K-7 or K-5?

I'm in the USA

I'm upgrading from the K100D Super, reason being, loud mirror slap and I fill the RAW buffer very quickly when shooting models and action.
Even with class 10 4Gig SDHC cards, I still have to wait till the buffer is dumped before I can shoot again.

after 40,000 photos I have gotten my money's worth from the camera.

My question is this, is the newly released K-5 worth the extra $650?
K-7: $850
K-5: $1500

The only noticeable differences are 1080 HD video and a 2mp bump...

The continuous shooting specs show that the K-7 is better-

Continuous shooting
K-5:
Hi: 7 fps to 22 frames (JPG), 8 frames (PEF/DNG),
Lo: 2 fps until card is full (JPG), up to 12 frames (PEF/DNG)

K-7:
Hi: 5.2 fps to 40 frames (JPG), 15 frames (PEF), 14 frames (DNG)
Lo: 3.3 fps until card is full (JPG), up to 17 frames (PEF/DNG)


Just asking professional opinions before I press the shutter on buying the K-7

Happy Friday
-C

I'm not a professional I've recently played with a K7 in a shop and found the images quite noisy in the darker areas of an image (even at 400 ISO) compared to what I can achieve with a K100D.
That was the reason for me to pre-order the K5 (also the price difference over here is significantly less); I'm waiting in anticipation.

Just a thought.

If you dont want to shoot above ISO 1600 (although pretty good with noise reduction software up to around 2500)and dont need the faster AF/better video then go for the K-7. If you do then the K-5.

I recently sold my K-7 because of those reasons but otherwise its a superb camera.

Thank you for answering your own question.

Clearly, K-5 is the most apposite camera for your typical photographic requirements.


And yes, even at that large extra outlay - tempting as a K-7 may be at current superseded pricing levels.
Think of it amortized over a long period, where a good in class but (technically) lesser capable substitute will surely soon prove frustrating and wanting.

.R.

The k5 also has the new SAFOX IX af system a step up from the k7 here.
Ian

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/pentaxk5/ comparisons can be found here.
Ian

When shooting models the K10D (very clean low ISO photos) would be the best for action the K5 (higher ISO better AF)

I guess I am one of the lucky ones as my K5 is being delivered on Monday so I can't wait.

The K5 will pick up from the K7 a few improvements such as ISO, FPS and the SAFOX IX af system plus a few other extras. I am keeping my K7 though as a second camera, but will use the K5 when I need the higher ISO.

I know the price difference between the K7 & K5 is a lot, but you gets what you pays for. I have used noise reduction software when the K7 becomes limited, but I think the K5 will just provide me with high ISO quality when I need it most rather than relying on software which can have its limitations.

You could wait a while for the K5 price to drop if you can wait.

Or you will have to spend a little extra, or buy a K7.

I think Pentax have really got it right with the K5, which is why I am buying one and not waiting.

If you have the extra $650 it looks like it might well be worth it. If you do not have the extra money, it is not worth it.

I suggest you look a little deeper.

The most noticable difference for me was the exceptional high ISO performance. Followed closely by the better AF and ability to turn the dreaded Dark Frame processing off.

I have a K20D and K10D - I have no interest in the K-7, yet I am drooling after the K-5.

Whatever you decide upon, enjoy

The K5 is better. Only issue is whether it is $650 better! The K-7 is adequate at high ISO, I'd go up to 1250 without much concern. However the new breed of sensors are amaaaazing at high ISO....

If cost is an issue, and when isn't it an issue, you could go for the K-7 if weather resistant build and body controls + 100% viewfinder are most important to you, or K-r if high ISO is your main concern (it's also a faster shooter than the K-7 and has the upgraded AF).

Or wait and get a K-5

I've been pondering the next upgrade from my K-m.

I could stretch to the K5 but my thought's are I could get a second hand K7 for a better bang for your buck. As the market will be flooded with them before xmas. Then I can look at another lens or two for the K7. But still unsure

Glass over body any day. If the choice is a K7 and better lenses, or a K5 and no lenses the K7 wins imho.

Of course it does depend on what lenses you already have.

Oh!...Good glass!....gives me goosebumps!

Now that's thinking. I never thought about it when I bought the K-7, but with the 400.00 difference between what I paid and the cost of a K-5, I can now splurge on a few lenses, totally guilt free!

The only benefit to a K-5 for me would be the fantastic high ISO results. 1080p video is nice in theory, but I would have to upgrade my computer to edit it!