weather proof
screen does not articulate
lack of image stabilization
max ISO too low (0)
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Sports Comparison

Pentax K-7 as a Sports photography camera
Sigma SD1 as a Sports photography camera
69
great max shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent MP (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
environment proofing
has phase detect AF
continuous shooting slow (5.0 fps)
55
good megapixels (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
weather proof
comes with phase detect autofocus
no liveview
max fps low (5.0 frames per second)
lack of image stabilization
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Pentax K-7
Travel photography with Sigma SD1
64
environment proofing
decent MP (15 megapixels)
built-in flash
screen is not selfie friendly
65
weather proof
good megapixels (15MP)
built-in flash
lack of Timelapse recording
does not posses selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Pentax K-7 Landscape photography factors
Sigma SD1 Landscape photography factors
77
you can focus manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
nice screen size (3")
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent MP (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
environment proofing
61
you can focus manually
interchangeable lenses (Sigma SA mount)
screen size is good (3 inch)
good megapixels (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
weather proof
no liveview
lack of image stabilization
max ISO too low (0)
lack of Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-7 as a Vlogging camera
Sigma SD1 as a Vlogging camera
25
image stabilization (Sensor based)
comes with face detection focusing
screen is not selfie friendly
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have external mic jack
9
can't shoot video
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Pentax K-7 vs Sigma SD1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-7 and Sigma SD1
 Pentax K-7Sigma 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