The K-7 and K-5 are identical in terms of general usage, so you won't be able to tell a difference there (the K-5 has improved hardware, though, and takes much better images).
If you understand how shutter speed an aperture work, then you can by all means get a K-5. In fact, if you ever want to adjust either of these values, the K-5 makes it easier by providing 2 scrollwheels rather than just the one on the K-r. The K-5 also has more external buttons, making some things easier to access on-the-fly, and a top lcd, which is nice.
What the K-5 doesn't have is scene modes and the "AF.A" feature, which automatically chooses between continuous and single auto focus. IMO, the latter is useless, as you soft of know whether or not you're shooting stuff that's moving, and on the K-5, there's a handy external switch for choosing AF.C and AF.S.
As far as scene modes go, again, they're not really needed. The K-5 does have a green mode which pretty much does everything for you, and doesn't let you change most settings, so if you're a beginner, you can always use that. And if you're shooting sports, you can always set the program line to "shutter priority" in the menu on the K-5, which is literally going to do the same thing as the K-r's "action" scene mode.
The deciding factor between the K-r and the K-5 is generally the size and the price. If you can afford the K-5, I would go for it- it's a much better camera overall!
Take a look at our review of the K-5. If you're not overwhelmed after reading it, then I would say the choice is clear!
Pentax K-5 Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com Adam
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