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Pentax K-7 Press Release - 20 May 2009
PENTAX UK is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-7
lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. The K-7 combines a variety of
advanced functions and user-friendly features to ensure outstanding
reliability and capability within a compact, lightweight body.
The K-7 joins the current PENTAX K digital SLR camera series as a
high-end model in the range. True to its series concept, it has been
designed to deliver outstanding image quality combined with ease of use, to
benefit photo enthusiasts of all levels, including advanced amateurs. The
K-7 also includes revised and upgraded features including viewfinder,
shutter unit, continuous-shooting capacity, and exposure and autofocus
systems. Protected by a durable, high-quality metallic body, the K-7 is
extremely compact and functional — as with all other K-series models —
delivering enhanced portability and manoeuverability. The model includes
several new user-friendly features, including video recording, high dynamic
range (HDR), and automatic horizon correction. All of these features serve
to deliver a highly effective photographic tool, perfect for all discerning
digital SLR photographers. Main Features
1. Durable and functional body, smaller than any other in its class
The
K-7 is exceptionally solid and durable in design, with a stainless-steel
alloy frame and lightweight magnesium-steel alloy body. With 77 special
seals applied to the body, it also features a dustproof, weather and
cold-resistant construction, ensuring reliable operation even under harsh
conditions and at temperatures as low as -10°C. It also features a newly
designed shutter unit providing a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and the
outstanding capability to withstand 100,000 shutter releases.
2. Optical viewfinder featuring approx. 100% field of view
The K-7’s
glass prism finder offers approximately 100% field of view along with
approximately 92% magnification to facilitate focusing and framing
operations. It also features a new Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen
to improve focusing accuracy during manual-focus operation.
3. High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 5.2 images per second
The
K-7’s high-speed continuous shooting mode captures as many as 40 images (in
JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 5.2 images per
second, allowing the photographer to follow the movement of an active
subject or preserve a sequence of the subject’s expressions.
4. New DR II mechanism to minimise dust spots
The K-7 comes equipped with
the newly developed DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, designed to effectively
minimise annoying dust spots on recorded images, even after changing lenses
in dust-prone outdoor settings. The K-7’s unique dust-alert system also lets
the user check for dust on the filter prior to actual shooting.
5. High-quality image reproduction
(1) Approximately 14.6 effective
megapixels for true-to-life image reproduction
The K-7 incorporates a newly
developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.4mm by 15.6mm featuring a
high-speed, four-channel image data read-out. With approximately 14.6
effective megapixels, this image sensor can faithfully and accurately
reproduce fine-detailed, gradation-rich images. With the adverse effects of
digital noise greatly reduced, the sensitivity can be increased from ISO 100
up to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).
(2)
High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The K-7 features the
newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II as its imaging engine,
an upgrade of the original PRIME,. This new imaging engine offers greater
data-processing speed and produces improved quality images with richer
gradation and more accurate colour rendition. It also offers high-speed
movie data transmission.
6. New 77-segment multi-pattern metering
Newly developed for the K-7, a
sophisticated 77-segment multi-pattern metering system greatly improves
light-metering accuracy. By accurately analysing various types of data (such
as the image’s composition and format between upright and horizontal, and
the subject’s distance and magnification) transmitted from the sensors in
the camera body, this system greatly improves the accuracy of exposure
control.
7. New-generation SR mechanism for improved shake-reduction effect
The K-7 features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) feature, which
effectively minimises the adverse effect of camera shake by approximately
2.5 to 4 shutter steps, assuring sharp, blur-free images even under
demanding shooting conditions. This innovative feature is compatible with
all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — including a selection of the lenses
designed for film-format cameras.* * Lenses compatible with this mechanism
are the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted
lenses (with an adapter); and 645-and 67system lenses (with an adapter).
Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
8. Live View real-time, on-display image confirmation with Face
Recognition AF and high-speed continuous shooting modes
The K-7 features the
Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD
monitor during shooting. You can take advantage of this convenient function
not only in the Contrast AF mode, which optimizes the focus based on the
subject’s contrast, but also in the Face Recognition AF mode, which
automatically and accurately focuses on the subject’s face.
9. High-quality still image recording at 1280 x 720 pixels;
30-frames-per-second movie recording at HD-television proportions
The K-7
adds a new movie recording function, extending the benefits of SLR
photography to the world of movie shooting. Beautiful movie clips can be
recorded at various sizes — 640 x 416 pixels, 1536 x 1024 pixels, or 1280 x
720 pixels (16:9 high-definition TV proportions) — at a frame rate of 30
frames per second. The K-7 is also equipped with an HVMI terminal and an
external microphone input terminal.
10. New 11-point wide-frame AF sensor
The K-7’s new SAFOX VIII+
wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with 9 cross-type
sensors positioned in the middle). This AF system ensures reliable,
responsive autofocus operation superior in speed and accuracy to the
previous system. The K-7 also incorporates an AF-assisted spotbeam projector
in its built-in flash unit to improve autofocusing accuracy in the dark.
11. Custom Image function to easily create desired visual effects
The
K-7’s Custom Image function allows the user to provide a finishing touch to
an image by highlighting the ambience of the scene. The user can select one
of seven modes, including the new “Muted” mode designed to recreate an image
with delicate, subdued colours. In addition to saturation, tone, contrast
and sharpness — the functions previously available — it is now possible to
adjust “key” and “contrast highlight/shadow” to the desired levels. The
effects of these factors can be effortlessly confirmed on a preview image
using the Digital Preview or Live View function before finalising the
settings.
12. Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative
intentions
(1) Hyper Programme function
The K-7’s Hyper Programme function
allows the user to instantly switch from the Programmed AE mode, to the
Shutter or Aperture-Priority AE mode with a simple turn of the electronic
dials on the grip.
(2) Hyper Manual function
When shooting in Manual mode, a
single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper
exposure for the subject.
(3) Sensitivity-Priority mode
The K-7 features a
unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, designed to automatically select the
optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected
sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by
turning the electronic dial on the back panel.
(4) Shutter/Aperture-Priority
mode
The Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most
appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture
combination. It allows the user to experiment with a greater range of
photographic expressions simply and effectively.
13. Large, easy-to-see 3.0-inch wide-view LCD monitor with approximately
920,000 dots
The K-7 features a large 3.0-inch colour LCD monitor with
approximately 920,000 dots on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows
the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees
both vertically and horizontally, facilitating low- and high-angle shooting
using the Live View function.
14. Powerful rechargeable battery
The K-7 is powered by a large-capacity,
rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 980
images** when fully charged. ** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash.
15. Other features
1) HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one
composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with
different exposures
2) Dynamic-range expansion function to compensate for
both white-washed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas
3)
Digital level function for easy checking of the image’s levels
4) Automatic
compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only
with DA- and DFA-series lenses)
5) White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasise the colour components of sunset scenes and a new
incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode
6) Multi-exposure function, with
a super-imposition of already-recorded images on the LCD monitor for
at-a-glance comparison
7) Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
8) RAW button for single-action switching of image file format
9) 16 digital
filters to add a range of visual effects; a new function to record an
overwritten history also available
10) Colour-specific control buttons/dials
for easy recognition and quick access, based on the universal colour design
11) PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including a RAW-data
processing application (based on the popular SILKYPIX RAW-data processing
engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and a browser application
Optional accessory Battery Grip D-BG4 Exclusively designed for the PENTAX
K-7 camera body, the Battery Grip D-BG4 is powered by either a rechargeable
lithium-ion battery or six AA-size batteries. Since it supplements the
camera’s battery as an additional power source, the number of recordable
images is greatly increased. To facilitate vertical-position shooting, this
grip features an extra shutter-release button, preview lever, electronic
dials, AE-lock button, Green button and AF button. It also provides the same
dustproof, weather and cold-resistant function as the camera body.
Pricing:
Body only £1,199.99
With kit lens (18-55mm) £1,229.99
With double kit lens 18-55mm + 50-200mm £1329.99
Availability:
June/July
| SPECIFICATION |
|
| Effective
Pixels |
approx. 14.6 megapixels |
| Image Sensor |
Total pixels |
approx. 15.07 megapixels |
| Type |
CMOS with a primary
color filter |
| Size |
23.4mm x 15.6mm |
| Colour Depth |
8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit
(RAW) |
| |
Still |
JPEG: [14M] 4672x3104
pixels, [10M] 3936x2624 pixels, [6M] 3072x2048 pixels, [2M]
1728x1152 pixels
RAW: [14M] 4672x3104 pixels |
| |
Movie |
[0.9M] (1280x720, 16:9),
[1.6M] (1536x1024, 3:2), [0.3M] (640x416, 3:2) |
| Sensitivity
(Standard Output Sensitivity) |
Auto, Manual : 100-3200
(1EV steps or 1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps) can be expand to ISO6400
Bulb mode : up to ISO1600 |
| Recording
file Format |
Still |
RAW (Original/DNG), JPEG
(Conforms to Exif 2.21), Conforms to DCF (Design rule of Camera File
system) 2.0 |
| Movie |
Motion JPEG (AVI) 30fps
|
| Formats |
Still |
Compressed: JPEG -
Baseline ( :
Premium , :
Best , :
Better, :
Good)
Compressed: RAW (PEF)
Non compressed: RAW (DNG) |
| Storage
Media |
SD, SDHC memory card
RAW+JPEG : available |
| White
Balance |
Auto, Daylight, Shade,
Cloudy, Fluorescent Light ( D, N, W, L), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE,
Manual setting , with WB fine adjustment |
| Viewfinder |
Type |
Pentaprism type |
| Focusing Screen |
Natural-Bright-Matte III
focusing screen |
| Field of View |
approx. 100% |
| Magnification |
approx. 0.92x (with 50mm
F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1) |
| Diopter adjustment |
approx. -2.5 - +1.5m-1 |
| Live View |
Type |
TTL by Image sensor |
| Field of view |
approx. 100% |
| Display |
Enlargement (2X, 4X, 6X
in case of AF mode, 2X, 4X, 6X, 8X, 10X in case of MF mode) Grid
pattern |
| Autofocus Mode |
Contrast detection +
Face detection / Contrast detection / Phase difference detection |
| LCD Monitor |
Type |
TFT color LCD monitor,
brightness adjustable, Color adjustable, Wide angle view, AR Coating |
| Size |
3.0 inch |
| Dots |
approx. 921,000 dots |
| Preview
Method |
Optical preview ,
Digital preview |
| Playback |
One Image, Two Images,
Index (4 or 9 or 16 or 32 or 81 thumb nails), Enlargement (up to
32X, scroll available), Image Rotation, Folder view, Slideshow,
Histogram, Resize, Cropping, Bright/Dark area, Calendar view, Index
view |
| Digital
Filter |
Recording Mode |
Toy Camera, Retro, High
Contrast, Extract Color, Soft, Star Burst, Fish-eye, Custom |
| Playback Mode |
Toy Camera, Monochrome,
Retro, Color, High Contrast, Soft, Extract Color, Star Burst, Water
Color, Fish-eye, Pastel, Slim, Miniature, HDR, Base Tweaking, Custom |
| Focusing
System |
Type |
TTL phase difference
detection, 11-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII+) |
| Focus Mode |
AF-single (with focus
lock); Manual focus
AF-continuous |
| Focus Type |
Auto, Select, Center |
| AF assist lamp |
available |
| Exposure
Control |
Metering System |
TTL open-aperture
77-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information)
|
| Metering Mode |
(1) Multi-segment
metering, (2) Center-weighted metering, (3) Spot metering |
| Exposure Range |
EV 0-22 (at Standard
Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm F1.4 lens) |
| Modes |
(1) Green, (2) Program
AE, (3) Sensitivity-Priority AE, (4) Shutter-Priority AE, (5)
Aperture-Priority AE, (6) Shutter and Aperture Priority AE, (7)
Metered Manual, (8) Bulb, (9) X speed |
| Exposure Compensation |
±5 EV |
| Auto-bracketing |
3 or 5 frames within
range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV, ±2.0EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV,
±0.7EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.3EV, ±1.7EV, ±2.0EV (0.3EV steps) |
| AE Lock |
availiable |
| Shutter |
Shutter Type |
Electronically
controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed |
1/8000 - 30 sec. and
bulb |
| Drive Modes |
|
Single-frame, Continuous
(Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote control (0s, 3s), Remote
Continuous Shooting, Exposure Bracketing, Exposure Bracketing+Self-timer,
Mirror Lock-up Shooting, Mirror Lock-up Shooting+Remote control |
| Continuous shooting |
approx. 5.2 fps,
sequence : until approx. 40 frames (JPEG and continuous (Hi)),
approx. 15 frames (RAW(PEF)) , approx. 14 frames (RAW(DNG)), approx.
3.3 fps, sequence : until the memory card becomes full (JPEG and
continuous (Lo)) , approx. 17 frames (RAW(PEF)) , approx. 17 frames
(RAW(DNG)) |
| Built-in
Flash |
Type |
Built-in retractable P-TTL
pop-up flash |
| Guide number |
approx. 13 (Standard
Output Sensitivity 100/m) |
| Angle of view coverage |
28mm wide-angle
(equivalent to 35mm) |
Flash Exposure
Compensation |
-2 EV - +1EV (1/2EV
steps) |
| Flash
Synchronization |
Hot shoe, X-sync socket,
sync-speed: 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with
PENTAX dedicated flash |
| Image Stabilizer |
Type |
Image sensor shift
mechanism , Max 4 stops |
| Dust Removal |
Image sensor cleaning
function by supersonic vibration |
| Time |
World Time |
75 cities (28 time
zones) |
| Data Folder |
Folder Name |
Date (100_MMDD•••),
PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX•••) , |
| File Name |
Standard, User customize |
| Power
Sources |
Rechargeable D-LI90
lithium-ion battery
Optional AC adapter also available. |
| Battery Life |
Number of
recordable images |
approx. 980 (Normal
Recording)*2 , approx. 740 (50% use Flash)*1 |
| Playback time |
approx. 440 minutes*2 |
| Interfaces |
USB2.0(Hi-Speed)/AV
output, DC input , Cable switch, X-sync socket, HDMI output, Streo
microphone |
| Video Output |
Compatible with NTSC and
PAL formats |
| Lens Mount |
PENTAX KAF2
bayonet mount |
| Usable Lens |
PENTAX KAF3,
KAF2-,
KAF-,
and KA-mount
lenses.
|
*
Power zoom function available. K-mount lenses
usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses, 67/645
lenses usable with adapter and with
restrictions. |
|
| Dimensions |
approx. 130.5(W) x
96.5(H) x 72.5(D)mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches) |
| Weight |
approx. 670g (22.9 oz.)
without battery and SD memory card.
approx. 750g (26.5 oz.) loaded and ready with battery and SD memory
card |
*1 Recording capacity shows approximate
number of shots recorded during CIPA-compliant testing. Actual performance
may vary depending on operating conditions.
*2 According to the result of PENTAX in-house testing.
Pentax K-x
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