[alderfall]

Hello everyone...

I know, it's been awhile since I have been on here, and I've missed it, but some changes in my personal life (I'll spare the details), got me distracted for a time.

What I am really hoping for is this: I want to be sold on the K-7. I don't want/feel the need to leave Pentax for any reason, but I do feel that I need to jump to the next level, from the 200D to ? I have been somewhat successful professionally with the K200D, a testament to both the camera and I guess a little bit to the user, working around some limitations (not trying to be immodest).

As a professional, I shoot the images you'll find here: http://www.fineartlens.com. I already have much of the Pentax glass I need, am already fairly well established in Pentax. But, I want better resolution, more sharpness, etc. as well as other things like better in body stabilization at low light than the K200D.

I usually shoot landscape (as evident by the website above), anywhere possible on the color and black/white setting field (I love the K200D black and white in camera filter options and may not be able to easily function without them, it really simplifies my workflow). But, I do occasionally shoot portraits every now and again. I also have been known to grab the camera for traveling and family adventures, etc. In fact, we just got back from Ireland, where the camera was doused with rain, completely drenched on a daily basis, and the only thing I had to worry about was keeping the lens clear. Great shooting...

So, should I move up? Is it worth it to learn the nuances of a new camera for the advantages of the K-7 (namely, for me, the sensor)? I don't want to speak to Pentax sales, I want the opinion of those who really use the cameras.

Also, any rumors of full frame in the near future?

Thanks for your time...

[jct us101]

You don't seem to have anything that you don't like about your K200D so why upgrade it? But to answer your question, I suppose the K-7 would be the next upgrade if you're going to need a water resistant camera.

[TOUGEFC]

You don't seem to have anything that you don't like about your K200D so why upgrade it? But to answer your question, I suppose the K-7 would be the next upgrade if you're going to need a water resistant camera.

The k200d is weather resistant

[gp1806]

I own the K200D. I can understand why you would want more resolution for large prints. I would get the K20D. Same sensor, less money. No blur at medium shutter speeds, see link.
LumoLabs: Shutter induced blur with the Pentax K-7 camera [Page 1]: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

[alderfall]

Thank you for your input, it is appreciated. Have a splendid day!

[Marc Sabatella]

Be aware, though, the difference between 10MP and 14MP is pretty small - fewer than 20% more pixels in each direction. Meaning if you currently do 12x18" at a given resolution, the K-7 or K20D would do about 14x21 at that same resolution. So personally, I'd say if the upgrade made sense for *other* reasons (more external controls, the larger / brighter viewfinder, live view or video), sure go ahead. But if it's just about resolution, I wouldn't bother.

Alderfall, I think it would be best to wait just a few months at this point. It seems that Pentax is releasing an upgrade to the K-7 this fall and whether you end up buying that or the K-7, it's probably better to wait a bit until the dust settles.
There doesn't seem to be any imminent FF release schedule. IF it is coming, it'll likely be 2011 or 2012 by the latest news/rumors/guesses.

[alderfall]

Thanks Marc, I appreciate your insight on this. I suppose I will be thinking about the K20D currently, due to some outstanding K-7 stabilization issues, as well as the smaller body. My big hands may not fit the K-7 well.

I really wish I could easily afford the MF units with digital backs.

[alderfall]

Alderfall, I think it would be best to wait just a few months at this point. It seems that Pentax is releasing an upgrade to the K-7 this fall and whether you end up buying that or the K-7, it's probably better to wait a bit until the dust settles.
There doesn't seem to be any imminent FF release schedule. IF it is coming, it'll likely be 2011 or 2012 by the latest news/rumors/guesses.

And thank you to you as well, I'll either spring for the K20D or just wait a few months, to see what comes about.

[Rick in Ohio]

Hi Alderfall,

The K7 and the K200D are very close in size, so I don't think the size will be a problem for you. The K7 and its grip increase the size and give you the option of using you AA batteries when you are out in the field.

K7 130mmx97mmx74mm, K200D 132mmx94mmx74mm, K20D 142mmx102mmx70mm

Rick

[alderfall]

Hi Alderfall,

The K7 and the K200D are very close in size, so I don't think the size will be a problem for you. The K7 and its grip increase the size and give you the option of using you AA batteries when you are out in the field.

K7 130mmx97mmx74mm, K200D 132mmx94mmx74mm, K20D 142mmx102mmx70mm

Rick

Hello Rick! Thanks for the posted specs, nice to know what is going on with that. These big hands feel just fine on the K200D, so nice to know what to expect from the other cameras.

[sinus007]

Hi alderfall,
I switched from k200 to k-7 a few months ago. No regrets, so far. In my case there're 2 major items that sold me on the switch: much better focusing in low light and higher useable ISO.

[interested_observer]

I already have much of the Pentax glass I need, am already fairly well established in Pentax. But, I want better resolution, more sharpness, etc. as well as other things like better in body stabilization at low light than the K200D.

I usually shoot landscape (as evident by the website above), anywhere possible on the color and black/white setting field (I love the K200D black and white in camera filter options and may not be able to easily function without them, it really simplifies my workflow). But, I do occasionally shoot portraits every now and again. I also have been known to grab the camera for traveling and family adventures, etc. In fact, we just got back from Ireland, where the camera was doused with rain, completely drenched on a daily basis, and the only thing I had to worry about was keeping the lens clear. Great shooting...

Your upgrade is a bit different than mine, since you are using it to generate an income. I made a comparison table of everything I wanted/needed from the K100 to K20 and did it when the price hit the mid $600's a bit over a year ago. It was a good upgrade for me and my skills actually improved. One of the first things I did was to compare the resolution between the two bodies on a brand new 52 inch flat panel TV. The K20 was wonderful, however the surprise was, just how good the K100 was. I was expecting a much larger difference between the two.

I just read Lumo's stabilization analysis the other day and was very surprised with the K7. I have been extraordinarily happy with the K20 - and did keep my K100 - using them both. I have found that being at least one generation behind the technology curve is very helpful to the checkbook also. I have always liked the in body stabilization especially for low light and wide angle lenses.

Given the lack of a large difference in resolution, both being WR, and both providing B&W conversion in body (page 195 in the K20 manual) - its somewhat of a push in my opinion. If I were to do it, I would go the K20 route with a very gently used one from the marketplace, thus probably being able to use both bodies as appropriate. If you can find one purchased new over the last year - it should have the balance of the extended warranty (maybe a plus)...

• http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/scms_docs/K20D_Manual.pdf