Is the K7 a significant improvement over the K20D?

nobbsie · 11-15-2009, 06:20 PM

You guys might remember my thread a few months back when I was looking for a second body. I've just done a paid shoot for some advertising so my budget is going to stretch much further than what I expected.

My question is how much of an improvement is the K7 over the K20D in real-world use? I'm more interested in things like exposure, white-balance, AF speed + accuracy and general usability rather than fancy features like video.

I'll be either going with a second K20D or a K7 and my existing K20D.

Thanks

**Ash** · 11-15-2009, 06:42 PM

This has been a well discussed topic.
My impression is that if video is of no use to you, and you're OK with the K20D's AF speed and fps speed, the K20D is worth sticking with until we see what Pentax has to offer next in a flagship model.

See here for more discussion on the comparison:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/62837-upgrade-k20d-k7.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/66180-another-k7-k20d-...ison-test.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/everything-else/60937-why-upgrade-k7-k20d.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/66057-what-i-like-...ared-k20d.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/68939-k7-vs-k20d.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/65963-k-7-high-iso...-high-iso.html

LeDave · 11-15-2009, 07:03 PM

better low-light AF, AF assist lamp, 100 percent view in viewfinder, hd video recording, 77 segment metering, horizontal level correction, lens distortion correction, chromatic aberration correction, ultrasonic sound dust removal, 5.2 fps, quiet shutter sound, magnesium alloy construction, hdmi port, 1/8000 shutter speed, 3.0 lcd with 920,000 pixels, and probably some others i can't think of at the moment.

frank · 11-15-2009, 07:44 PM

If you shoot indoor w/ flash, I'd say the K-7 improved alot over previous Pentax dSLR cameras. The exposure is far accurate and reliable w/ K-7 and a flash.

The other major improvements have been addressed already here at the forum. But to me here are the major factors for upgrading:
1. works a lot better w/ flash (but Pentax does need a better flash w/ faster recharging cycle)
2. much shorter shutter lag
3. much quieter shutter sound
4. improved auto white balance and exposure
5. better LCD screen (for easier MF in LV)
6. better look and feel (w/o grip on)

All the other improvements are not really bid deals to me.

Wheatfield · 11-15-2009, 09:39 PM

Originally posted by nobbsie

You guys might remember my thread a few months back when I was looking for a second body. I've just done a paid shoot for some advertising so my budget is going to stretch much further than what I expected.

My question is how much of an improvement is the K7 over the K20D in real-world use? I'm more interested in things like exposure, white-balance, AF speed + accuracy and general usability rather than fancy features like video.

I'll be either going with a second K20D or a K7 and my existing K20D.

Thanks

The K-7 is faster. It's much faster.
Exposure is better, white balance is at least as good, it is certainly as consistent, If the AF is more accurate, I haven't noticed, but it get's there quicker.
The IQ is about the same. I think the measurebators say it is noisier at higher ISO. If it is, I haven't noticed, but I don't shoot much high ISO stuff. I found the K20 was good to ISO640, I don't push the K-7 past that point.
One of the nice things about using primes is that I don't need to shoot high ISO to squeak optical quality out of my lenses.

If you think a faser camera will give you a better chance at getting the pictures you want, then the K-7 is an improvement.
If the K20 is all you need in a camera, the K-7 isn't going to do much for you.
A few more conveniences, but that's about it.

Class A · 11-15-2009, 10:46 PM

Originally posted by nobbsie

I'm more interested in things like exposure, white-balance, AF speed + accuracy and general usability rather than fancy features like video.

You mention AF speed. The K-7 is definitely improved in that aspect.

You also mention white balance. This suggests indoor shooting. Note the the K-7 is the first Pentax DSLR which will not slightly front-focus under Tungsten light.

nobbsie · 11-16-2009, 03:39 AM

Thanks for the replies. In general the only thing I've found occasionally frustrating with the K20D is the low-light AF speed (nothing wrong with accuracy though). I have no problems getting the shot with it or my K100D for that matter.

Since I only have two assignments between now and March I might just wait it out and see how things pan out.

FHPhotographer · 11-25-2009, 08:59 PM

wheatfield, I don't think it's appropriate to include the danasoft.com sign in your posts. I don't care what danasoft says about how secure it is blah blah blah, I don't want to see my isp information in your posts. Please remove it,
Brian

rormeister · 11-25-2009, 09:14 PM

Originally posted by FHPhotographer

wheatfield, I don't think it's appropriate to include the danasoft.com sign in your posts. I don't care what danasoft says about how secure it is blah blah blah, I don't want to see my isp information in your posts. Please remove it

+1 It's just plain insulting.

JohnBee · 11-25-2009, 09:16 PM

Originally posted by FHPhotographer

wheatfield, I don't think it's appropriate to include the danasoft.com sign in your posts. I don't care what danasoft says about how secure it is blah blah blah, I don't want to see my isp information in your posts. Please remove it,
Brian

Seeing your info. in that post is a little like seeing your own reflection in a mirror.
When you leave, your reflection goes with you

Kirivon · 11-25-2009, 09:45 PM

Any time you visit a site on the internet, your IP address and hostname are transmitted. It's like sending a letter, anyone you send one to has your return information. As for how they know your ISP and physical location, it's part of your host name. For example, my hostname is xxx.hsd1.co.comcast.net. This tells you that I A. that I have comcast, and B. that I'm in Colorado. The server side script to echo this information is literally one line:

<?= "IP: {$_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']}<br>Host: {$_SERVER['REMOTE_HOST']}" ?>

It seems intrusive at first but it's actually fairly innocuous. What is actually far more intrusive are stores that search your browsing history through cookies to suggest things you may be interested in. I love going to Amazon and seeing suggested buys that are things that I were reading about on the internet, but hadn't actually searched for on their site.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-25-2009, 11:22 PM

I think it depends upon what you need.

For me, coming from K10D, which shares much with K20 where it really counts, the K7 was worth while.

The big points for me were the much improved metering over K10D/K20D with the77 segment metering.

I was not happy with the K10 Metering when using legacy lenses, and in this respect the K20 was the same, the K7 is much improved in this area.

The other big issue, and for paid photog, it may be important is the quiet shutter.

As others have said, if you don't want to go crazy over the rest of the bells and wistles, the K20 would also make an excellent camera.

I do note however, compared to the K10D, I think the K7 shake reduction seems much better, especially with long lenses.

I have posted some amazing shots with 500mm at 1/40 hand held. I am not sure the K10D or K20D can do as well

PentaxPoke · 11-26-2009, 11:08 AM

Now that I have spent quite a bit of time in different venues with my K-7, I notice that I am doing a lot less post processing. The exposure is just so good, along with the white balance, that I rarely need to "tweak" things like I do with the k20d. I shoot RAW+, but I seem to rarely need to use the RAW any more.

I really like the k-20d, but the K-7 is just so responsive and accurate, that I really think it was worth the upgrade.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-26-2009, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by PentaxPoke

Now that I have spent quite a bit of time in different venues with my K-7, I notice that I am doing a lot less post processing. The exposure is just so good, along with the white balance, that I rarely need to "tweak" things like I do with the k20d. I shoot RAW+, but I seem to rarely need to use the RAW any more.

I really like the k-20d, but the K-7 is just so responsive and accurate, that I really think it was worth the upgrade.

can I convert you to the JPEG only club?

I use the K10D, and K7 and have worked long and hard to figure out all the tweeks in jpeg settings to get what I want.

But I have to agree the K7 metering is much better

PentaxPoke · 11-26-2009, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

can I convert you to the JPEG only club?

Lately, it seems like I am a member of that club! Since I use a 16GB card though, I am not sacrificing anything really by shooting RAW+. I don't often fill the card before I download it.

11-15-2009, 06:20 PM	#1
nobbsie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 142	Is the K7 a significant improvement over the K20D? You guys might remember my thread a few months back when I was looking for a second body. I've just done a paid shoot for some advertising so my budget is going to stretch much further than what I expected. My question is how much of an improvement is the K7 over the K20D in real-world use? I'm more interested in things like exposure, white-balance, AF speed + accuracy and general usability rather than fancy features like video. I'll be either going with a second K20D or a K7 and my existing K20D. Thanks

11-26-2009, 11:08 AM	#13
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	Now that I have spent quite a bit of time in different venues with my K-7, I notice that I am doing a lot less post processing. The exposure is just so good, along with the white balance, that I rarely need to "tweak" things like I do with the k20d. I shoot RAW+, but I seem to rarely need to use the RAW any more. I really like the k-20d, but the K-7 is just so responsive and accurate, that I really think it was worth the upgrade. Last edited by PentaxPoke; 11-26-2009 at 11:34 AM.

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11-15-2009, 06:42 PM	#2
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	This has been a well discussed topic. My impression is that if video is of no use to you, and you're OK with the K20D's AF speed and fps speed, the K20D is worth sticking with until we see what Pentax has to offer next in a flagship model. See here for more discussion on the comparison: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/62837-upgrade-k20d-k7.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/66180-another-k7-k20d-...ison-test.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/everything-else/60937-why-upgrade-k7-k20d.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/66057-what-i-like-...ared-k20d.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/68939-k7-vs-k20d.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/65963-k-7-high-iso...-high-iso.html

11-15-2009, 07:03 PM	#3
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	better low-light AF, AF assist lamp, 100 percent view in viewfinder, hd video recording, 77 segment metering, horizontal level correction, lens distortion correction, chromatic aberration correction, ultrasonic sound dust removal, 5.2 fps, quiet shutter sound, magnesium alloy construction, hdmi port, 1/8000 shutter speed, 3.0 lcd with 920,000 pixels, and probably some others i can't think of at the moment.

11-15-2009, 07:44 PM	#4
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	If you shoot indoor w/ flash, I'd say the K-7 improved alot over previous Pentax dSLR cameras. The exposure is far accurate and reliable w/ K-7 and a flash. The other major improvements have been addressed already here at the forum. But to me here are the major factors for upgrading: 1. works a lot better w/ flash (but Pentax does need a better flash w/ faster recharging cycle) 2. much shorter shutter lag 3. much quieter shutter sound 4. improved auto white balance and exposure 5. better LCD screen (for easier MF in LV) 6. better look and feel (w/o grip on) All the other improvements are not really bid deals to me.

11-15-2009, 09:39 PM	#5
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by nobbsie You guys might remember my thread a few months back when I was looking for a second body. I've just done a paid shoot for some advertising so my budget is going to stretch much further than what I expected. My question is how much of an improvement is the K7 over the K20D in real-world use? I'm more interested in things like exposure, white-balance, AF speed + accuracy and general usability rather than fancy features like video. I'll be either going with a second K20D or a K7 and my existing K20D. Thanks The K-7 is faster. It's much faster. Exposure is better, white balance is at least as good, it is certainly as consistent, If the AF is more accurate, I haven't noticed, but it get's there quicker. The IQ is about the same. I think the measurebators say it is noisier at higher ISO. If it is, I haven't noticed, but I don't shoot much high ISO stuff. I found the K20 was good to ISO640, I don't push the K-7 past that point. One of the nice things about using primes is that I don't need to shoot high ISO to squeak optical quality out of my lenses. If you think a faser camera will give you a better chance at getting the pictures you want, then the K-7 is an improvement. If the K20 is all you need in a camera, the K-7 isn't going to do much for you. A few more conveniences, but that's about it.

11-15-2009, 10:46 PM	#6
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by nobbsie I'm more interested in things like exposure, white-balance, AF speed + accuracy and general usability rather than fancy features like video. You mention AF speed. The K-7 is definitely improved in that aspect. You also mention white balance. This suggests indoor shooting. Note the the K-7 is the first Pentax DSLR which will not slightly front-focus under Tungsten light.

11-16-2009, 03:39 AM	#7
nobbsie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 142 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies. In general the only thing I've found occasionally frustrating with the K20D is the low-light AF speed (nothing wrong with accuracy though). I have no problems getting the shot with it or my K100D for that matter. Since I only have two assignments between now and March I might just wait it out and see how things pan out.

11-25-2009, 08:59 PM	#8
FHPhotographer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fountain Hills, AZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,297	wheatfield, I don't think it's appropriate to include the danasoft.com sign in your posts. I don't care what danasoft says about how secure it is blah blah blah, I don't want to see my isp information in your posts. Please remove it, Brian

11-25-2009, 09:14 PM	#9
rormeister Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 626	Originally posted by FHPhotographer wheatfield, I don't think it's appropriate to include the danasoft.com sign in your posts. I don't care what danasoft says about how secure it is blah blah blah, I don't want to see my isp information in your posts. Please remove it +1 It's just plain insulting.

11-25-2009, 09:16 PM	#10
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by FHPhotographer wheatfield, I don't think it's appropriate to include the danasoft.com sign in your posts. I don't care what danasoft says about how secure it is blah blah blah, I don't want to see my isp information in your posts. Please remove it, Brian Seeing your info. in that post is a little like seeing your own reflection in a mirror. When you leave, your reflection goes with you

11-25-2009, 09:45 PM	#11
Kirivon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 173	Any time you visit a site on the internet, your IP address and hostname are transmitted. It's like sending a letter, anyone you send one to has your return information. As for how they know your ISP and physical location, it's part of your host name. For example, my hostname is xxx.hsd1.co.comcast.net. This tells you that I A. that I have comcast, and B. that I'm in Colorado. The server side script to echo this information is literally one line: <?= "IP: {$_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']}<br>Host: {$_SERVER['REMOTE_HOST']}" ?> It seems intrusive at first but it's actually fairly innocuous. What is actually far more intrusive are stores that search your browsing history through cookies to suggest things you may be interested in. I love going to Amazon and seeing suggested buys that are things that I were reading about on the internet, but hadn't actually searched for on their site.

11-25-2009, 11:22 PM	#12
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	I think it depends upon what you need. For me, coming from K10D, which shares much with K20 where it really counts, the K7 was worth while. The big points for me were the much improved metering over K10D/K20D with the77 segment metering. I was not happy with the K10 Metering when using legacy lenses, and in this respect the K20 was the same, the K7 is much improved in this area. The other big issue, and for paid photog, it may be important is the quiet shutter. As others have said, if you don't want to go crazy over the rest of the bells and wistles, the K20 would also make an excellent camera. I do note however, compared to the K10D, I think the K7 shake reduction seems much better, especially with long lenses. I have posted some amazing shots with 500mm at 1/40 hand held. I am not sure the K10D or K20D can do as well

11-26-2009, 01:12 PM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by PentaxPoke Now that I have spent quite a bit of time in different venues with my K-7, I notice that I am doing a lot less post processing. The exposure is just so good, along with the white balance, that I rarely need to "tweak" things like I do with the k20d. I shoot RAW+, but I seem to rarely need to use the RAW any more. I really like the k-20d, but the K-7 is just so responsive and accurate, that I really think it was worth the upgrade. can I convert you to the JPEG only club? I use the K10D, and K7 and have worked long and hard to figure out all the tweeks in jpeg settings to get what I want. But I have to agree the K7 metering is much better

11-26-2009, 04:09 PM	#15
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge can I convert you to the JPEG only club? Lately, it seems like I am a member of that club! Since I use a 16GB card though, I am not sacrificing anything really by shooting RAW+. I don't often fill the card before I download it.