Originally posted by JeffJS K-7 14.6MP SLR Digital Camera Black (Body Only) at Central Digital
Consider that the K10d only goes to 1600 ISO. The K7 is clean enough for most purposes at that point. Beyond there may be more dependent on your actual scene. In other words, if you're shooting black on black in a dark room, you're going to see some noise.
If I had worried about the cr@ppy ISO performance reports, I would still be on the outside looking in. Mind you I bought mine when everyone was first raving about the Kx. It's a decision I've regretted not one single time.
There will only be two things you need to get use to. The slightly smaller size, and the light years advanced over the K10d options and performance.
I'll agree with Jeff, and add that the K-7 is at a whole new level of refinement in operation and interface (I find the Info screen a great addition). Use the K-7 for one day, and you'll be surprised at how primitive the K10 feels and sounds in comparison.
With some amazing new NR software available, high ISO is considerably less of an issue with me.
Here's a shot of a cygnet I took at before 6:00 AM -- before sunrise at
ISO 3200. It's been
heavily processed (@ 25% strength, which is very high, IMO) with Topaz Denoise, then lightly sharpened with Focus magic. It was actually a bit underexposed, so the noise worse than it could have been if I'd really done my part. . .
This was shot in jpeg, BTW. I won't normally shoot at this high a sensitivity, but it's good to know that I can go there in a pinch, and still get something that I can print to a decent size.
The K-7 is by no means a super clean high ISO shooter, but the noise issue -- even shooting jpgs has been way overblown, IMO.
Scott