I did, but am still unsure. I have no idea why I am like this with the K7.

Maybe I do need to get my hands on it and try it for myself. I just watched a video on Youtube (produced by DigitalRev) and it doesn't look to small with the grip included.
I must say that the K20 is very small without the grip and I hate using it without one. I was recharging the camera battery the other day and held the camera without the grip with a trusty lens attached. To me it felt awful.

I suppose I have only seen the K7 without the grip and that's what's putting me off. This video had the grip attached and it looked great, I must admit.

I know there are people out there who think that camera size is nothing to worry about (this could be misread couldn't it) but I use my camera daily and to me it needs the right feel and balance. So on reading reviews and hearing that it is smaller, well I suppose that this is the thing that really put me off, that and the HD video.

Unlocker, I am not doubting your review at all and it was very thorough but for me I suppose I do need to get my hands on the camera to make up my mind...funny that I didn't have to do this with the ist*D (which was small enough), K10 or K20 though.

A trip to Watford is needed me thinks


Paul

I would be interested to find out more on the K7 as at the moment I am not fussed at all which for me is quite strange. When the K20 came out I bought it within 2 weeks same as the previous K10. For some reason I do not have the same urgency to run out and buy one.

I have no use for the HD video, I know that this is the thing of the future and most new cameras will have this facility as standard from now on, to me (and this is personal and not intended to insult anyone so please don't quote me as insulting) I feel it is a gimmick.
I am worried about the body size as it is supposed to be marginally smaller even with the grip attached. To me the K20 is to small. I like big and weighty cameras, especially when there is a larger lens attached. Again that is a personal preference.

I would be very interested to know from others what this camera is like and how it handles.

The only points that I am interested in is the new sensor, the shutter speed, the 5.2 frames a second and the improved shake reduction (which I think is amazing being built into the camera rather than the lens).

I do have funds available but I was going to buy a new K20. If the K7 turns out to be better than my first impressions then I will consider buying it.

So I shall read the reviews that my fellow Pentax User's write rather than what the magazines drivvel on about and I will make my decision then.


Paul

Edited: spelling

Both are fantastic and do the job very well.
I have the Spyder3 Pro and it works perfectly, I like the profiles it creates and the ease of use. It takes ambient light readings constantly and I calibrate my screen 2-3 times a week (personal choice). It does inform you on a bi-weekly basis when it recommends you recalibrate.

Like I say, they both do pretty much the same job and I think its more down to personal choice.

Paul

I agree, the picture is a tad dark and I have a feeling that the bird is slightly out of focus although this is hard to tell as the bird is dark.

I really love this part of the country and can't wait till next year to visit it again

Paul

Actually agree with Rees, the top shot looks better with the green. I was referring to the 2nd altered shot. There is to much black in that. The 1st image looks much better.


Paul

Your equipment is also covered if it is left in the boot of your car, as long as it's covered, i.e. if you have a hatchback then the cover must be pulled over or there must be one in the 1st place.

If the equipment is stolen then they pay out very quickly but also if you need the equipment for a shoot or similar then they will send a replacement (like for like) out by courier so that you will not be out of pocket for missing the event or by renting out a piece of equipment.

Again, I'm not sure if this is just with the professional insurance but I am sure you will be able to discuss matters with your customer services or your assigned agent.


Paul

I have commented on this on a previous thread but will briefly touch on it again.

I use a professional insurance company and they are probably one of the best out there. Their name is TowerGatecamersure and I find them extremely good. link
What makes them stand out more is that they insure the total sum of equipment rather than each individual item.
So I have my equipment and my business partners insured for £10,000 This includes 3 cameras, multiple lenses, laptops, studio equipment, etc. They also deal with our professional indemnity and liability (£2,000,000) insurance. This all comes to around £500

Of course the majority of people on here aren't going to want that level of insurance but they do offer amateur and semi professional as well.

I chose this company as I had had enough of other companies saying that they were professional but turning out to be not as pro as they said. One of these was Photoguard. A solicitor, working for the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) read their T&C's and apperently they weren't worth the paper they were written on.
Some people may swear by them, but for the cover I required well I wasn't prepared to go with them.

Paul

I would go with a tighter crop and lose the black at the bottom.
Nice and tight so that the green leaf goes as well. Then you are left with that lovely red.
The black, to me, spoils you shot as it does nothing for it

Paul

I have this lens and have never had any problems with adjusting the aperture and have used it on my *istD, K10 and K20. No problems whatsoever. Great lens, I keep it as a spare as my wife uses it now and again.


Paul

As you have tried out the K7 I thought I would take the opportunity to ask a few questions. Forgive me if they have already been asked.

How did you find the K7?
I am struggling to think of a reason to buy it, is it as good as everyone says?
What about the size, is it alot smaller than the K20?
What did you like most about it?

Paul