Author: | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2017 Posts: 27 10 users found this helpful | Review Date: March 15, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $235.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Build quality, reliability, button layout, ergonomics, menu options, image quality, RAW files | Cons: | low light capability, back focusing, mandatory DFS at long shutter speeds | Years Owned: 3 months
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
| | I bought this camera from a local pawnshop. This is my first DSLR, but I wasn't sure whether such an old camera would be worth it. I couldn't find much info on the internet about how useable an 8 year old Pentax K7 would be, so I thought I'd write this review to help others in my situation.
I upgraded from a Sony Cybershot HX60V - a 20MP point and shoot from 2014 with full manual control but a small sensor and rather poor low-light performance. I can safely say that the Pentax K7 smashes the Sony for image quality and noise, even with a 5 year age difference. So if you're upgrading from a newer point and shoot, don't hesitate.
When reviewing this camera, I didn't really have any other DSLRs to compare it to. So I'm approaching it from an upgrade from a point and shoot, and also whether I feel the camera is lacking in any areas.
Honestly, this camera is superb. The image quality (after some post processing - more on that later) is excellent, the features are great and the camera is still in perfect condition, with no signs of wear or anything - a testament to its build quality. The button layout is fantastic - I rarely need to access the menu at all. I was worried whether the 15MP would be enough, and I haven't felt a lack of resolution in any photo. The autofocus (with a decent lens - more on that later) is fast enough for me (I don't shoot any sports or fast moving wildlife). The noise is generally manageable, and actually produces a pleasing, film-like grain, so is not too much of a concern.
There are, however, several things I feel are lacking in this camera (apart from modern tech like built-in GPS). One is the lack of high ISO capability/noise at high ISOs. I hate flash photography so for parties and night shooting, I hit the max ISO on the camera pretty fast, and usually need to stay below ISO 1600 to produce a useable photo. Of course, there are ways to maximise the K7's abiltiy (more on that later), and I understand its performance, given the age of the sensor.
Probably the biggest issue with the camera is its back focusing. I've made use of the AF microadjustment, but am at the maximum compensation and photos are still back focusing when using AF. I might need to get the camera serviced, if I can.
If you are looking to do astrophotography, you might find the K7 a bit restrictive. The high ISO performance is an obvious issue, but the other is the mandatory DFS at exposures over 30s. This tends to restrict shooting and make it abit frustrating for long exposures.
There are several ways to maximise the camera's performance, and extend the life of the K7 by making it more useable and minimising its weak points. These are:
1. Get some good lenses. Mine came with a Pentax 17-70mm f4 and the sharpness of the lens really helps to get the most out of the sensor.
2. Get a fast lens. I picked up a Helios 44-2 58mm f2, and the large aperture really helps to keep the noise down, while expanding the camera's useability in low light conditions.
3. Shoot RAW. This will let you eliminate noise as much as possible, while getting the most out of the sensor by boosting sharpness and clarity, and maximising dynamic range.
Finally, I'll say that if you buy this camera in 2017, you will not be disappointed. You will find it a joy to use, and produce some excellent photos - especially if you take the steps I mentioned to get the most out of the camera's capability.
Here are some sample photos - all of them were shot in RAW, and processed in Lightroom: | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2018 Posts: 4,640 7 users found this helpful | Review Date: January 26, 2018 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Lots of abilities. | Cons: | The guy holding it. | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 10
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
New or Used: New
| | It's a lovely camera to work with, even though it's an old model now with so few pixels, such noisy high-ISO results, etc etc. Well, I like landscape work, with the odd airshow thrown in, and when_the_light_and_conditions_are_lovely it takes such lovely photographs. Instead of chasing the gear rainbow, I'm learning to plan my shots, look for the light, fix the camera to a sturdy tripod and take my time.
Oh, and I got two spare batteries when I bought it – they're rarely needed. I use the histogram, exposure preview with blinkies and expose to the right, all that jazz. It's like the old days with film, just different; back then we looked after the shadows, not the highlights. Use this baby at its native ISO (100) and unless you're printing huge stuff it doesn't matter that it's an old model, 'cos it's still a golden model. I'll be shooting with this one for a long time yet.
It's the photographer who makes the photo, not the gear.
Bracketed exposure; sky given two stops less than the ground and both exposures blended in Photoshop.
Another bracketed exposure blended in Photoshop. 1/10s f/8, sky 1/40s ISO 100
10 sec f/8, ISO 100
| | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2011 Posts: 485 5 users found this helpful | Review Date: November 26, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $100.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | price, image quality, build quality | Cons: | aging ISO performance, aging autofocus | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
| | I'm giving this camera a high rating, with a "would recommend." Why? Because I bought one just this year, for $100 with a lens, and for that price, I'm not sure you could do any better.
My Pentax K-3 was and still is the best APS-C camera I have used, and the K-7 gets you almost there at a small fraction of the cost. If you're looking for a budget DSLR to start with, and want to sink more of your funds into quality glass (good idea, by the way) then this is the perfect candidate.
I think it often gets overlooked by the K-5, which makes sense, but if you can find a K-7 for a steal over the K-5 then once again, worth it.
What you get is the great build quality, weather sealing, menu system, button layout of my beloved K-3, paired with a good sensor with decent performance. Paired with a good lens and an even better photographer, you can pull off some great images with one of these cameras. Remember, when this was released it was a enthusiast camera, not an entry-level camera. And it shows.
Just understand it is an older camera, so yes the auto focus system is dated, the sensor and ISO performance is dated, but it still produces amazing images like it did 10 years ago when it was released.
See my tribute video for more of my thoughts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj0uO2s7OUc&t | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: March, 2010 Location: Ocean Grove, Victoria Posts: 4,458 5 users found this helpful | Review Date: March 8, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Handling, weight, solid feel and construction, WR | Cons: | Fiddly SD Card removal | Years Owned: 2011
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| | The K-7 was my first DSLR after progressing from a Ricoh XR-P film camera via a terrible little digital P&S. My initial feelings were mixed. I loved the look and feel of the K-7 and felt immediately at home with the controls and layout. I also had a few Ricoh K-mount lenses which helped a little in the adjustment process. Fortunately I had no issues with the feared "Ricoh Pin" which I only learned about afterwards.
At first, I was a little underwhelmed by the photos produced. Things initially looked a bit flat until I discovered RAW and processing power in programs such as Photoshop Elements and Lightroom. I have now exceeded 55,000 shots and the camera just seems to be getting better with age. OK noise gets a bit horrible at high ISO but that is not a real bother to me. Better a bit of noise rather than no image at all and with PP much of the noise can be adequately dealt with. Right now I am probably not far from a trade up. I will wait until the FF is released before I make any move or else I would consider K-5 IIs or K-3. Until then I am a happy little camper and very grateful to the K-7 for introducing me to the Pentax brand.
A couple of samples. | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: October, 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,437 4 users found this helpful | Review Date: February 3, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $969.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Very capable, good low ISO performance, easy to learn, packed with features, great size, outstanding image quality | Cons: | Very poor high-ISO performance, AF searches sometimes | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 5
New or Used: New
| | The K-7 got me back into photography after a hiatus. And in the last three years I've taken very nearly 95,000 frames with it. It performs very well and translates images from old and new lenses with great color and clarity. The prints are printable with no resolution loss up to 20X30 (the largest I've tried).
Make sure, though, that you have the current firmware. For the best image quality, set it in Reversal Film mode and jack the sharpness all the way up. You'll like the results in 99.8% of situations.
The K-7 is packed with features and they're easy to use and access. Both the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are great. The menu system is very well thought out and accessible.
As of this review's writing, I've seen K-7 bodies going for as little as $350. That is an absolute bargain for a camera this good. Were I to buy a new camera with these features, $800 would still not be unreasonable.
Here's the long-and-short of it -- if you have a K-7 you will like it. The camera has two flaws. 1- Never take it beyond 400 ISO. North of 400 ISO and the noise and softness are unacceptable. 2- The shutter isn't as quiet as some. For it's age, the shutter issue seems insignificant. Also, unless you're trying to sneak up on a gazelle while taking burst mode photos the whole time, the shutter noise is a non-issue. In fact, I think that the K-7 has a relatively quiet shutter.
Would I recommend this? Absolutely. The megapixel count and features combined in the K-7 to make a very nice and usable camera with exceedingly good capabilities. Instead of talking about these great things, though, here are some images from my K-7 to prove that it's a fabulous camera. https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/1514K7#5966390101485344546 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/111113K7#5945286342847587650 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/101913K7#5938995678025579762 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/101613K7#5936005709710718898 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/62713K7#5927483184643041122 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/72013K7#5905831159044020210 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/72013K7#5905830729506460370 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/71913K7#5903786126718345202 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/Softball6513#5888479831144106162 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/53113K7#5886098268396032386 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/41213K7#5866964903134575458 https://picasaweb.google.com/102333270936007447976/71813K7#5906908332849887138
Edit: In the near future I'll pass 100,000 shutter actuations. This camera is still a tank.
| | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2014 Location: Nagoya Posts: 577 3 users found this helpful | Review Date: July 6, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Ergonomics, quality, quiet shutter | Cons: | Older sensor technology | | Little remains to be said about this camera, so I'll just add my pros and cons quickly.
Pros:
Value. These cameras are less in demand than the 5 and 3 series, and as such you can get real bargains on what is essentially a pro camera body.
Handling. There's a reason why this body's design has remained unchanged as it gets new internals and new names - every button is in just the right place, and every setting you need to access on the fly is readily available to you.
Shutter. Quiet, well damped, very satisfying.
Top LCD. This camera does require fine tuning on the fly to get the best out of the older sensor, and having the top LCD right in front of you makes this much easier to do.
Cons:
There's only one real con, and that's the unavoidable fact that this camera has a fairly old sensor whose limitation you have to work around, the main one being that it doesn't handle noise as well as a modern unit. For me the limit is usually ISO800, from which the photos are still very good if you shoot RAW and use decent software to process them. Photos at 100 and 200 ISO look as bright and lovely as you would expect them to with Pentax glass.
Overall, this camera represents a bargain and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone on a budget (me) looking for a full-featured body.
| | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2013 Location: BC Posts: 138 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: February 10, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $177.99
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Ergonomics, Size/Weight Ratio, WR | Cons: | High ISO noise (still usable but poor compared to today's standard) | Years Owned: 0.5
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
| | Purchased this used as an upgrade to a K200D. I found that the buffer clear times on the K200d was slow and the K7 remedied this. As for noise, yes it is present at high-iso but your photos will still be usable. I can see how some Pixel peepers will get annoyed by this but for those who take photos to look at the whole scene and not just a pixel this will do you good.
love the handling as all the buttons are within reach of my fingers (the af button, front and rear e-wheel)
Even though this model is old it still can take great photos.
| | | | Forum Member Registered: September, 2012 Location: Tokyo Posts: 72 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: October 29, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Handling, weather sealing, features, size, ergonomics, compatibility | Cons: | sensor is showing it's age in 2012 | | This was eagerly awaited prior to launch, but went from being the "next big thing" to a somewhat unloved model once the 16MP Sony-sensored ( Nikon's D5100, D7000, Pentax K5 ) models arrived a year later. So what to think of it now ? Well, years after it debuted, the just-released ( Oct 2012 ) Pentax K5ii and K5iis use that reknowned 16MP sensor from the K5 but exactly the same body as the K7, with minor tweaks to the rear display and autofocus. That's it.
This should tell you all you need to know about the ergonomics of the K7 body. It's superb. Steel and magnesium frame, weather sealed, two wheels for easy and independent adjustment of aperture and shutter ( or any other parameter you wish to assign ), dedicated switches for AF, metering, and focus types. It handles superbly. Not too big, not too small. It's the Goldilocks of camera bodies. All this and internal shake reduction for all lenses, including my favourite 50-year old Takumars, too. These can be used in Aperture priority or Manual. The camera will ask for the focal length on power up ( it has no way of knowing with these old screw-mount lenses ) in order to tune it's shake reduction appropriately, and inscribe the focal length into the EXIF data too. Manual focus is reasonably easy, with electronic visual and ( switchable ) audio confirmation, as well as using the inbuilt matt focussing screen. This is replaceable, with aftermarket versions offering split-screen and other aids if you prefer. Live View and video recording is also possible, if these interest you ( they don't for me ). Interval shooting is available, great for astrophotography or wildlife timelapse. Raw conversion to JPEG is possible in-camera, with effects and editing too.
So a great tool.
I'm marking it down for "Image Quality" which I am supposing that for a camera review, refers to the sensor ( otherwise Image Quality is solely dependent on lens choice, surely ... ) as the K7 sensor shows it's age. It's certainly not bad, hence the "7" rating. But ISO above 800 is noticeably grainy, similar to ISO3200 on more recent cameras. You can reduce this in-camera ( or on your computer ) with variable noise reduction, but the fact remains it is not a competitively intrinsically low-noise camera compared to today's best. Secondly, the sensor heats up quickly. If you use it for video, you may only get a few minutes recording before the sensor heat warning pops up ( a thermometer icon ) and a few minutes more and the movie will stop, to allow the sensor to cool down. Noise I've mentioned, it scores a 4 because it's worse than current standards, albeit reasonable for it's day.
This camera tends to be unpopular as people worry about the noise. It's a legitimate concern. If you do a LOT of low-light work, I'd advise to look elsewhere. ( K01 for example ? ). If you don't mind some post-processing noise reduction, or just don't spend a lot of time in Jazz clubs, then the other attributes of the K7 are simply top class. It's tough, easy to use but endlessly configurable to suit your preferences, and takes pretty much any Pentax lens ever made. Because of the noise "worry", this camera can be found very cheaply. It seems to go for about half the price of a used K5 for example. That's a good entry point. Any accessory ( focussing screen, additional grip, battery ) that fits the K7 will fit the K5 and K5ii so it's not a dead-end when you come to upgrade. Heartily recommended then, as a top value DSLR.
Paul
| | | | New Member Registered: August, 2017 Location: Ronneburg Posts: 1 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: August 18, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $150.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | price, build quality,image quality, WR | Cons: | iso performance , low light capability | Years Owned: half
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
| | My Pentax K-3 was and still is the best APS-C camera I have used, and the K-7 gets you almost there at a small fraction of the cost
it is my back up camera, it fits well in my hand, as good as my K-3.
highest recommendation despite the higher image noise above iso 400
available cheaply these days
Pros:
Superb build quality for the class, weather-sealed body
Large and bright viewfinder, Pentaprism.
Cons:
AF in Low light
aging ISO performance,
low light capability
| | | | Forum Member Registered: November, 2007 Location: Gwynedd, Wales Posts: 89 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: May 29, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $100.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | | Cons: | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
| | This is not so much a review as a comment. I will only ever use a tiny fraction of this camera's facilities, and I bought it almost by accident as it was so cheap. (Used, eBay). Previously I had been happy with my K100D Super. I'm not an advanced user, but my experience with Pentaxes goes back to 1984, and before that I had a K-mount Chinon.
What I want to say. Build quality of this camera is amazing. I love it. It's clearly been abused judging by chips from the enamel but works perfectly except the diopter adjustment lever is missing.
But, I'm a bit of a purist, don't want algorithms intervening with my images, so subsequently I bought (again cheap, IMHO) a K5 IIs, second hand but unused. Which is basically the same camera, but with tweaks which make it a 9.5 rather than a 9.
The nub of the comment is that for some reason the viewfinder in the K7 is brighter and clearer than the K5. I know of no reason for this, but 'tis true.
I'm 67, these two cameras will do me now. They give me joy.
| | | | Senior Member Registered: October, 2019 Location: Mississauga ON Posts: 180 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: April 20, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | Yes | Cons: | | Years Owned: 2021
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
| | Just decided to buy the used one for the first time to use it and without hesitate this camera surprised me .
| | | | New Member Registered: November, 2015 Posts: 14 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: May 21, 2016 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Build Quality Excellent feature set Quiet shutter IQ | Cons: | SD card hard to remove | Years Owned: 0.5
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
| | I added this camera to my collection consisting of a K100d and K-S2 and am very pleased with its operation. This camera in hand feels better than my K-s2 and basic performance is quite good. Although this camera is somewhat dated if compared to todays crop but with a little tweaking and firmware upgrade ( V-1.13 ) the results are very good. A fun camera to use | | | | Senior Member Registered: November, 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 124 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: October 30, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 7 |
Pros: | handling-ergonomics | Cons: | high ISO's poor, noise, can't connect to computer, auto focus | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 5
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 5
Noise: 5
New or Used: New
| | Bought this to replace K10 that was stolen. Great handling. Pretty good photos in good light. Doesn't focus well in low light - hunts a lot. There have been lots of improvements in the last couple years!
I wish I could connect and control this from a computer!
| | | | Forum Member Registered: August, 2011 Location: Slovenia Posts: 73 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: October 20, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | great handling, good IQ (at low iso), WR | Cons: | high iso noise (sensor showing age) | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 6
New or Used: Used
| | Coming from a K200D, the K-7 offered great advances in autofocus, burst speed and features, but not necessarily image quality (at base iso) - here I still prefer the output of the K200D.
Build quality and ergonomics are great, and combined with weather sealing this makes an attractive camera for the outdoor photographer.
The only gripe I have is the iso noise starting at around 320, but again this is now ageing sensor technology so at it's release it was on par with the competition.
All-in-all a great budget camera with current prices being around 320-350 usd.
| | | | New Member Registered: December, 2011 Posts: 23 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: October 16, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 7 |
Pros: | Cheap, easy-to-use | Cons: | Noisy | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 7
Features: 7
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 6
New or Used: Used
| | Got the camera second hand and it is great. Only qualms I have with it is noise is prevalent in most situations.
| | |