pentax k7

Thinking of buying a k7 have not got the money for a k5 I like the ideas of faster frame capture and smaller size camera and all the other updated features has any body moved from a k20d to a k7 comments and advice please
Phill

I went from K200d to K7 Phil, I know it is not the same but I definitely noticed an improvement.

I notice in the photo magazines that used K20 and K7 cameras seem to come in the at the same prices?

For me the K7 was a stunning camera, the K5 is better at high ISOs but I actually wish I had never got rid of mine.

I seem to recall there being a new K7 for about £440 on ebay from the camera shop in Chester but not sure if it is still there.

I went from the K20D to the K-7.

There certainly was a small improvement in ISO performance but the AF was also slightly better as was the fps. With regard to the size, I actually hated the K-7 to start with as I prefer larger cameras but after putting a grip on I now much prefer the K-7/K-5/K-3 size body.

To me it was a worthwhile upgrade.

K7 is a lot of camera for the money, would be a lot even at twice the price. Its packed with practical photo capture aids and image control features, with a lot of high-end functions you'd expect only on pro-spec models from other makers. The main advance that the K5 brought is improved noise performance in low light, and that's something many say they need ...I find its rare to need ISO 800 or above, and in fact the K7 is fine at 800, even 1600 requires only basic NR measures.

Its even less likely I'll be thinking about high iso performance now I've got a 540 fgz flash ... This on the K7 combined with a Gary Fong lightsphere diffuser gives much better light quality than many low-light natural & artificial situations. Personally I'd rather keep shooting at ISO 100 and take control of my own lighting!

Hi, I have a K7 for sale. PM sent

For sale??? Why would you ever ....

The sensor in the K-7 is the same as in the K20, so my advise is don't do it, look out for one of the K-5's the difference will prove huge.
P.S I put over 100,000 shots on a K-7

Yes and no. It was slightly "improved" by Samsung (the manufacturer), and the processor is also "tweaked".

The AF is better and the frame rate is greatly improved.

For some, the ergonomic is better, for other, it's not. Depends on who you ask.

All in all, it's not a K20D on steroid, but a much better camera.

That's my understanding also Yves. I've always been surprised to see the K7 often painted as very much the same camera as the previous flagship, but from what I have read in the Magic Lantern guide and online reviews, it is clearly a significant upgrade. Mainly the processor power and speed, burst and buffer capacity, but also HDR and the lens corrections were extras I believe.

Im a K7 owner. I cannot speak about backward comparisons. As this was my first stab with a digital offering. But the camera takes beautiful images. I cant agree with Nigel about it control of noise in low light. For me the K7s biggest plus point is its upward compatibility. With all the controls in the same place as a K5 variant. Using the same battery Same grip. It makes life very easy for a later upgrade.. Though I would recommend for what its worth, going the K5 route in the first place...

The thing is though, the OP said in his first sentence that he couldn't afford a K5.

I didn't say it wouldn't be a good purchase. Though I personally would save a little longer..

You might be right Stuey, some things are worth waiting for! But the K7 is a very similarly capable option surely? What is it that you disagree with about the low light high ISO aspect?

In my experience of lowlight gig photography were flash is not permitted. when using lenses wide open. (You don't get an image otherwise) The results from the K7 are very poor indeed at Iso 1600. Noise the size of snowballs.. And for me this is the only limiting thing about the K7..

Apologies to the OP. Not trying to hijack the thread with this discussion. But I would be very interested if anyone is achieving this in dark conditions..

Thanks for the input so far very rarely use iso above 1100 so a k7 should be OK I have secured a k7 just waiting to sell my sigma lens to fund it thanks for all the pm,s sent
Phill