[CaymanImaging]

I was looking at the preorder listings for the K5 and D7000 just now on B&H and clicked on the features tab. I was blown away from the write up Nikon got. It was like I was reading an adult book. While the K5 was lucky to get a paragraph or too. Maybe I should send my K5 money to someone else.

From B&H...

Nikon

Look into my eyes; look deep into my eyes... Oh, right - this is the Internet - You can't see my eyes. And even if you could, being the well-informed lover of photography that you are, you wouldn't need me to hypnotize you in order to believe all the wonders of Nikon's D7000 DSLR Camera, would you? No, of course you wouldn't.

Anyway, my dear reader let's cut to the chase and take a look at the wondrous D7000 in all its glory. Here's a quick hit in case you need the skinny now: 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS sensor that works together with Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processor, 1080p HD video with full time autofocus, 6FPS burst shooting, a 39-Point AF System, autofocus fine tuning, a 3" LCD display and pentaprism optical viewfinder, and dual SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots. Breathe. I repeat: breathe. (Yes, Nikon took it to the mat with the D7000)

Nikon assures us that the D7000, "concentrates primarily on image quality above all else", giving the DSLR photographer and filmmaker what the company calls "a new class of Nikon camera". So, when it came to video recording, Nikon didn't skimp out on capabilities. The D7000 boasts 1080p HD video capture, while providing a number of other recording options including manual exposure control. Capture video with the cinema quality 24fps or record Internet-friendly video at 720p in 24 or 30fps - up to 20 minutes per clip. To enhance your video utilize an optional wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone using the stereo mic input. The camera also features, full time autofocus, and Live View for video capture. When you're all done shooting and ready to share on the big screen, there's an HDMI output for one-cable connection to your HDTV.

Let's return to the camera's main focus - digital stills, shall we? We shall. The 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and Nikon's proprietary EXPEED 2 image processing engine help you to make beautiful, engaging, gorgeous, and bewitching RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG images. It's true! You'll have enough pixel-power to make wall-sized murals of - well, anything really - if that's your sort of thing. But even if it's not on your agenda to make photo wallpaper, the D7000's imaging capabilities give you the tools you need to create detailed, bright, and pro-quality images.

Helping the sensor and processor take those stunning photos are functions like Nikon's RGB 3D Matrix Metering System, the built-in i-TTL flash with Speedlight compatibility, and a 39 point AF system. The latter just so happens to make the D7000 compatible with over 60 NIKKOR lenses. Other helpful functions include: 14-bit analog/digital conversion, a 100-6400 ISO setting, 6 frame-per-second burst speed for up to 100 images, along with numerous other features.

No matter - video or still - as mentioned above, the D7000 records to durable and easy-to-use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. The camera has twin memory card slots - meaning there's no need to change media mid-shoot. Just move onto the second card without interruption.

What else can I possibly impart onto you about the Nikon D7000? Well, in addition to the major bells and whistles the camera also gives you its Picture Control system. Choose from scene settings like vivid, monochrome, and landscape. You can also utilize scene modes with names like child, close-up, and night portrait. Other creative controls include in-camera RAW image processing and the ability to add in special effects like fisheye and a miniature effect.


16.2MP DX-Format Sensor + EXPEED 2 Image Processing System
With its 16.2MP CMOS image sensor and Nikon's new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D7000 DSLR delivers superior image quality with low noise. The EXPEED 2 image processing engine combined with a 14-bit analog/digital conversion brings a new level of even tonal gradations while managing color, contrast, exposure, and noise resulting in brilliant image quality. EXPEED 2 also manages the D7000's speedy 5-millisecond shutter response, blazing AF speed and rapid six frames-per-second (fps) burst speed for up to 100 images
Full 1080p High Definition Video Capture with the D-Movie Function
Building upon the popular D90 DSLR, the Nikon D7000 captures breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full-time autofocus and manual exposure control using the D-Movie function. To keep critical HD focus, users can choose to engage a variety of AF functions, including face priority to track up to 35 human faces, subject-tracking and normal or wide-area autofocus
Advanced movie features also allow exposure adjustment on the fly while recording. The D7000 DSLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions, and can record 1080p at a cinema-like 24fps, or a web-friendly 720p at either 24 or 30fps for up to 20 minutes per clip. Once recorded, users are able to edit and trim video clips in the camera to save time in post production. Whether utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results

To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated by a single dedicated switch, and HD video recording is achieved by pressing a single button. The D7000 DSLR also incorporates a built-in HDMI output CEC compliant (Consumer Electronic Control) that allows users to connect it to a HDTV and playback with most HDTV remote controls

By adding versatile NIKKOR lenses to the equation, photographers can create a variety of photo perspectives with video such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field, and recording in low light conditions. Combining the D7000 DSLR with NIKKOR lenses also delivers the sharpness essential for HD video, and Nikon's innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate the effects of camera shake

39 Point AF System
The D7000 DSLR features a 39 point AF System, which includes nine center cross-type sensors that operate with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses. The 39 points in the new Multi-CAM 4800DX AF module work together to provide superior subject acquisition and fast tracking capabilities, allowing photographers to confidently capture a player stealing third from the sideline to fast-moving wildlife. Additionally, photographers can activate dynamic or single point AF, configurable in combinations of 9, 21 or 39 or a 21 point ring to match a variety of shooting styles and situations. Photographers can activate 3D tracking, which continuously follows moving subjects within the 39 AF points, highlighting the activated AF point in the viewfinder
An additional feature of the autofocus system is AF fine tune. Photographers sometimes require an extra level of ultra-fine AF tuning. This feature allows you to individually fine-tune and register the autofocus position for up to 12 lens models, then apply that compensation whenever the same lens is attached. You can also register adjustments uniformly regardless of the type of lens used

RGB 3D Matrix Metering System + Scene Recognition System
Utilizing Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System, the camera analyzes subject information from a database containing more than 30,000 images to optimize focus, exposure and white balance. To assist in creating amazing imagery, the Scene Recognition System reads data from a groundbreaking 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering sensor that examines the scene's brightness and color data then optimizes the camera's performance prior to the actual exposure. Another revolutionary Nikon first, this system interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i-TTL flash output. Additionally this sensor allows for an "Ambient" white balance setting which can be activated to allow warm rendering in Automatic White Balance
Built-In i-TTL Flash + Speedlight Compatibility
The built-in iTTL Speedlight pops up in a flash, and it offers wide-angle flash-coverage that accommodates 16mm lenses. The camera also has Wireless Commander support so users can maximize the potential of Nikon's creative lighting options. Using the integral flash set to Wireless Commander in combination with one or several off-camera Nikon Speedlights, the shooter can create a unique look for each and every photograph. Up to 8 Speedlights can be fired at once - including Nikon's flagship SB-900, as well as the SB-600 and SB-700
Low Light Image Capture
The D7000 DSLR continues Nikon's tradition of providing photographers the confidence to shoot in low light, knowing they will capture high quality low-noise images. The camera's native ISO range of 100-6400 affords the versatility to photograph in challenging lighting conditions, such as when indoors or in the evening. The ISO range can be expanded to a Hi-2 setting of 25,600, which was previously found only in Nikon FX-format territory. The camera allows more light to be gathered, resulting in a correctly exposed image that has less noise and finer grain
Enhanced Build Quality, Durability, and Usability
The compact design is lightweight enough for a full days use, but has a reassuring heft that hints at Nikon's reputation for reliability. The durable camera body consists of a magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system. Additionally, the D7000 DSLR is dust and moisture sealed and features Nikon's dust reduction system to remove image-degrading particles from the image sensor. Among the well laid out ergonomics, users will immediately notice a Mode Dial that eschews traditional Scene Mode icons for more advanced manual functions and two user-defined settings (U1 and U2) to adapt to a users shooting style on the fly. Placed under the control wheel is a Release Mode dial, which allows access the burst modes, timer, or the Quiet Shutter, to soften the cameras operation when shooting in sensitive environments such as a ceremonies or nature
Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder + 170° 3" LCD Display
When framing lush landscapes or tight telephoto shots from afar, users will appreciate the large, bright glass pentaprism optical viewfinder has approximately 100% frame coverage and approximately 0.94x magnification. The 3", 921,000 dot super-density LCD monitor with 170° viewing delivers bright, crisp image playback and precise Live View and movie shooting
Twin Memory Card Slots
The D7000 DSLR features twin SD card slots with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card compatibility that offers a several recording options including designating separate NEF (RAW) JPEG and movie files
Long Life EN-EL15 Battery
The D7000 was designed to provide maximum performance with minimized power usage. The camera employs a new EN-EL15 battery which enables up to 1050 shots when fully charged
Creative Controls
The D7000 DSLR contains many features aimed at empowering the user with creative freedom including the ability to process RAW images directly in the camera, and add in special effects using the retouch menu. Among the many editing options are color filters, distortion control for a fisheye effect, perspective control for a miniature effect, or a new color sketch filter that creates a sketch-styled image. As always, manipulated images are saved as copies while the original is retained
The Picture Control system also allows the choice for standard, neutral, vivid, monochrome, portrait, or landscape settings to apply a personal look and feel to their pictures, and it's versatile scene modes let them choose from portrait, landscape, child, sports, close-up or night portrait for stunning results even in challenging conditions

Optional Multi-Power MB-D11 Battery Pack
To guarantee great performance for longer, the D7000 also has a dedicated Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D11 (optional) that enables seamless switching of power supply with the in-camera battery, vertical shooting and further stabilizes the body when using a long telephoto lens

Pentax lol Poor little Pentax

Pentax steps up and delivers a top-of-the-line APS-C camera--the K-5 Digital SLR Camera Body (Black), featuring a low-noise 16.3MP CMOS high resolution sensor, sensitivity up to a best-in-class ISO 51200, 7 frames-per-second shooting capability and a responsive, high-precision 11-point auto-focus system. A high performing PRIME II imaging engine produces rich-gradation, very high resolution digital images. Plus, full HD video at 1920 x 1080 pixels.


The K-5 makes advances in plenty of other areas as well, such as faster autofocusing speed, and an upgraded High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that can even be used without a tripod. A bright, clear 3" LCD display with 921,000 dots resolution makes it easy to compose and review your images, or use the bright viewfinder for composition, secure in the knowledge that the highly accurate 77-segment metering system will deliver the goods every time. Shake Reduction image stabilization makes it possible to shoot at 2.5 to 4 shutter speeds slower without seeing camera shake in your photos. A lens is not included.

And all of this photo goodness is packed into a body of sturdy, lightweight magnesium alloy on a chassis of stainless steel. The 77 special seals in the body give you a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant camera, for reliable operation in harsh conditions, at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). An extremely reliable shutter unit provides a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and is tested to 100,000 shutter releases. A stellar performer.

• High resolution 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor w integrated AD conversion circuitry
• High sensitivity 80-51200 ISO range with improved noise performance
• Speedy 7 FPS captures fast action shots
• Highly responsive and accurate 11 point SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp and light wavelength sensor
• Widescreen 1080p HD video at 25 FPS, with sound via built-in or external 3.5mm stereo microphone jack
• Large 3" LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution
• Fully weather sealed and coldproof design
• Durable magnesium alloy covers surround a rugged stainless steel chassis
• Highly accurate 77 segment metering system
• Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field of view and 0.92X magnification
• Pentax body-based Shake Reduction (SR) stabilization system
• A maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed
• HDMI port outputs high definition images and video (and sound)
• Native support for both PENTAX PEF and Adobe DNG 14 bit RAW files
• Improved in-camera HDR image capture
• A wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters
• Customizable RAW/Fx button
• Built-in electronic level with tilt scale display
• SDXC memory card compatibility (via firmware update)


Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/116213-pentax-gets-no-...#ixzz10r6Eeejr

[Lowell Goudge]

if i had to read all the marketing BS from nikon, I would have to question why are they selling so much on everything other than my specific camera I am interested in.

if you want a features list, you don't want to look into someone's eyes.

if length = quality nikon wins, but length of an answer does not = quality when it has a lot of bla bla bla that is irrelevant.

[chalion]

if i had to read all the marketing BS from nikon, I would have to question why are they selling so much on everything other than my specific camera I am interested in.

if you want a features list, you don't want to look into someone's eyes.

if length = quality nikon wins, but length of an answer does not = quality when it has a lot of bla bla bla that is irrelevant.

+1 total agreement. (I'd give you more rep Lowell, but it seems I gave some already, lol).

[MoiVous]

if i had to read all the marketing BS from nikon, I would have to question why are they selling so much on everything other than my specific camera I am interested in.

if you want a features list, you don't want to look into someone's eyes.

if length = quality nikon wins, but length of an answer does not = quality when it has a lot of bla bla bla that is irrelevant.

Exactly. Often called baffling them with BS

BTW - note the total silence from the rep so far - on vacation?

Cheers

[magkelly]

Same reason every major fast food joint on the planet has their own commercials. Different tastes for different folks. Personally I don't need a gushing blurb 50 miles long to sell me a camera. Matter of a fact that would be a real turn off if someone was aiming to sell me a Nikon or Canon vs a Pentax. If you feel you have to sing me a song and dance a dance to get me to even look? Then likely I'll figure that you probably think you can't sell the thing simply to me on it's own merit. Keep it simple, keep it sweet, and keep it short, that's my favorite sales routine. Anything more and you're just working too hard and likely wasting your time with me...

[henryp]

I see the same question is asked and debated here too.

The fact is we got reams of information from Nikon USA well before the camera was released and this gave us ample information and time to prepare an extensive writeup.

By contrast we got nothing from Pentax USA other than what they'd posted on their site and and this became available just before our recent week-long Sukkot hiatus.

The result is what you find on our site. We'd have been happy to have prepared a more extensive write-up on the Pentax camera and (time permitting) may still modify the page to be more inclusive.

We have equal affection for Nikon and Pentax and the other brands of digital cameras we sell. It's our mission to help each customer buy what's best for him or her without regard to an individual sales associate's preferences.

Hope this helps.

[Jasvox]

Perhaps you guys should aim your beef to Pentax Marketing (is there such a thing?) instead of the folks at B&H. I hardly think anyone at Hoya/Pentax would want someone else, namely the web content administrator at B&H to write their online marketing material. A perfect example of this is the marketing videos of let's say the D7000 verus the K-5. The K-5 was featured by 2 unprepared office slackers somewhere in Colorado in what seemed to be an ad-libbed, ill-prepared mistake versus something by Nikon which was slick, well edited and memorable. Canon's D60 had a similar impressive write up and video.

When Pentax USA decides to market their big release, the retailers will have more fodder to post on their page and keep everyone feeling warm and fuzzy.

Jason

[Elva]

And Pentax has the best dust removal system....Canon and Nikin does not have such a goos system as Pentax /.

[olenl]

And Pentax has the best dust removal system....Canon and Nikin does not have such a goos system as Pentax /.

really? i found it completely useless, any dust that got on the sensor I had to remove by blowing, since "dust cleaning" process never helped

maybe my sarcasm detector is off though.

[Ash]

really? i found it completely useless, any dust that got on the sensor I had to remove by blowing, since "dust cleaning" process never helped

maybe my sarcasm detector is off though.

Really? How often have you had to give your camera a blow job? Well consider it a labour of love.

But seriously, I've had to flip my K10D's mirror up just twice in over 2 years, and my K20D never. And I'm an increasingly frequent lens changer.

---------- Post added 21-10-10 at 08:37 ----------

Marketing works. Marketing that plays with the mind and breeds discontentment works best. But it has absolutely no bearing on the quality or performance of their product. This is where I see Nikon's entry-level marketing at its best. And because of this, the D40 was such a big hit, greatly overshadowing the very well specced K100D.

In my own mind at the time of choosing an entry-level dSLR, I saw the value for money the K100D offered, but was won over by the build quality, SR and lens compatibility profile that the D40 didn't have.

As such, poor, absent or otherwise marketing that Pentax may have may not win the less discerning newbies over, but anyone keen to do a bit of research will not take long to see how well the K-5 stacks up against the D7000, D300 and 7D.

[paugie]

Marketing works. Marketing that plays with the mind and breeds discontentment works best. But it has absolutely no bearing on the quality or performance of their product. This is where I see Nikon's entry-level marketing at its best. And because of this, the D40 was such a big hit, greatly overshadowing the very well specced K100D.

True and that makes it really sad.
I sometimes look at my old pix and sometimes one warms my heart and all the more when I remember (from looking at the resolution that it was made with my K100D.

[interested_observer]

If Pentax USA does not really support the few retail outlets carrying Pentax equipment, just what actually do they do?

• Writing marketing copy would appear to be very helpful for the web sites carrying Pentax, but according to B&H that does not happen.
  
• It looks like they maintain their online store.
  
• They also answer the phone if you call them. If you have a notable idea they may forwarded it to Japan.
  
• Ok, they maintain the warranty system for the products and apparently subcontract to CIRS for repairs.

However, other than that - what keeps Ned busy? Am I being too harsh on the gentleman?

[zelovoc]

to be honest, i never read all those bla bla bla when i am looking for specs. it cost time...

[jogiba]

I don't read the specs on vendor websites since I know what the specs are long before they are listed on their websites. I also don't need to hold the camera in my hand since SLRs over the years since my first SLR in 1966 have not changed that much in size. BTW I bet B&H is the largest Pentax dealer on the planet so go beat on Hoya/Pentax if you don't like the size of the spec listing next to the price listing.

[MRRiley]

Think this thread has run it's course. This is a Pentax marketing problem, not a B&H problem... CLOSED...