Positive K-7 field review on NaturePhotographers.net

JamieP · 09-03-2009, 11:07 AM

Digital Nature Photography

A nice review by Carl Battreall as he evaluates the K-7 for use on a year-long book project in Alaska.

He takes a very real world approach to the review, pointing out pros and cons without pixel peeping. Some good quotes:

So, the image quality of the K7 can produce magazine, book and fine art quality images.
The detail is superb and the files show no signs of any aberrations. In fact, the files from the K7 are some of the most artifact free images I have ever seen.
If you really need high ISO performance, then you should be reading full frame camera reviews instead.

Best of all he has decided to use the K-7 for his project, so we can look forward to some great shots over the next year that will be posted at Chugach State Park Project

Enjoy!

Jonson PL · 09-03-2009, 01:33 PM

Thanks, great info. And nice shots too.
He is pushing his luck though, going with non-sealed lenses. The pancakes are tightly built, and without aperture ring. But DA* lenses would be better

RBellavance · 09-03-2009, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by Jonson PL

He is pushing his luck though, going with non-sealed lenses. The pancakes are tightly built, and without aperture ring. But DA* lenses would be better

Because of that, I'm assuming he had only the body cap on when he left the K-7 out in the rain for 2 hours

deadwolfbones · 09-03-2009, 03:59 PM

Very good real world review. Thanks for the link.

JamieP · 09-03-2009, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

Very good real world review. Thanks for the link.

Glad you enjoyed it. It helped put a few things in perspective for me. I bought a K10D about 2 years ago because someone gave me to old (crappy) sigma k-mount lenses. I've become a lot more educated since then and realized that $50 in lenses was a bad way to select a system. I've been watching the new Pentax models since then to decide if Pentax was really right for me before investing any further. As an outdoor enthusiast, I've liked the direction Pentax marketing has been laying out and the K-7 is the model to make me believe the products will make it happen. It was almost like the reviewer was talking to me when he said:

"But if you don’t already have an investment in a system and are looking for an SLR camera for backpacking and climbing photography, then the K7 can’t be beat."

Unfortunately, the quote begins with "I can’t imagine anyone selling his or her Canon, Nikon or Sony gear to switch to Pentax.", but I can't worry about everyone else- just gotta buy what makes sense for me.

johnmflores · 09-03-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Pentax claims the camera is weather proof, so I let it sit out in the rain while I sat in my tent reading the manual, two hours later the rain stopped and the camera worked fine.

Love it! Pentax = All Weather!

rormeister · 09-03-2009, 06:21 PM

Pentax might do themselves a favor to follow this guy, maybe sponsor him, but at the very least address his focusing concerns. I'm betting his inexperience with the camera is partly to blame. Just don't loan him the traveling demo team

aleonx3 · 09-03-2009, 06:44 PM

Oh-o... just an update from Carl,

Jim,
Fair enough.

I will admit, since writing this review, I have had more issues with the focusing of the K7, to the point that I believe I may have a "bad" body. This is unfortunate, I was hoping that Pentax would have tighter quality control. I may have to go with one of the "Big Boys".

Another amazing thing is Canon's new 7D, 18mp in a APS-C sensor! Wow, talk about zero tolerance when it comes to focus.

I have also made my first prints from the K7, the close up images are very nice (if the focus is on) but I am a little disappointed with the fine detail when it comes to landscape images.

I really want to love the K7, but she is making it difficult!

I hope he can get a K7 replacement or fixed before changing his mind. At least I thought it is a nice and honest review though.

JamieP · 09-03-2009, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by aleonx3

Oh-o... just an update from Carl,

Jim,
Fair enough.

I will admit, since writing this review, I have had more issues with the focusing of the K7, to the point that I believe I may have a "bad" body. This is unfortunate, I was hoping that Pentax would have tighter quality control. I may have to go with one of the "Big Boys".

Another amazing thing is Canon's new 7D, 18mp in a APS-C sensor! Wow, talk about zero tolerance when it comes to focus.

I have also made my first prints from the K7, the close up images are very nice (if the focus is on) but I am a little disappointed with the fine detail when it comes to landscape images.

I really want to love the K7, but she is making it difficult!

I hope he can get a K7 replacement or fixed before changing his mind. At least I thought it is a nice and honest review though.

Ah sh%$#. My feel good thread lasted about 2 hours...

rormeister · 09-03-2009, 07:51 PM

John, if you're out there listening, here's a great opportunity for Pentax to right the ship. Internet bashing is just so easy to do these days, and if not defended tend to be the "rational truth". Positive PR is something else. You (Pentax) need to go to bat for this shooter, regardless who he is. You guys seem to go into hiding whenever anything even resembling negative criticism surfaces. You need to take opportunities to show that Pentax will stand behind it's brand. You (Pentax) need to take ownership and respond to inquiries about Green Bands or Focusing issues. Admitting technical challenges is a must to win at this game. Look at Boeing and the new DreamLiner. They really have a tough challenge, but they do admit their short comings. You need to take their honesty and follow through. The K-7 is an amazing piece of technology. If you don't respond to your critics, Pentax as a brand, and class act I must add, will go the way of Chrysler and GM, but won't have a big brother to bail them out.

In case you haven't gotten it yet John and company, you've got a huge and loyal following. Make us proud.

Jonson PL · 09-03-2009, 07:57 PM

The Eos 7D closes the gaps in the Canon line, which Pentax could benefit from. We talked about it here :
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/71237-pentax-canon-hea...tml#post727026

Regarding focus and the DA 21 limited, it is notorious for bad focusing. At least on the older bodies. He should get the 15 lmt. instead. That’s what I plan to do anyway.

For mindblowing landscape work with Pentax, Salgado’s Genesis series with the 645N is progressing :
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/327032-post32.html

Here is one of his pictures embedded below :

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/salgado/image/0,,1519340,00.html
Can't wait till I can buy it in book form

**Marc Langille** · 09-03-2009, 08:02 PM

I am aware of Carl and am glad to see his honest assessment (both he and I use Naneu Pro gear and field test for them). He's willing to give it a good try as he stated in his follow up comments. Perhaps I shall try to simply get in touch with Carl and suggest he try another K7 body via my contact at Naneu Pro.

As indicated, he might have a body with some AF issues. It's not like anyone else has had problems of any kind with a new camera body. Case in point: two recalls on the new Nikon camera in a month - not very good quality control.

Regards,
Marc

Chwisch87 · 09-03-2009, 08:36 PM

This guy is worried about Pentax durability LOL. Pentax invented the word durability in cameras LOL.

FunkyMonk · 09-03-2009, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by rormeister

Pentax might do themselves a favor to follow this guy, maybe sponsor him, but at the very least address his focusing concerns. I'm betting his inexperience with the camera is partly to blame. Just don't loan him the traveling demo team

I'm thinking that some of his focusing issues aren't focusing issues at all. It could be the shake reduction system especially if he isn't using a tripod in low light.

Chwisch87 · 09-03-2009, 08:51 PM

On a side note ... WHY in the world is this guy still using Adobe Camera Raw??? ... HELLLLLO we have all switched to lightroom 2.

I just checked ... Adobe doesn't even list it as a product anymore lol. Come on man get with the times LOL.

09-03-2009, 11:07 AM	#1
JamieP Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cleveland Posts: 132	Positive K-7 field review on NaturePhotographers.net Digital Nature Photography A nice review by Carl Battreall as he evaluates the K-7 for use on a year-long book project in Alaska. He takes a very real world approach to the review, pointing out pros and cons without pixel peeping. Some good quotes: So, the image quality of the K7 can produce magazine, book and fine art quality images. The detail is superb and the files show no signs of any aberrations. In fact, the files from the K7 are some of the most artifact free images I have ever seen. If you really need high ISO performance, then you should be reading full frame camera reviews instead. Best of all he has decided to use the K-7 for his project, so we can look forward to some great shots over the next year that will be posted at Chugach State Park Project Enjoy!

09-03-2009, 07:51 PM	#10
rormeister Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 626	JCPentax...listen up! John, if you're out there listening, here's a great opportunity for Pentax to right the ship. Internet bashing is just so easy to do these days, and if not defended tend to be the "rational truth". Positive PR is something else. You (Pentax) need to go to bat for this shooter, regardless who he is. You guys seem to go into hiding whenever anything even resembling negative criticism surfaces. You need to take opportunities to show that Pentax will stand behind it's brand. You (Pentax) need to take ownership and respond to inquiries about Green Bands or Focusing issues. Admitting technical challenges is a must to win at this game. Look at Boeing and the new DreamLiner. They really have a tough challenge, but they do admit their short comings. You need to take their honesty and follow through. The K-7 is an amazing piece of technology. If you don't respond to your critics, Pentax as a brand, and class act I must add, will go the way of Chrysler and GM, but won't have a big brother to bail them out. In case you haven't gotten it yet John and company, you've got a huge and loyal following. Make us proud.

09-03-2009, 07:57 PM	#11
Jonson PL Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Copenhagen Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,842	The Eos 7D closes the gaps in the Canon line, which Pentax could benefit from. We talked about it here : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/71237-pentax-canon-hea...tml#post727026 Regarding focus and the DA 21 limited, it is notorious for bad focusing. At least on the older bodies. He should get the 15 lmt. instead. That’s what I plan to do anyway. For mindblowing landscape work with Pentax, Salgado’s Genesis series with the 645N is progressing : https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/327032-post32.html Here is one of his pictures embedded below : http://arts.guardian.co.uk/salgado/image/0,,1519340,00.html Can't wait till I can buy it in book form Attached Images Last edited by Jonson PL; 09-03-2009 at 08:19 PM.

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09-03-2009, 01:33 PM	#2
Jonson PL Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Copenhagen Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,842	Thanks, great info. And nice shots too. He is pushing his luck though, going with non-sealed lenses. The pancakes are tightly built, and without aperture ring. But DA* lenses would be better

09-03-2009, 03:43 PM	#3
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by Jonson PL He is pushing his luck though, going with non-sealed lenses. The pancakes are tightly built, and without aperture ring. But DA* lenses would be better Because of that, I'm assuming he had only the body cap on when he left the K-7 out in the rain for 2 hours

09-03-2009, 03:59 PM	#4
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Very good real world review. Thanks for the link.

09-03-2009, 04:44 PM	#5
JamieP Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cleveland Posts: 132 Original Poster	Originally posted by deadwolfbones Very good real world review. Thanks for the link. Glad you enjoyed it. It helped put a few things in perspective for me. I bought a K10D about 2 years ago because someone gave me to old (crappy) sigma k-mount lenses. I've become a lot more educated since then and realized that $50 in lenses was a bad way to select a system. I've been watching the new Pentax models since then to decide if Pentax was really right for me before investing any further. As an outdoor enthusiast, I've liked the direction Pentax marketing has been laying out and the K-7 is the model to make me believe the products will make it happen. It was almost like the reviewer was talking to me when he said: "But if you don’t already have an investment in a system and are looking for an SLR camera for backpacking and climbing photography, then the K7 can’t be beat." Unfortunately, the quote begins with "I can’t imagine anyone selling his or her Canon, Nikon or Sony gear to switch to Pentax.", but I can't worry about everyone else- just gotta buy what makes sense for me.

09-03-2009, 04:46 PM	#6
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Quote: Pentax claims the camera is weather proof, so I let it sit out in the rain while I sat in my tent reading the manual, two hours later the rain stopped and the camera worked fine. Love it! Pentax = All Weather!

09-03-2009, 06:21 PM	#7
rormeister Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 626	Pentax might do themselves a favor to follow this guy, maybe sponsor him, but at the very least address his focusing concerns. I'm betting his inexperience with the camera is partly to blame. Just don't loan him the traveling demo team

09-03-2009, 06:44 PM	#8
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Oh-o... just an update from Carl, Jim, Fair enough. I will admit, since writing this review, I have had more issues with the focusing of the K7, to the point that I believe I may have a "bad" body. This is unfortunate, I was hoping that Pentax would have tighter quality control. I may have to go with one of the "Big Boys". Another amazing thing is Canon's new 7D, 18mp in a APS-C sensor! Wow, talk about zero tolerance when it comes to focus. I have also made my first prints from the K7, the close up images are very nice (if the focus is on) but I am a little disappointed with the fine detail when it comes to landscape images. I really want to love the K7, but she is making it difficult! I hope he can get a K7 replacement or fixed before changing his mind. At least I thought it is a nice and honest review though.

09-03-2009, 06:55 PM	#9
JamieP Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cleveland Posts: 132 Original Poster	Originally posted by aleonx3 Oh-o... just an update from Carl, Jim, Fair enough. I will admit, since writing this review, I have had more issues with the focusing of the K7, to the point that I believe I may have a "bad" body. This is unfortunate, I was hoping that Pentax would have tighter quality control. I may have to go with one of the "Big Boys". Another amazing thing is Canon's new 7D, 18mp in a APS-C sensor! Wow, talk about zero tolerance when it comes to focus. I have also made my first prints from the K7, the close up images are very nice (if the focus is on) but I am a little disappointed with the fine detail when it comes to landscape images. I really want to love the K7, but she is making it difficult! I hope he can get a K7 replacement or fixed before changing his mind. At least I thought it is a nice and honest review though. Ah sh%$#. My feel good thread lasted about 2 hours...

09-03-2009, 08:02 PM	#12
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710	I am aware of Carl and am glad to see his honest assessment (both he and I use Naneu Pro gear and field test for them). He's willing to give it a good try as he stated in his follow up comments. Perhaps I shall try to simply get in touch with Carl and suggest he try another K7 body via my contact at Naneu Pro. As indicated, he might have a body with some AF issues. It's not like anyone else has had problems of any kind with a new camera body. Case in point: two recalls on the new Nikon camera in a month - not very good quality control. Regards, Marc

09-03-2009, 08:36 PM	#13
Chwisch87 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 317	This guy is worried about Pentax durability LOL. Pentax invented the word durability in cameras LOL.

09-03-2009, 08:39 PM	#14
FunkyMonk Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Alexander City, AL Photos: Gallery Posts: 67	Originally posted by rormeister Pentax might do themselves a favor to follow this guy, maybe sponsor him, but at the very least address his focusing concerns. I'm betting his inexperience with the camera is partly to blame. Just don't loan him the traveling demo team I'm thinking that some of his focusing issues aren't focusing issues at all. It could be the shake reduction system especially if he isn't using a tripod in low light.

09-03-2009, 08:51 PM	#15
Chwisch87 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 317	On a side note ... WHY in the world is this guy still using Adobe Camera Raw??? ... HELLLLLO we have all switched to lightroom 2. I just checked ... Adobe doesn't even list it as a product anymore lol. Come on man get with the times LOL.