k-7 "Touch and Try" in Tokyo

[mickey]

A little report from me.
Please don't expect too much technical jargon, though.
Just a little bit about how Pentax promoted the k-7 this weekend.

I'll post the report, then some pics in a seperate post.

The event was held from 23-34 May in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Akihabara is pretty much known as "Electric Town" in Tokyo.
Seemed the right place for Pentax to hire out the 4th floor gallery of the UDX building.
The layout was in an "L" shape, starting at the entrance, I was greeted by large prints, approx. 4'x3'.
All shot with the k-7 and various lenses by various Japanese snappers.
Some in RAW, some in JPEG.
Mostly shots of nature, with some urban pics.
Must admit, I was very impressed with the quality for such large prints.
NOTE: I'm not one for going to galleries, so I can't compare with size and quality of other prints, but these were superb prints, imo.

I'll post some more details of the prints later.

I got handed a k-7 brochure and plastic bag.
The brochure advertises the k-7 as "Premium Small".
Following the room to the right, I was able to view some more prints.
Japanese like nature, so the big prints of maple leaves, cherry blossom and other flowers were welcomed.
Rich greens really stood out.
Looks like this camera will definitely excel in outdoor conditions.

On my right, was a large glass cabinet housing Pentax bodies from past and present and also a dissected k-7.

Down from that was a k-7 plugged into the computer and I was able to watch a video.
The video was that of waves crashing on to a beach.
Looked smooth. I didn't hang about, as the video is not of any interest to me(sorry).
Looked like the computer was also able to demonstrate the bundled software.

Further down was a larger pring of the 645 digital.
The print was about 6'x5'.

At the end was a seated area, which was full, perhaps about 50 people.
There was a slide presentation.
I didn't really watch much of that.

Next to this enclosure there were some A3 size prints showcasing some in-camera fucntions, such as the HDR, miniature, and one of real interest was the ISO comparison.
3 prints of ISO 800/1600/3200.
800 was excellent and 1600 was very good. 3200 there was noticeable difference, but still very, very usuable.
There was no details as to what lens was uused, but is was of a brightly lit building at night. I think there's potential here, no doubt.
I'm not a guy that prints out his pics at that size, but the ISO looks real promising.

Opposite all this, was the test area, or the "Touch and Try" as the Japanese labelled it.
Form an orderly queueand wait your turn to try a k-7.
About 20 cameras were available with the two new WR lenses. and a rep with each camera to help you.
My Japanese isn't up to much, so I couldn't get into anything too detailed.

The size is obviously the first thing you notice.
After holding my K10 for the last 7 months, there's certainly a difference, but far from being anything like the k-m difference.
The feel, as to be expected, is solid. The grip feels nice. Thumb sits comfortably.
Smaller, yes, but first impressions were that I could get used to it.
The balance is nice with both lenses fitted.
It is smaller, but doesn't feel small, if you know what I mean...

The back looks a lot different, but playing with it for a few minutes, I was soon into the swing of things.
The menu is well-laid out and no problem to use.
The buttons are placed well, imo.

I like the top dial, push in the top button to rotate the wheel.
Screen is very bright and large.
Lots of info in playback mode.
Yep, all good on appearance.

View finder seems like everything was slightly shrunken down, but the actual view is more.
Seemed good.

When I pressed the shutter, I had to double check that it took a pic, I kid you not!
The shutter is so quiet.
Obviously not silent, but my k10 hung it's head in shame.
The AF is quieter, too.
5fps is great. I blasted away, quietly, tracking people.
The 2 new lenses were responsive, and quick. I definitely noticed a big improvement over what I've tried with a k-m and a k20.
The 18-55 did hunt on one occasion when I focused on the red Pentax logo on a black background on a white wall.
Would really liked to have used a limited lens, though.
Much like the ISO, there's potential here for AF to be muchly-improved.

I had a go with the HDR. Seems interesting. Switch to HDR mode and the camera fires away 3 shots, slight wait, then hey presto, you have your image.
Also I tried the live view. Just hold down the AF button on the back and she nips into focus. It's not really my thing, but I could see where it may be useful.
Didn't ty the video, sorry.

Wasn't allowed to insert my memory card.

6-pages of custom features should keep the creative juices flowing.

Finally, for Peter, and other left-eye users.
I gave it a go with my left eye.
In my honest opinion, with a new camera and first time with my left eye, it felt odd for me, but I really don't think it would be too hard to get used to pressing buttons whilst looking through the view finder.
Personally, I felt that the size was shaved off the left size of the body. There are no buttons on the left side like on my k10 and the k20, so I reckon it shouldn't be a problem for left eye users.


I'll post some pics very soon.

[mickey]

Here are some of the pics I took. I'll try to write some info where I can.

1. Entrance


2. Gallery.


3. Closest pic on left: 15mm ltd. 1/30 4.5 ISO400 -0.3ev


4. Tracking train


5. 1/15 f5.6 ISO200 +1.5ev


6.

[mickey]

7. lens50-135 1/60 f8 ISO 200 -1.7ev


8. Turning the corner


9.


10. Touch and Try. About 20 cameras to try.


11. 645


12. ISO comparison in A3 size

[yipchunyu]

thx for your report. i read some others in chinese forum. your one is the best.

[Kunzite]

Thank you, a very interesting report. I can try a pre-production K-7 (our local dealer has one), but such an event, it's on a completely different scale.
It's also good to see they had the guts to show high ISO night pictures, instead of brightly-lit, f/16*1/8000 almost high-key ones

[Peter Zack]

This sounds great. Several members have suggested that I look into a O-ME 53 as shown in the other pics from Toronto. That coupled with the reports of hands on use is great news. Thank you very much for the details (I read every word) and taking the time to shoot/test the camera "backwards".

Sounds like a great camera and the A3 prints all look decent. Even in your small shot I can see the clock numbers in the 3200 shot. Just from memory would you be able to compare what the K10D best high ISO looks like compared to the 1600 or 3200 of the K-7. So for example K10 at ISO 400 looks about the same as K-7 at 1600.

[Peter Zack]

Oh yeah I did notice the reference to the 645D but since they will only sell that in Japan and the cost will be through the roof, it's only a talking point and nothing more.

[yipchunyu]

BTW, any speical info listed in the k-7 brochure?

[mickey]

Peter, well, from memory, I would certainly say k-7 iso 800 is better than k10 400.
Perhaps k-7 1600 is more comparable to k10 iso 400.

Might need a second opinion, but that's what i say.


yipchunyu, need to really sit down and decipher the brochure, tbh.

[ftpaddict]

Originally Posted by Kunzite

Thank you, a very interesting report. I can try a pre-production K-7 (our local dealer has one), but such an event, it's on a completely different scale.
It's also good to see they had the guts to show high ISO night pictures, instead of brightly-lit, f/16*1/8000 almost high-key ones

Say what? Oooh, I'm there.

[creampuff]

Nice report and pictures. Appreciate the effort.

[beaumont]

Thanks for the great update Mickey. (After spending the evening taking "loud" choir pictures in a church, the quiter shutter of the K7 sounds like a nice benefit!)

Thanks for the interesting report. I really liked the sliced open K-7 picture!

[dave9t5]

Originally Posted by mickey

A little report from me.
Please don't expect too much technical jargon, though.
Just a little bit about how Pentax promoted the k-7 this weekend.

I'll post the report, then some pics in a seperate post.
...
snip
...

Thanks for the report! Very interesting!

[Stratman]

I am wondering how much that weather sealed Kit Lens will sell for, hmmmmmm?