I was interested in observing how the two cameras compare at high-iso with a highly detailed scene. I assume they should be close, because the sensor is essentially the same, but I wanted to do a quick comparison just the same. I know many have been doing this, but I thought I would add my tests to the forum.
Now this is not an entirely scientific comparison, but it is indicative of the results I have been seeing. I decided to just use the in-camera default NR settings for each camera. I also elected to output default jpeg files. I did keep the exposure settings identical for each camera since we all know how sensitive noise is to exposure, so I felt it was essential to keep that constant between the two cameras.
I also did another quick test that might interest some. It is 4 shots of the same subject at ISO 3200 with the K-7 at the 4 different NR settings.
UPDATE: jump to post # 30 for a more recent test I did:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/664653-post30.html
Here is the full set for the K-7 / K-20d comparisons:
K-7 and K20d Iso tests - a set on Flickr
Here is the full set for the NR variation tests on the K-7:
K-7 ISO 3200 with NR variation - a set on Flickr
Quick summary of my observations:
-White balance of k-7 is clearly superior. Maybe the best of any camera I have used. The tungsten lights in my house are very challenging for photography. I use commercial 130v bulbs instead of residential 120v. (The reason is they last a LOT longer, but as a trade-off, there is a bit less light, and it tends more toward yellow.) The K-7 has not had a single problem nailing the WB. I am quite impressed.
-As I have shown in similar tests here before, high-iso performance on the K20d is very good if you properly expose. When compared with the K-7, there are subtle differences, but nothing to suggest that the K-7 is worse or better. To me, that was to be expected.
-NR settings on the K-7 have an observable effect. Even on "high" there does not appear to be an objectionable loss in detail.
Did I mention that the K-7 is really fast?
For those that don't want to go to the link themselves, here is the k20d at ISO 3200:
And here is the K-7 at ISO 3200:
Last edited by PentaxPoke; 07-11-2009 at 12:28 PM.