New K-7 adopters, what's your impressions?

Just wondering what new adopter's impressions were so far. I picked mine up yesterday from SRS. My impressions so far based on very limited use:-

Built like tank with pleasing functional styling both with and without the grip.
Love the handling.
Layout of controls is easy to get to grips with.
Camera operation is very slick.
3” screen is a nice improvement.

I like it a great deal

From what I can tell high ISO looks no worse than the K20D but I've not done a back to back comparison at this point.

Only slight negative is that I'm concerned about the longevity of the rubber covers, particularly the one that covers the USB, HDMI and external power supply connectors.

Now I'm just waiting for PhaseOne to release an update for CaptureOne4 to support K-7 PEF files.

How often will you use these?

If only occasionally, then don't worry.

By the way I'm jealous as hell...

Yes good point, I do tend to transfer files from the camera to the PC using the USB cable. I guess I could take to removing the SDHC card instead.

That's what I do with my lowly K200d, I find it saves having too many cables around.

Hi,
I agree with you`r impressions, I bought mine from Cambrian Photography in Colwyn Bay yesterday. The only real downer for me is that you have to make a choice between having the brilliant spirit level or exposure information! Both essential to me (so it`s back to the old hotshoe level i guess.) Focusing is extremely quiet with the DA* 16-50 and 50-135 lenses, I have`nt tried the 18-55 WR yet but i only bought this as it was only an extra £20. I will only use it when i don`t want to risk a more expensive lens. Just waiting for a spare battery and external hot shoe microphone to arrive.


regards - Pete.

Hi Pete, yes exposure compensation -v- level, I agree it is a bit of a shame but I would rather have the option
Mind you a quick press of the exposure compensation button gives the status. And at least we can now see the ISO and number of shots left at the same time

Hi, It is great to have the option but the option to have both would be better still!!! I`m not complaining though as it`s a great little camera and is packed with really useful features.
I have not been getting along so well with the Camera Utility 4 software though. The version 3 was great to use once i found where everything was hidden, But i have spent all afternoon with the new software and i cannot get into a routine with it at all!

Regards - Pete.

Have you found that little button that displays how much you paid


shim

The spirit level is in 3 places, surely it doesn't turn all 3 off!

Top LCD
Viewfinder
Live View

The pleasure from using the K7 is priceless so that button can wait!!!
Regards - Pete.

The live view displays both but the Viewfinder and LCD only shows one or the other. I take most of my shots using a tripod in any case but it would have been nice to have both in the viewfinder for handheld shots.

Regards - Pete.

Hows the AF speed with SDM and screwdrive lenses?

In my opinion it's faster than the K20D, low light isn't stella with SDM but daylight is quite a bit better. I get the impression there is less hunting with the K-7 compared to the K20.

Actually I don't think Pentax SDM lenses are that fast anyway, the screw drive 18-55 WR is probably a quicker focussing lens

I agree with your first impressions:

1. I'm also somewhat worried about the rubber covers. I don't like them and always thing that they look like they'd break off too easily

2. It's rugged and for me noticeably more compact than the K20D

3. I really like the new menus, both the configuration ones and the new INFO menu. Took me a while to work the latter out and that basically the ISO and EV button are somewhat redundant since it's almost as easy to just hit the INFO button and then use the arrows. But that is fine by me

4. Like the electronic level

5. Really like the AF assist light

6. Shutter sound is lovely, more of a swish than a clunk

7. Screw focus seems quicker, SDM about the same

8. Contrast detect AF is a bit weird and somewhat slow

9. Liveview is, however, much easier to use and quite fun

10. Video is cool. I'm going to have fun with it I'm sure and I got a relatively cheap 16GB Transcend card that isn't specced as fast as the SanDisk Extreme III, but can cope with the video without problems

11. Full coverage OVF is fab

12. Tungsten WB and flash WB is much better than with the K20D

13. Frame rate - very nice, but haven't had a chance to do a real test with the 500mm and some wild birds

14. Not sure about the strap lugs

15. The AF switch seems a bit fiddly and perhaps vulnerable to damage, unlike the one on the K20D

16. Don't miss the SR button as it's only 2 clicks away in the menu

17. Haven't done enough playing, but the IQ appears to be on a par with the K20D

18. It does looks like they've toned down the greens a little, which I think I read somewhere was intentional. this is good for me as I take many photos with foliage in them

19. Haven't played with a hotshoe flash yet

20. I actually like the SD card cover compared to the K20D. It's quicker and more convenient to open when you need to switch out the card. Though, as others have mentioned, the card slot does seem more tricky to get the card out of for some reason

21. It's frustrating getting a lovely new camera and the weather has been dark, dreary and raining!

Forgot one:

22. I don't like the locking button on the dial. It's a real pain to switch modes now, which I liked to do quickly, and I have never had an issue with the K20D rotating while in a bag