Download firmware for Pentax K-7, from Pentax Japan web site.

Features:

• Added Movie editing function on playback mode palette. You can divide a movie into multiple segments and erase unwanted segments from the movie.
• Added Electronic Level indication on the Monitor.
• When Mode dial is set M or X and Electronic Level is set to display, exposure meter is indicated both of them in the LCD panel and in the Viewfinder.
• Added [Reversal Film] mode on Custom Image function [PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4] have been updated.
• When using Live View, auto focus activate by pressing shutter release button halfway.
• Improved focus speed.

Download updater for Windows.

Download updater for Mac OSX.

We are promised two new models for the next Photokina (in September 2010 in Köln):

• A Pentax K5 will come and locate itself just under the current Pentax K7 insisting on filling the gap between it and the Pentax K-x (many photographers have been rightfully convinced and need to be push to more ambitious cameras).
• The Pentax K7 has had a nice shelf life and is worth replacing now, but this requires a lot of investment that has not been fully completed. Pentax would only be able to bring one better model still very similar to the K7 (addition of a video capture mode, better sensitivity, maybe a faster AF system).

But if all Pentax lovers keep dreaming about a Full Frame D-SLR camera, even when they believe that they spotted the right sensor in the Cypress catalog (unfortunately, this 25MP sensor is really not adequate yet), all we hear tells us that there is at least 6 months to a year of waiting. The time lost there will be used by the Research and Development teams to work on improving the auto-focus algorithms and the speed of the shutter.

Since this is time for the end of the year and its high sales of electronic gadgets and photographic gear, here also comes the time for cashbacks, sales and promotions. The photography market will not forget this in these recession times and there are many offers and promotions or bundles.

Among the offers I tried to identify for you, I want to list the following ones:

• Pentax “Focus on savings” for K-7 system: $100 prepaid card on a choice of over 20 Pentax lenses. From now until January 15, 2010 (Pentax special offers)
• Nikon Canada adjusted its prices to reflect evolution of the exchange rates (November 16, 2009) – From NR
• Pentax opens a European on-line store with Digital River
• Sony launches an “all in one” kit made by bundling the Alpha 850, a Sony 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM lens and the Elite version of DxO Optics Pro, at a listed price of 2700€. (According to AN)
• Sony France cash-back offer of 50€ on the Alpha 330, Alpha 380 with the SAL50F18 lens and 100€ on the Alpha 500 and Alpha 550 with the SAL50F18 lens (Sony 50mm f/1.8 DT), up to December 2009
• Canon cash back offer for Europe and UK: £150/€170 cashback on PowerShot G11, from Canon UK
• Pentax offers up to 250€/£250 of cash-back coupons for purchases all over Europe before the end of 2009. All the details on www.pentax-cashback.com.

You can try and take advantage of them by rushing to your local photography shop or by browsing to one of the on-line shops that support YLovePhoto.

• Buy it from B&H (The Professional’s Source)
• Buy from Amazon.com
• Acheter sur Carrefour online

In any case, you are strongly advised to check case-by-case the exact conditions required (sometimes only applicable in one country; Sometimes against the return of a special coupon) and exact limit dates.

• Pentax K-7 : site Pentax UK
• Canon EOS 7D : Canon web site
• Canon EOS Rebel XS/1000D : Canon web site

And we are told that Canon prépares a big firmware update to bring full HD video to the Canon EOS 5D MkII in 2010.

• For Windows (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com, 9.2MB)
• For Mac (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com, 9.17MB)

At the same time, I can indicate that I identified the availability of the Pentax K-7 user manual (ready for a free download).

• Download Pentax K-7 User Manual in English (PDF – 6.8MB)
• Download Pentax K-7 User Manual in Spanish (PDF – 6.8MB)
• Update: Télécharger le mode d’emploi du Pentax K-7 en français (PDF)

photo credit: chez_sugi

Weirdly, perhaps because the photo camera was actually delayed a little, the Pentax K-7 did not receive many reviews on the Internet. Happily, photo newspapers (in France) started to give it a nice place this month with Chasseur d’Images, Le Monde de la Photo and Réponses Photo all testing the Pentax K-7.

All the informations, all the tests and all the prices are on the special page about the Pentax K-7.

According to Amateur Photographer, the image sensor included in the currently available pre-production models of the Pentax K-7 SLR photo camera is NOT the final one.

It is unclear whether it is only a minor update to the sensor or a major replacement. But, in any case, it means that there will be quite a few tests, reviews and hands-on for the Pentax K-7 to be re-evaluated.

This is definitely unusual at this stage of the photo camera product life. In many cases, we see a lot of last minute software/firmware modifications, a few marking/painting corrections; But major hardware changes, no way…

There must be something really unpleasant for Pentax to rush a change right now.

The answer could come from Samsung, forever-partner of Pentax for digital SLR photo cameras. The network of informers in direct contact with Samsung keeps repeating that Samsung is ready to launch a new SLR camera, probably to be named GX-30, as soon as next 7th of July. Of course, this is soft music to the ears of Samsung lovers (I have to admit that they are more numerous in Asia than in Europe, by far), but it’s also source of wonderment in the Pentax lovers ranks. They immediately rushed to the near-obvious conclusion that the Pentax K30D is around the corner (since, usually, Samsung launches its copy of the Pentax design a few days or a few weeks after the Pentax original).

So, a Pentax K30D before the end of June? Then, a Samsung GX-30 right after that?

It’s not so sure. Pentax and Samsung could well be on the verge of splitting their strategies and going on different roads. Instead of sharing all of their SLR camera designs, the two brands could start diverging in 2009 and 2010. That would give a Samsung GX-30 which would not be a Pentax K30D…

All features

Listed after the jump…

• Samsung 14.6MP CMOS APS-C sensor (Aspect Ratio 3:2), 4 Data Channels Readout
• Dust Removal: Ultrasonic shaking of the Low-Pass/Anti-Aliasing filter in front of the sensor, with “Dust Alert System” to the user
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-3200 (exp. 6400 ISO)
• Shutter speed: 30s – 1/8000s, X-Sync at 1/180s, 100,000 actuations guarantee



• Continuous Shooting Modes:
  • Continuous (Hi): 5.2 fps
  • JPEG: Until 40 Frames;
  • RAW(PEF): Until 15 Frames;
  • RAW(DNG): Until 14 Frames
  • Continuous (Lo): 3.3 fps
  • JPEG: No Limitation, until Card Full;
  • RAW(PEF/DNG): Until 17 Frames
• LiveView mode, including in continuous shooting
• Live View AF options: Contrast Detection AF with face recognition option
• Movie/Video capture with Mono-Audio recording (with built-in microphone),
• Supported video modes: 1280 x 720 Pixels (16:9 Standard High Definition), 640 x 416 (3:1.95), 1536 x 1024 (3:2), all modes at 30 frames per second
• Top monochrome status: LCD with Electro-Luminescence (EL) backlight
• Rear LCD screen: 3.0″ LCD 640×480 (VGA), 920,000 colour dots, 170° of view both vertically and horizontally
• Exposure modes: Green mode, Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter-Aperture Priority (TAv), Hyper Manual (M), Bulb (B), X-Sync (X), User and Movie
• Metering System: 77-segment (7×11) Multi-Pattern
• Metering modes: Evaluative, Centre-Weighted Average, Spot; Selected via dedicated Metering Mode level at camera top
• AF System: New SAFOX VIII+ AF System, same layout as SAFOX VIII (11-Point, 9 Crossed); Improved in speed and accuracy
• Focusing modes: AF-S, AF-C, MF; Via dedicated focusing mode selector level
• Dedicated AF button
• Dedicated AF point selector: Central, Auto and User Select
• Built-in Flash (RTF): Manual pop-up, GN13 @ ISO 100
• Orientation Sensor
• Shake Reduction: in-body, by sensor displacement
• Image tone modes: 7 (Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Monochrome, Muted (for Delicate, Subdued Colours)); Actual Effect Previewable under LV or Digital Preview mode
• Image parameters: Saturation, Hue, Contrast, Sharpness, Filter Effect, Toning, Key and Contrast Highlight/Shadow; Actual Effect Previewable under LV or Digital Preview mode
• White Balance presets: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light, Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE (Emphasizing the Colours of Sunset Scenes) and Incandescent-Tinted Fluorescent Light
• Manual White Balance: Manual Measurement, Presets and Fine-Tuning (for Green Vs Magenta and Blue Vs Amber)
• Supported Colour Spaces: sRGB (default) and AdobeRGB
• Other Features: HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode (One composite image from 3 exposure-bracketed images), Dynamic Range Expansion, Auto Distortion and CA Corrections, Multiple Exposures, Copyright Credits Attachment, Dedicated RAW button, 16 digital filters
• Controls around shutter release: Optical/Digital Preview; Two Separate Buttons for ISO Speed Selection and +/- EV Compensation / Top LCD Panel Backlight/Illumination
• PC Sync Socket (flash control)
• IR Remote Control, with front and rear receivers
• Lenses: Pentax KAF2 compatible (K-mount, support AF KAF and SDM KAF2/KAF3 lenses)
• Viewfinder: Glass pentaprism, with 100% image coverage, 0.92x magnification
• Body: Magnesium Alloy Outer Shell on Stainless Steel Chassis
• Weather-Sealing, Can be operated under low temperature at -10°C
• I/Os: Left side: DC In, PC/AV, HDMI Out, Mic In; Right side: Cable Switch Connector
• Battery: New High Capacity Rechargeable Type D-LI90, 7.4V/1900mAh (Nominal), Support up to 980 Shots Without Flash
• Storage Media: SD and SDHC cards
• Dimensions: 130.5(W) x 96.5(H) x 72.5(D) mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches)
• Weight: 670g (22.9 oz.), Body Only (without battery and SD card); 750g (26.5 oz.), loaded and ready (with battery and SD card)
• Software: Pentax Photo Laboratory (with SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine), Pentax Photo Browser and two other utilities
• Kit Lens: DA 18-55/3.5-5.6 AL WR (water/weather-resistant)
• Optional accessory: Vertical Battery Grip D-BG4, Weather-Sealed and Cold-Resistant, Support Either Another D-LI90 or Six AA Batteries, Provision of Extra Shutter-Release Button, Preview Lever, e-Dials, AE-Lock, Green Button and AF Button

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX K-7
A Mid-Range Digital SLR Camera equipped with sophisticated features for top-quality digital photography
 
PENTAX UK is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-7 lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. The K-7 combines a variety of advanced functions and user-friendly features to ensure outstanding reliability and capability within a compact, lightweight body.

The K-7 joins the current PENTAX K digital SLR camera series as a high-end model in the range. True to its series concept, it has been designed to deliver outstanding image quality combined with ease of use, to benefit photo enthusiasts of all levels, including advanced amateurs. The K-7 also includes revised and upgraded features including viewfinder, shutter unit, continuous-shooting capacity, and exposure and autofocus systems.

Protected by a durable, high-quality metallic body, the K-7 is extremely compact and functional — as with all other K-series models — delivering enhanced portability and manoeuverability. The model includes several new user-friendly features, including video recording, high dynamic range (HDR), and automatic horizon correction. All of these features serve to deliver a highly effective photographic tool, perfect for all discerning digital SLR photographers.

Main Features

1. Durable and functional body, smaller than any other in its class
The K-7 is exceptionally solid and durable in design, with a stainless-steel alloy frame and lightweight magnesium-steel alloy body. With 77 special seals applied to the body, it also features a dustproof, weather and cold-resistant construction, ensuring reliable operation even under harsh conditions and at temperatures as low as -10°C. It also features a newly designed shutter unit providing a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and the outstanding capability to withstand 100,000 shutter releases.

2. Optical viewfinder featuring approx. 100% field of view
The K-7’s glass prism finder offers approximately 100% field of view along with approximately 92% magnification to facilitate focusing and framing operations. It also features a new Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen to improve focusing accuracy during manual-focus operation.

3. High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 5.2 images per second
The K-7’s high-speed continuous shooting mode captures as many as 40 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 5.2 images per second, allowing the photographer to follow the movement of an active subject or preserve a sequence of the subject’s expressions.

4. New DR II mechanism to minimise dust spots
The K-7 comes equipped with the newly developed DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, designed to effectively minimise annoying dust spots on recorded images, even after changing lenses in dust-prone outdoor settings. The K-7’s unique dust-alert system also lets the user check for dust on the filter prior to actual shooting.

5. High-quality image reproduction
(1) Approximately 14.6 effective megapixels for true-to-life image reproduction
The K-7 incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.4mm by 15.6mm featuring a high-speed, four-channel image data read-out. With approximately 14.6 effective megapixels, this image sensor can faithfully and accurately reproduce fine-detailed, gradation-rich images. With the adverse effects of digital noise greatly reduced, the sensitivity can be increased from ISO 100 up to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).
(2) High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The K-7 features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II as its imaging engine, an upgrade of the original PRIME,. This new imaging engine offers greater data-processing speed and produces improved quality images with richer gradation and more accurate colour rendition. It also offers high-speed movie data transmission.

6. New 77-segment multi-pattern metering
Newly developed for the K-7, a sophisticated 77-segment multi-pattern metering system greatly improves light-metering accuracy. By accurately analysing various types of data (such as the image’s composition and format between upright and horizontal, and the subject’s distance and magnification) transmitted from the sensors in the camera body, this system greatly improves the accuracy of exposure control.

7. New-generation SR mechanism for improved shake-reduction effect
The K-7 features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) feature, which effectively minimises the adverse effect of camera shake by approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter steps, assuring sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions. This innovative feature is compatible with all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — including a selection of the lenses designed for film-format cameras.*
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645-and 67system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

8. Live View real-time, on-display image confirmation with Face Recognition AF and high-speed continuous shooting modes
The K-7 features the Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor during shooting. You can take advantage of this convenient function not only in the Contrast AF mode, which optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast, but also in the Face Recognition AF mode, which automatically and accurately focuses on the subject’s face.

9. High-quality still image recording at 1280 x 720 pixels; 30-frames-per-second movie recording at HD-television proportions
The K-7 adds a new movie recording function, extending the benefits of SLR photography to the world of movie shooting. Beautiful movie clips can be recorded at various sizes — 640 x 416 pixels, 1536 x 1024 pixels, or 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 high-definition TV proportions) — at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The K-7 is also equipped with an HVMI terminal and an external microphone input terminal.

10. New 11-point wide-frame AF sensor
The K-7’s new SAFOX VIII+ wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with 9 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). This AF system ensures reliable, responsive autofocus operation superior in speed and accuracy to the previous system. The K-7 also incorporates an AF-assisted spotbeam projector in its built-in flash unit to improve autofocusing accuracy in the dark.

11. Custom Image function to easily create desired visual effects
The K-7’s Custom Image function allows the user to provide a finishing touch to an image by highlighting the ambience of the scene. The user can select one of seven modes, including the new “Muted” mode designed to recreate an image with delicate, subdued colours. In addition to saturation, tone, contrast and sharpness — the functions previously available — it is now possible to adjust “key” and “contrast highlight/shadow” to the desired levels. The effects of these factors can be effortlessly confirmed on a preview image using the Digital Preview or Live View function before finalising the settings.

12. Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions
(1) Hyper Programme function
The K-7’s Hyper Programme function allows the user to instantly switch from the Programmed AE mode, to the Shutter or Aperture-Priority AE mode with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip.
(2) Hyper Manual function
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.
(3) Sensitivity-Priority mode
The K-7 features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.
(4) Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode
The Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. It allows the user to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions simply and effectively.

13. Large, easy-to-see 3.0-inch wide-view LCD monitor with approximately 920,000 dots
The K-7 features a large 3.0-inch colour LCD monitor with approximately 920,000 dots on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally, facilitating low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.

14. Powerful rechargeable battery
The K-7 is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 980 images** when fully charged.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash.

15. Other features
1)    HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with
      an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures
2)    Dynamic-range expansion function to compensate for both
      white-washed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas
3)    Digital level function for easy checking of the image’s levels
4)    Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic
      aberration (available only with DA- and DFA-series lenses)
5)    White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasise
      the colour components of sunset scenes and a new
      incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode
6)    Multi-exposure function, with a super-imposition of already-recorded
      images on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance comparison
7)    Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
8)    RAW button for single-action switching of image file format
9)    16 digital filters to add a range of visual effects; a new function to
      record an overwritten history also available
10)    Colour-specific control buttons/dials for easy recognition and
      quick access, based on the universal colour design
11)    PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including
      a RAW-data processing application (based on the popular
      SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed
      by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and a browser application

Optional accessory
Battery Grip D-BG4
Exclusively designed for the PENTAX K-7 camera body, the Battery Grip D-BG4 is powered by either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or six AA-size batteries. Since it supplements the camera’s battery as an additional power source, the number of recordable images is greatly increased. To facilitate vertical-position shooting, this grip features an extra shutter-release button, preview lever, electronic dials, AE-lock button, Green button and AF button. It also provides the same dustproof, weather and cold-resistant function as the camera body.

Photos of the Pentax K-7

Features the Pentax K-7

And, here are the features of a clearly attracting SLR photo camera :

• Body: Magnesium Alloy Outer Shell on Stainless Steel Chassis
• Weather-Resistant: 77 Places Sealed, Cold-Resistant: Can be Operated under Temperature at -10°C
• Sensor: New Version of Samsung 14.6MP CMOS APS-C Imager in 23.4 x 15.6mm (Aspect Ratio 3:2), 4 Data Channels Readout
• Dust Removal: New DRII System, Low-Pass/Anti-Aliasing Optical Filter Placed in Front of Sensor is Capable to be Moved in High Ultrasonic Frequency; Featuring also the Dust Alert System to the User
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-3200, 6400 Available on Expansion (to be Set via Custom Function)
• Image Processing: Newly Developed PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine) II Image Processor for High Performance and High Speed Still Image and Movie Data Processing; Better-Quality Images with Richer Gradation and More Accurate Color Rendition
• Mount: Pentax KAF2 (Crippled K-mount, Support Both Body Driven “Screw-Type” AF KAF and SDM KAF2/KAF3 Lenses)
• Viewfinder: Optical Type, Glass Prism, 100% Image Coverage, 0.92X Magnification
• Focusing Screen: New Natural-Bright-Matte III Focusing Screen, Improved Manual Focusing Accuracy
• Shutter speed: 1/8000th second Top Speed, X-Sync=1/180s, 100,000 Shutter Actuations Durability
• Continuous Shooting Modes:
  • Continuous (Hi):
  • JPEG: 5.2 FPS: Until 40 Frames;
  • RAW(PEF): Until 15 Frames;
  • RAW(DNG): Until 14 Frames
  • Continuous (Lo):
  • JPEG: 3.3 FPS: No Limitation, until Card Full;
  • RAW(PEF/DNG): Until 17 Frames
• Live View mode: On-display image Confirmation, Activated by One-touch Dedicated “LV” button at the thumb position; Continuous Shooting possible in LV Mode (without breaking LV Mode and exposure, will be adjusted automatically and continuously via automatic diaphragm)
• Live View AF options: Contrast Detection AF with face recognition option
• Other Preview options: Optical preview; Digital preview
• Movie/Video recording: Movie/Video with Mono-Audio recording (with built-in microphone),
• Supported video modes: 1280 x 720 Pixels (16:9 Standard High Definition), 640 x 416 (3:1.95), 1536 x 1024 (3:2), all modes at 30 frames per second
• Top monochrome status: LCD with Electro-Luminescence (EL) backlight
• Rear colour monitor: 3.0″ LCD 640×480 (VGA resolution), approximately 920,000 colour dots, 170° of view both vertically and horizontally
• Controls: Front and rear wheels
• Green button directly under the rear wheel
• Exposure modes: Green mode, Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter-Aperture Priority (TAv), Hyper Manual (M), Bulb (B), X-Sync (X), User and Movie
• Metering System: New 77-Segment (7×11) Multi-Pattern Metering System; More Advanced Algorithm for Higher Exposure Accuracy
• Metering modes: Evaluative, Centre-Weighted Average, Spot; Selected via dedicated Metering Mode level at camera top
• AF System: New SAFOX VIII+ AF System, same layout as SAFOX VIII (11-Point, 9 Crossed); Improved in speed and accuracy
• Focusing modes: AF-S, AF-C, MF; Via dedicated focusing mode selector level
• Dedicated AF button
• Dedicated AF point selector: Central, Auto and User Select
• Built-in Flash (RTF): Manual pop-up
• Built-in AF Assist Light
• Orientation Sensor
• Shake Reduction: in-body, by sensor displacement
• SR activation: Preset by camera in different modes or manually activated/deactivated via System Menu
• Image tone modes: 7 (Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Monochrome, Muted (for Delicate, Subdued Colours)); Actual Effect Previewable under LV or Digital Preview mode
• Image parameters: Saturation, Hue, Contrast, Sharpness, Filter Effect, Toning, Key and Contrast Highlight/Shadow; Actual Effect Previewable under LV or Digital Preview mode
• White Balance presets: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light, Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE (Emphasizing the Colours of Sunset Scenes) and Incandescent-Tinted Fluorescent Light
• Manual White Balance: Manual Measurement, Presets and Fine-Tuning (for Green Vs Magenta and Blue Vs Amber)
• Supported Colour Spaces: sRGB (default) and AdobeRGB
• Other Features: HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode (One composite image from 3 exposure-bracketed images), Dynamic Range Expansion, Auto Distortion and CA Corrections, Multiple Exposures, Copyright Credits Attachment, Dedicated RAW button, 16 digital filters
• Controls around shutter release: Optical/Digital Preview; Two Separate Buttons for ISO Speed Selection and +/- EV Compensation / Top LCD Panel Backlight/Illumination
• Direct Control System for Basic Functions: With the Four Ways / “OK” Buttons for WB, Flash, Drive and Image Tone Mode / AF Point Selection Activation
• Standard Digital Controls: Play/Delete (at Upper Left), Info/Menu (at Lower Right)
• Dedicated One-Touch RAW button
• PC Sync Socket
• IR Remote Control, with front and rear receivers
• I/Os: Left side: DC In, PC/AV, HDMI Out, Mic In; Right side: Cable Switch Connector
• Battery: New High Capacity Rechargeable Type D-LI90, 7.4V/1900mAh (Nominal), Support up to 980 Shots Without Flash
• Storage Media: SD and SDHC cards
• Dimensions: 130.5(W) x 96.5(H) x 72.5(D) mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches)
• Weight: 670g (22.9 oz.), Body Only (without battery and SD card); 750g (26.5 oz.), loaded and ready (with battery and SD card)
• Software: Pentax Photo Laboratory (with SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory), Pentax Photo Browser and two other utilities
• Kit Lens: DA 18-55/3.5-5.6 AL WR (water/weather-resistant)
• Optional accessory: Vertical Battery Grip D-BG4, Weather-Sealed and Cold-Resistant, Support Either Another D-LI90 or Six AA Batteries, Provision of Extra Shutter-Release Button, Preview Lever, e-Dials, AE-Lock, Green Button and AF Button

May be more for the 20th of May, than for the 21st (as previously expected).

From the official pentaximaging.com.

Those are the best links found recently:

• 5 Elements of Composition in Photography: Pattern, Symmetry, Texture, Depth of Field, Lines.
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Most-read articles

The news YOU want!

• Download Canon EOS 500D Manual
• New rumours: Nikon D400, Nikon D750

Most visited categories

Wider issues that are at the center of your attention:

• Pentax K30D
• Nikon D400

It is interesting to notice that Japan is clearly the country where most of the attraction for the Pentax K7D appears.

While I’m here, let’s notice that the author of a book about the Nikon D400, recently apologized on his web site about the use of a non-existent product name (for a non-existent book). It seems this (and the arrival of recent Nikon new products) is the death of a rumour.

The most obvious point was the appearance of an ad for it.

And a German user informed us that the name should be Pentax K7D. This would be good to start what is expected as a significantly new product line in the Pentax SLR cameras.

The proclaimed price tag is €1500.

Two locations on the Internet published notably different (though precise) feature sets:

From PentaxForums.com:

• Square (?) sensor 1.3x crop factor.
• A new, overhauled AF system
• Continuous shooting: 5fps or more
• 1.0x viewfinder
• 720p video with audio
• 1/8000s shutter
• 2.7 or 3.0 inch VGA res screen

From 43rumors.com:

• Same sensor as the K20D
• Sensitivity: Up to 6400 ISO with better noise treatment
• Continuous shooting: 5 images/sec
• 100 % viewfinder
• Better weatherproofing
• Mirror lockup
• Liveview and HD Video
• Better stabilizer.
• Better DRE mode
• 77 zones light metering
• Much better AF system even with non-SDM lenses
• 3 inches/ 920,000 pixels screen with in-body editing (crop, …)
• 1/8000s shutter with 1/250s flash sync

We’ll have to wait until 21 May…

Thanks to Mash and NeutralDay.