Pentax K-7
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 2000 (Bump to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 750g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Announced October 2009
- Renewed by Pentax K-5
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
60 Imaging
54 Features
69 Overall
60
Pentax K-7 summary
Pentax K-7 is Pentax's Advanced DSLR camera first launched on October of 2009. It comes with a 15 MegaPixel, CMOS APS-C sized sensor and has a full resolution of 4672 x 3104.
Pentax brought out the newer Pentax K-5 (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to replace this camera.
The K-7 stands at #47 out of 92 in Advanced DSLR cameras and over-all #319 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. Please check our Advanced camera search to get camera results based on your personalized requirements.
Here is a graph of various factors used in the rating system.
Pentax K-7 family
The Pentax K-7 comes with a history of related digital cameras. Here, you can take a look at all past and current models alongside main specifications.
Pentax K-7 Gallery
You can check the K-7 from different angles in the gallery below.
Pentax K-7 Pros and Cons
Below is a list of advantages and drawbacks of the Pentax K-7 based on criterias which are often regarded as important in a camera.
Pentax K-7 Sensor specifications
The Pentax K-7 is powered by the Prime II chip. The sensor spec in the Pentax K-7 is 23.4mm x 15.6mm (APS-C). The 365 mm² sensor is able to capture 4672 x 3104 pixels and aspect ratios of 3:2. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Sensor based). In body stabilization is superior than digital stabilization as the latter may cause cropping.
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoThe CMOS sensor boasts 15 megapixels and gives a native ISO range of 100 - 2000. This ISO can also be expanded digitally to a high of 6400. RAW files are supported so the user has wider margin for error.
The picture underneath illustrates the K-7's sensor dimensions when compared to other common sizes. The K-7 sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.5 and is showcased in green.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideTo get an understanding of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.
Pentax K-7 dimensions
Pentax K-7 is 1.65 lbs (750g / 26.46 oz) and the measurement of the camera is 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9"). The weight of average Advanced DSLR camera is 776g so the Pentax K-7 is similar compared with its rivals.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsHere is a shot of the Pentax K-7 alongside a soft drink so you can have a sense of its scale.
The top view underneath will show the button design on the K-7.
Pentax K-7 Lens specifications
The K-7 fits the Pentax KAF2 mount and has 17 lenses to pick from. Below is a small number of the lenses we have in our collection which will work with the K-7.
Pentax K-7 Connectivity
The K-7 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- HDMI Yes
Digital cameras that contain NFC or Bluetooth connectivity can easily be used wirelessly with smartphones. You will be able to send photos and oftentimes change camera settings with no need to connect physically to the camera.
Certain applications even enable a Liveview and release the shutter in case you are not near the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external screen. The majority of cameras enable you to recharge the battery pack using the USB socket.
Pentax K-7 Video specifications
The highest possible video resolution in the Pentax K-7 is 1280 x 720 and it can shoot in Motion JPEG format. 720p is low by today's requirements. You should aim for a minimum 1080p resolution for decent video. The camera does not offer a mic or headphone port so you get little control over your audio. It is perhaps best to look into a different model if you want better audio in your video clips.
Pentax K-7 Weather Sealing
Pentax K-7 has got weather proofing making it a very good option to use during tricky conditions. This is particularly valuable in case you are not sure about the elements you might encounter during outdoor photography.
Pentax K-7 Display and Viewfinder
The Pentax K-7 comes with a 3 inch fixed display supporting a resolution of 921 thousand dots.
Please note that the display screen offers no touch support. The K-7 also comes with a Top display so you can instantly checkout the camera's settings.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe View Finder specifications regarding Pentax K-7 are as follows:
- ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
- ViewFinder Coverage 100%
- ViewFinder Magnification 0.61x
Viewfinders are pretty useful during sunny outdoor situations which will make the camera display washed out and very difficult to view.
Pentax K-7 Shutter specifications
Pentax K-7 continuous shooting rate is 5.0 fps. The highest shutter speed is 1/8000 sec.
Pentax K-7 Flash and Hot shoe specifications
Pentax K-7 boasts both integrated flash and also external flash support. The highest flash sync is 1/180 sec.
Pentax K-7 Autofocusing specifications
Pentax K-7 boasts both Phase Detect AF and Contrast Detect AF. Phase Detection focusing is more snappier & exact when compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera comes with Face detect which is useful for portrait photography.
It comes with 11 focus points to choose from. Pentax K-7 has manual focus if required during low light situations or you want to have more accurate control on focus.
Pentax K-7 Battery life
The battery life (D-LI90) in the Pentax K-7 is made to last for 980 images as per the CIPA specifications making it about the same as its competition. The average Advanced DSLR camera battery life is 909. Nikon D780 features the best (2260) battery life within this category of cameras.
Underneath is a listing of Advanced DSLR cameras which have the best battery life:
Pentax K-7 for various styles of photography
The following chart gives a rundown of the Pentax K-7 for various styles of photography. To learn more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.
Pentax K-7 Portrait photography details
The Pentax K-7 gets a score of 72 which is above average, meaning that it is a very decent choice to use for portrait images. Taking portraits favors heavily to sensor dimension, RAW support along with the ability to use off-camera flash.
Pentax K-7 Street photography highlights
Coming in at a nice score of 66, the Pentax K-7 is a very decent pick to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera has a good balance of image quality plus portability.
Pentax K-7 as a Sports photography camera
A very good sports photography rating of 69 indicates the Pentax K-7 is a fine pick for taking pictures of sports. A camera needs to have fantastic focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.
Pentax K-7 as a Travel photography camera
Weight is really critical in getting a travel camera. In general, the Pentax K-7 gets a above average 64 for a travel camera which makes it a respectable choice to take on your trips.
Pentax K-7 Landscape photography advice
If you are looking to purchase a camera for landscape photos, the most important aspect is going to be image quality. The Pentax K-7 at it's very high score of 77 as a landscape camera is a awesome option compared to it's competitors.
Pentax K-7 Vlogging information
A vlogging camera should posses a articulating screen, mic input and preferably image stabilization. Taking all things in to account, the Pentax K-7 is not very good as a vlog camera as it delivers a awful score of 25.
Pentax K-7 Alternatives
If you need replacements to the K-7, below is a range of the top ranked cameras that fall within the category of Advanced DSLR.
The diagram just below gives you a summary of the K-7 compared to it's highest scoring competitors suggested above.
Following are several cameras you may look into as alternate options. To read a comprehensive comparison, just click on the "compare" link.