Pentax K-7 Now $999 at B&H

Samsungian · 02-16-2010, 06:36 AM

Pentax K-7 Now $999 at B&H,

Now $300 off its $1,299 USA launch price.

Pentax | K-7 SLR Digital Camera Body | 17811 | B&H Photo Video

yusuf · 02-16-2010, 07:00 AM

Awesome! I will buy one if I can sell my current stuff.

WillCarney · 02-16-2010, 09:08 AM

Originally posted by Samsungian

Pentax K-7 Now $999 at B&H,

Now $300 off its $1,299 USA launch price.

Pentax | K-7 SLR Digital Camera Body | 17811 | B&H Photo Video

Might be tempted but it's not the camera for me. It's too noisy and bad at high ISO, long exposures and low light. You can't disable the DFS which is a killer of the deal as well. Not a full frame either by the way. This camera has way too much hype. Nice camera but NOT perfect. I am thinking about dropping Pentax right now and going Canon since they currently don't have a digital for me.

William

Fl_Gulfer · 02-16-2010, 10:24 AM

Abe Of Maine has it for $ 1,079.95 with the 18-55 WR lens + Free Shipping

deadwolfbones · 02-16-2010, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by WillCarney

Might be tempted but it's not the camera for me. It's too noisy and bad at high ISO, long exposures and low light. You can't disable the DFS which is a killer of the deal as well. Not a full frame either by the way. This camera has way too much hype. Nice camera but NOT perfect. I am thinking about dropping Pentax right now and going Canon since they currently don't have a digital for me.

William

As an owner of a K-7, I can say I have no significant issues with noise up to ISO 1600, when shooting RAW. This is comparable to most of the K-7's competitors at the time it was launched. Even ISO 3200 is quite usable with the right exposure and some judicious noiseware usage.

thibs · 02-16-2010, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

As an owner of a K-7, I can say I have no significant issues with noise up to ISO 1600, when shooting RAW. This is comparable to most of the K-7's competitors at the time it was launched. Even ISO 3200 is quite usable with the right exposure and some judicious noiseware usage.

I'd add that the K-7 clearly DOES live up to its hype.
It's the difference between a gun-type camera (Canikon) and a camera for photographers (Pentax).

GoremanX · 02-16-2010, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

As an owner of a K-7, I can say I have no significant issues with noise up to ISO 1600, when shooting RAW. This is comparable to most of the K-7's competitors at the time it was launched. Even ISO 3200 is quite usable with the right exposure and some judicious noiseware usage.

Agreed, I've been able to shoot right up to ISO 1600 with no problems, and I'm not afraid to kick it up to ISO 2500 when I need to.

My favourite part of my K-7 is how I can pull so much detail out of under-exposed shots. That means I can use faster shutter speeds and still get away with useable shots. All of the K-7's competitors brag about their highlight range, but their shadow range doesn't even come close. I'll take shadow range over highlight range any day.

Asahiflex · 02-16-2010, 11:11 AM

The K-7 does live up to the hype for me too. It's about all those small but important changes compared to the K10D and K20D that makes it a much better camera.

Just one thing I like a lot (which tends to be overlooked but it's important for me because I change lenses *often*): the anti-dust solution works perfectly. Since I bought the K-7 last summer I haven't used my arctic butterfly at all. Not once. I used to do that every two weeks when I owned a K10D and a K20D - but with the K-7 it just is not needed. And I change lenses every day....

The better AF, better white balance, etc. etc., do I still have to continue?

Jasvox · 02-16-2010, 11:20 AM

If I believed everything I read, I wouldn't buy the K-7, rather I would just wait and wait and wait and wait for something perfect to come along. I dunno what I would do in the meanwhile.

Going completely against my inner voice, I bought a K-7 a couple of months ago as an upgrade from my K10D and am glad I chose this camera. It's not perfect, but what is? It's several degrees better than my K10D and when I was and comparing apples to apples and to oranges and bananas, I am glad I didn't let rumour sway me. Great camera.

Jason

GoremanX · 02-16-2010, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by Asahiflex

The K-7 does live up to the hype for me too. It's about all those small but important changes compared to the K10D and K20D that makes it a much better camera.

The problem is too many people harp on the sensor and ignore the rest. The sensor isn't leaps and bounds better than the previous one (K20D) or the direct competition. It's easy for pessimists to look at a spec sheet and dismiss the rest of the camera's features.

In reality, the sensor is very competitive with its direct competition, and in a package that costs way less. When you add all the brilliant features, it's a no-brainer.

lesmore49 · 02-16-2010, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by WillCarney

Might be tempted but it's not the camera for me. It's too noisy and bad at high ISO, long exposures and low light. You can't disable the DFS which is a killer of the deal as well. Not a full frame either by the way. This camera has way too much hype. Nice camera but NOT perfect. I am thinking about dropping Pentax right now and going Canon since they currently don't have a digital for me.

William

As long as you realize there will never be a perfect camera...Canon is having difficulties with AF on it's FF, if you're looking for a FF.

And...I think that FF's will come down in price...Sony has started the FF price war with the recent intro of it's 850...I expect Nikon and Canon will bring out competition...soon.

robgo2 · 02-16-2010, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by GoremanX

Agreed, I've been able to shoot right up to ISO 1600 with no problems, and I'm not afraid to kick it up to ISO 2500 when I need to.

My favourite part of my K-7 is how I can pull so much detail out of under-exposed shots. That means I can use faster shutter speeds and still get away with useable shots. All of the K-7's competitors brag about their highlight range, but their shadow range doesn't even come close. I'll take shadow range over highlight range any day.

Over at the other Pentax forum, GordonBGood has stated that the K-7 actually has limited DR at low ISO, because of shadow noise. This makes it more difficult to open shadows aggressively without bringing forth a lot of noise. The K-x and the Nikon D300s seem to be better in this regard.

Don't mean to burst your bubble. If you are pleased with the shadow performance you are getting from your K-7, then by all means continue using it in your current fashion.

Rob

GoremanX · 02-16-2010, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by robgo2

Over at the other Pentax forum, GordonBGood has stated that the K-7 actually has limited DR at low ISO, because of shadow noise. This makes it more difficult to open shadows aggressively without bringing forth a lot of noise. The K-x and the Nikon D300s seem to be better in this regard.

I'd love to see some examples of that. My own experience has been the complete opposite; blown highlights tend to be unrecoverable, while shadows retain tons more detail. This is typically at ISO 100 to 400. Granted, there's a balance needed to avoid noise, but I've had very little trouble minimizing noise in those situations.

deadwolfbones · 02-16-2010, 02:09 PM

GordonBGood is known as something of a troll anyway, isn't he? I seem to recall him harping nonstop on one of the DA* lenses, for no reason anyone could discern.

aleonx3 · 02-16-2010, 02:12 PM

Getting close to my striking price...

- waiting for similar price drop in Canada.

02-16-2010, 06:36 AM	#1
Samsungian Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colorado USA Posts: 1,337	Pentax K-7 Now $999 at B&H Pentax K-7 Now $999 at B&H, Now $300 off its $1,299 USA launch price. Pentax \| K-7 SLR Digital Camera Body \| 17811 \| B&H Photo Video

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02-16-2010, 07:00 AM	#2
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	Awesome! I will buy one if I can sell my current stuff.

02-16-2010, 09:08 AM	#3
WillCarney Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bloomington, Illinois Posts: 66	Originally posted by Samsungian Pentax K-7 Now $999 at B&H, Now $300 off its $1,299 USA launch price. Pentax \| K-7 SLR Digital Camera Body \| 17811 \| B&H Photo Video Might be tempted but it's not the camera for me. It's too noisy and bad at high ISO, long exposures and low light. You can't disable the DFS which is a killer of the deal as well. Not a full frame either by the way. This camera has way too much hype. Nice camera but NOT perfect. I am thinking about dropping Pentax right now and going Canon since they currently don't have a digital for me. William

02-16-2010, 10:24 AM	#4
Fl_Gulfer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Photos: Albums Posts: 3,054	Abe Of Maine has it for $ 1,079.95 with the 18-55 WR lens + Free Shipping

02-16-2010, 10:33 AM	#5
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 7,451	Originally posted by WillCarney Might be tempted but it's not the camera for me. It's too noisy and bad at high ISO, long exposures and low light. You can't disable the DFS which is a killer of the deal as well. Not a full frame either by the way. This camera has way too much hype. Nice camera but NOT perfect. I am thinking about dropping Pentax right now and going Canon since they currently don't have a digital for me. William As an owner of a K-7, I can say I have no significant issues with noise up to ISO 1600, when shooting RAW. This is comparable to most of the K-7's competitors at the time it was launched. Even ISO 3200 is quite usable with the right exposure and some judicious noiseware usage.

02-16-2010, 10:50 AM	#6
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by deadwolfbones As an owner of a K-7, I can say I have no significant issues with noise up to ISO 1600, when shooting RAW. This is comparable to most of the K-7's competitors at the time it was launched. Even ISO 3200 is quite usable with the right exposure and some judicious noiseware usage. I'd add that the K-7 clearly DOES live up to its hype. It's the difference between a gun-type camera (Canikon) and a camera for photographers (Pentax).

02-16-2010, 11:03 AM	#7
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by deadwolfbones As an owner of a K-7, I can say I have no significant issues with noise up to ISO 1600, when shooting RAW. This is comparable to most of the K-7's competitors at the time it was launched. Even ISO 3200 is quite usable with the right exposure and some judicious noiseware usage. Agreed, I've been able to shoot right up to ISO 1600 with no problems, and I'm not afraid to kick it up to ISO 2500 when I need to. My favourite part of my K-7 is how I can pull so much detail out of under-exposed shots. That means I can use faster shutter speeds and still get away with useable shots. All of the K-7's competitors brag about their highlight range, but their shadow range doesn't even come close. I'll take shadow range over highlight range any day.

02-16-2010, 11:11 AM	#8
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	The K-7 does live up to the hype for me too. It's about all those small but important changes compared to the K10D and K20D that makes it a much better camera. Just one thing I like a lot (which tends to be overlooked but it's important for me because I change lenses often): the anti-dust solution works perfectly. Since I bought the K-7 last summer I haven't used my arctic butterfly at all. Not once. I used to do that every two weeks when I owned a K10D and a K20D - but with the K-7 it just is not needed. And I change lenses every day.... The better AF, better white balance, etc. etc., do I still have to continue?

02-16-2010, 11:20 AM	#9
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	If I believed everything I read, I wouldn't buy the K-7, rather I would just wait and wait and wait and wait for something perfect to come along. I dunno what I would do in the meanwhile. Going completely against my inner voice, I bought a K-7 a couple of months ago as an upgrade from my K10D and am glad I chose this camera. It's not perfect, but what is? It's several degrees better than my K10D and when I was and comparing apples to apples and to oranges and bananas, I am glad I didn't let rumour sway me. Great camera. Jason

02-16-2010, 11:23 AM	#10
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by Asahiflex The K-7 does live up to the hype for me too. It's about all those small but important changes compared to the K10D and K20D that makes it a much better camera. The problem is too many people harp on the sensor and ignore the rest. The sensor isn't leaps and bounds better than the previous one (K20D) or the direct competition. It's easy for pessimists to look at a spec sheet and dismiss the rest of the camera's features. In reality, the sensor is very competitive with its direct competition, and in a package that costs way less. When you add all the brilliant features, it's a no-brainer.

02-16-2010, 11:24 AM	#11
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,350	Originally posted by WillCarney Might be tempted but it's not the camera for me. It's too noisy and bad at high ISO, long exposures and low light. You can't disable the DFS which is a killer of the deal as well. Not a full frame either by the way. This camera has way too much hype. Nice camera but NOT perfect. I am thinking about dropping Pentax right now and going Canon since they currently don't have a digital for me. William As long as you realize there will never be a perfect camera...Canon is having difficulties with AF on it's FF, if you're looking for a FF. And...I think that FF's will come down in price...Sony has started the FF price war with the recent intro of it's 850...I expect Nikon and Canon will bring out competition...soon.

02-16-2010, 01:36 PM	#12
robgo2 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico Photos: Albums Posts: 1,125	Originally posted by GoremanX Agreed, I've been able to shoot right up to ISO 1600 with no problems, and I'm not afraid to kick it up to ISO 2500 when I need to. My favourite part of my K-7 is how I can pull so much detail out of under-exposed shots. That means I can use faster shutter speeds and still get away with useable shots. All of the K-7's competitors brag about their highlight range, but their shadow range doesn't even come close. I'll take shadow range over highlight range any day. Over at the other Pentax forum, GordonBGood has stated that the K-7 actually has limited DR at low ISO, because of shadow noise. This makes it more difficult to open shadows aggressively without bringing forth a lot of noise. The K-x and the Nikon D300s seem to be better in this regard. Don't mean to burst your bubble. If you are pleased with the shadow performance you are getting from your K-7, then by all means continue using it in your current fashion. Rob

02-16-2010, 01:56 PM	#13
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by robgo2 Over at the other Pentax forum, GordonBGood has stated that the K-7 actually has limited DR at low ISO, because of shadow noise. This makes it more difficult to open shadows aggressively without bringing forth a lot of noise. The K-x and the Nikon D300s seem to be better in this regard. I'd love to see some examples of that. My own experience has been the complete opposite; blown highlights tend to be unrecoverable, while shadows retain tons more detail. This is typically at ISO 100 to 400. Granted, there's a balance needed to avoid noise, but I've had very little trouble minimizing noise in those situations.

02-16-2010, 02:09 PM	#14
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 7,451	GordonBGood is known as something of a troll anyway, isn't he? I seem to recall him harping nonstop on one of the DA* lenses, for no reason anyone could discern.

02-16-2010, 02:12 PM	#15
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Getting close to my striking price... - waiting for similar price drop in Canada.