Many thanks for the comments. These probably don't show off the camera in any particular way, but I wanted to assure myself that it was at least as good as the K20D, which I certainly think it is. Just need to try it on the 500mm monster

Thanks fiish

Here are a couple more that I just processed:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chirpy_uk/3713655778/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/chirpy_uk/3713655044/

My first outing with the K-7. Things I've found:

1. The shutter is soooo quiet compared to the K20D (a nice SshSsh noise)

2. The flash exposure is improved

3. I'm seeing less noise (i.e. I don't have to do any additional noise reduction beyond the SilkyPix normal setting), this wasn't the case on the K20D

4. I'm happy

Apologies for the subject matter, but it's what I enjoy doing.

K-7, IS0200, DR, SR, f/16, 1/180, AF160FC, monopod. RAW, processed in Silkypix and PSP:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chirpy_uk/3712610021/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/chirpy_uk/3713418580/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/chirpy_uk/3713567926/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/chirpy_uk/3713568342/

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

It's not 2/3rds as you need to add shipping, import duties and VAT onto that price. You also get a years less warranty, IIRC.

My K-7 arrived 3 hours ago from SRS

But Simply Electronics is located in Hong Kong and the item doesn't state that VAT and duties are included.

Just found out that I was 1st in the list Hopefully I should have my mitts on it tomorrow.

Aaaaaaaargh! Did the boat to Europe go via the Somalian pirates?

I'm still waiting for the phone call from SRS. Looks like they're shipping in the USA now as well as Aus. Grrr.