Originally posted by PentaxPoke I am a longtime Pentax enthusiast, but I must admit, the only advantages that the K-7 has over the 7D in my opinion, is size, weight, and cost. I owned a K-7 and I have a 7D now. The advantages of the 7D over the K-7 include:
Well...size, weight and cost are a given. I also find that I like Pentax's auto ISO, shake reduction, tighter weather sealing (the 7D is only partially sealed with some "enforced seams". It's not splash-proof.), quieter shutter, and SD cards a lot more desirable than the 7D's counterparts.
Quote: 1) Significantly faster AF in low light (Elwood's link above shows that pretty clearly, and it is my experience as well.) This is useful in many more applications than simply sports. You don't see the difference as much in bright light, but in dim light, the outdated SAFOX shows its limitations.
2) Significantly better tracking AF
3) Much better high-ISO noise control without loss of detail
4) Much faster FPS
5) Better control of exposure for video, and full HD.
6) Access to a much wider range of in-production lenses.
7) No SDM! All EOS cameras use lens motors, so there is no moving mechanical connection whatsoever between the lens and the camera. In all but the cheapest lenses, the EOS lens drive motors are true ring-type ultrasonic, and have been since 1987.
Amen. These are all true, sadly.
Quote: 8) Better flash exposure.
This one I cannot agree. My K-7's flash exposure is worlds better than the K10D's. In fact, it's scarily accurate. I'd say the 77 segment has put the K-7 in Nikon category in terms of flash exposure.
However, Canon's flashes do have faster cycle times and juicier batteries available than Pentax's.
Quote: 9) Ability to rent pretty much whatever you want from a variety of sources to try it out.
Amen. That's the single reason why Pentax is no longer my only system.
However, the size/weight of the 7D, although looks like only one disadvantage, will be the one fatal flaw of it: it's the same size as the 5Dmk2. Given that the bodies are only $1K apart, I don't see a lot of reason why anyone would choose the 7D instead of 5Dmk2 at all.