I have had my K-7 for over a day now, and I thought I would add my observations to the forum.
Here is what I like when compared to my k20d:
Metering: More consistent especially at lower light levels. My K20d is very good, down to a point. Below a threshold, it will have troubles and underexpose. The metering on the K-7 has been fantastic so far.
Flash: Much more consistent with my 540 FGZ. That was one thing that really bothered me about my k20d when using the 540FGZ. I would have to boost the EV for flash in the camera by +1, and sometimes, would have to boost it on the flash as well. No such problems with the K-7 yet.
Size: Small for a DSLR with so much packed into it. I have large hands and thought it would bother me, but I really like it. The grip is deep and well designed. It also fits better into my bag. In fact, I think I am going to pass on the battery grip. I like how compact this camera is. (understand that I use the word compact in a relative sense. I have used D300's and relative to that, this K-7 is
compact.) After handling this camera, I have to wonder how long the other manufacturers will continue to build those bohemoths. It makes no sense. they certainly don't need all that volume to house thier anti-shake!
LCD: Wow. Big difference.
New menu system: More intuitive, and no more scrolling to find things.
Battery life: Another wow. How the heck is it that I have been using this camera all day, with heavy use of the lcd while learning all the menus, and I am still showing "full?"
white Balance and D-range (highlight and shadow correction): Yes I know these are not needed for RAW, but I shoot RAW+, and if the jpeg is good, I keep it to reduce processing time. I like the dynamic range enhancement better than that on the k20d because you can now control shadows and/or highlights.
Sound: People are not kidding. This shutter is quiet! I also like the fact that the "kluck-a-kluck" sound of the dust reduction is now a gentle buzz.
The dials feel better: I have a "thing" about mechanical switches, levers, etc. The dials have a very "positive" feel that give feedback to the user. The build of this camera is just fantastic. You gotta love the feel of the metal contruction!
And the best for last:
SPEED: AF is clearly faster with all my lenses, (except for the 50-135, confirming to me yet again, that the SDM micromotors are now the limiting factor in our Pentax AF speed) It is even fast in the dark, with the built in greed LED assist lamp. (I just went into a pitch black room, and focussed on myself in the mirror, in 1 second.) The camera is much more responsive in every way. 5+ fps is also fun, although I am not the "spray and pray" type. In fact it is so quick that if you have the camera in the burst mode but want to take a single picture, you may fire off a couple before you can get your finger off the shutter button! The k20d is an excellent camera when it comes to IQ, but after using the K-7 for a bit, the k20d feels a bit sluggish.
If I had to describe the comparison in one word it would be "refined." The IQ may not be any better than the k20d (I havent fully tested that yet but I don't expect major differences since the sensor is the same. I never had complaints about the k20d IQ) but it just makes it easier to get the picture. When it comes to operation of the camera, everything is just faster, smoother, better. Using an automotive analogy, the k-7 feels like a finely-built, luxury sportscar.
Last edited by PentaxPoke; 07-10-2009 at 12:35 AM.