K7 to buy or not to buy ????

I am thinking of going for the K7, but can anyone tell me, is it really that much better than the K20d (which I have at the moment) thanks.

Nope!............................

hmmm to the point

There was a recent thread which should be of interest

Better image quality....no. If you prefer JPEG I would suggest sticking with the K20D. The K-7 needs to be used in RAW especially at higher ISO.

Better at quite a lot else though. I wouldn't go back. The things I've noticed are:

(1) I much prefer the smaller size. Clearly a matter of personal preference but for me a more portable camera gets used more often and I found the K20D a little too big

(2) faster AF and especially continuous AF. I've tracked an energetic springer spaniel charging around with the K-7, which I think my K20D would have had problems with. Focus assist light is occasionally helpful

(3) Much better live view implementation. It is now genuinely useful, and also much easier to access

(4) Better dynamic range enhancement options by separate controls for shadows and highlights. It's possible to use the latter without generating the significant image noise that you get out of the K20D implementation

(5) I prefer the control layout with direct access to things that are covered by the Fn menu in the earlier cameras. Quick access to key settings via the Info screen is also helpful

(6) nice to have a 100% viewfinder

(7) much better auto white balance (although not much of an issue if you are a RAW shooter)

That said, my camera has been back for repair after 6 months (I've never had to send a camera away before) so at the moment I have the feeling that where the K20D was perhaps a Saab equivalent, the K-7 is an Alfa Romeo - more stylish and does some things very well if you can live with its foibles, but also possibly a little temperamental.

I really think you can only be the judge of whether it's better than a K20D after actually having used one for quite a while.

Jon is quite right if you are happy with PP'ing RAW files then a K-7 is a wonderful camera, it is without doubt the best camera body I have been fortunate to own and I had the K20D before it.

Just my opinion

Sorry about my abrupt answer..I had to dash out...It depends what you mean by better!,the image quality is no better in my opinion,I find the K7 too small,especially with longer lenses. As for the added extras,I find no need for live view with the type of photography I do,the rest I find far to complicated!. I tend to use my K20 as an ordinary Slr,shooting in AV mode most of the time. The best thing to do is go and handle a K7 and see what you think,you cant beat the hands on approach.....all the best....Ken

I can't compare as I only have the K20D, not the K7. But I would consider investing in lenses instead. There will always be a better camera, but lenses do make a big difference....

You still here?

OK, thanks, I think by the way the comments are coming in, I will stay with my K20 until Pentax bring in the new (after the K7) camera.

Cheeky

Mike,
People have been taking about it's size, is that really relevant ?? and is it a lot smaller that the K20 ?

Sorry to step in Steve, my advice would be to go and handle one, even borrow one if you can.
It is a fair bit smaller than a K20D and definitely more solidly built, not that the K20D lacks in that area.
To me it just feels like a step up and in operation it is much slicker than the K20D, difficult to put your finger on it but it feels more reactive to user inputs. It is a lovely tool to use and I say this having really liked my K20D before it

Greytop, I have sent you a message, I find it slightly stange that you are selling all of your Pentax gear (none of my business of course) but are you defecting to another maker ???

Greytop,
I don't mean to sound
nosey,,,,, sorry