Pentax K-7 High-End DSLR

The 14.6-megapixel Pentax K-7 boasts a 23.4-by-15.6mm CMOS sensor, which the company says offers new video capabilities and four-channel output, as well as better low-light performance. The K-7 has an ISO range of 100 to 6400.

The K-7 also offers an 11-point autofocus system, a revamped metering system that features 77 light-metering points, a built-in flash, and the new Prime II image processor. Shutter speeds range from 1/8000 second to 30 seconds.

The high-end DSLR also features the same user interface as the lower-end K2000 DSLR, as well as body-based image stabilization. That sensor-shifting system means that the K-7's shake reduction feature will work with any Pentax K-mount lens, not just more-expensive stabilized lenses. A supersonic dust-removing vibration system is also part of the K-7's feature set.

The K-7's 3-inch-diagonal LCD features live view, the ability to use the larger display as a viewfinder in addition to the camera's traditional optical viewfinder. Pentax is also touting the K-7's viewfinder as having a field of view of 100 percent and heralds the K-7 as a highly weather-resistant camera, thanks to an entirely weather-sealed and weather-proofed body.

Check out more at PCWorld

Pentax to unveil "The New K" on May 20

If you're a Pentax fan, mark your calendar for May 20. You can also check out the site to see how much time is left before the company unveils its mystery surprise.

Make sure you check http://www.pentaximaging.com/ and stare at the countdown long enough.

Pentax K-7 more info

Via PhotoRumors.com via DSLRMagazine/translation.

* Pentax K-7 will be the top of the line DLSR
* it will be an APS-C camera
* it will be able to use medium format lenses (developed for the upcoming Pentax 645) with an adapter
* it will have a optical glass pentaprism (Hoya), upper LCD and dial to choose professional modes, with central lock
* no built-in flash
* it might incorporate the possibility of showing simultaneously (on the optical viewfinder) information about other functions, such as live histogram or even… Live-View and video with the mirror lockup (wow!).

More Pentax K-7 pictures

I just found a set of pictures around the net, here they are for your viewing pleasure. Also some more specs details below the pictures.






Rumored / estimated official announcement: May 21st 2009

Rumored features

Maximum ISO 6400
Lowest ISO 50
5fps burst at 6Megapixel resolution
Viewfinder magnification 100%
Improved body insulation
Mirror lock up
Live View and HD video (FullHD resolution not confirmed)
Microphone input jack
Improved image stabilization system
New 77 point metering
Live view with 77 point AF
Improved 11+9 spot AF
Larger 3 inch 920000 dot LCD
Shutter speed min 1/8000
Flash sync 1/250
LCD screen not swiveling
Body width less than K20D, height and grip larger

Pentax K-7 rumored/leaked specs

Photorumors com has a pretty good looking set of specs of the K-7 (yes, it's with the hyphen), the upcoming upper segment DSLR from Pentax.

Camera Name:	Pentax K-7 (It Is “K Hyphen Seven” - *No* “D” Letter and *With* the Hyphen)
Dimensions (by Measurement, Not Factory Specs):	96mm (H) x 130.5mm (W) x D1-D3* *D1 = 67.5mm, from Flange to Grip Rear *D2 = 74.5mm, from Grip Front to Grip Rear *D3 = 76.5mm, from RTF Front to Grip Rear Remark: Neck Strap Buckles, Eyecup, Hotshoe Cap and Rubber Covers are All Ignored Amazingly Truly Compact! Especially for an Upper Grade DSLR Body! (RTF is Far Less Protruding Than Previous Models, Too)
Sensor Format:	APS-C, Aspect Ratio: 3:2
Mount:	Pentax KAF-3 (Crippled K-mount, Support Both Body Driven “Screw-Type” AF and SDM)
Viewfinder Coverage and Magnification:	>95% and/or >0.95X ( by my Best Measurement and Estimation - It could be 100% *and* 1.0X

Check the full Pentax K-7 specs listing at Photo Rumors.