K-7: Changing The 11 Focusing Area Point Positions

There was some concern when the K-7 was first announced that quickly changing the autofocus point (11-points, 9 cross) would be a hassle because the new control pad on the back of the camera was tied to functions in the new menu system (flash, WB, etc.). As it was demonstrated to me, I saw no problem, and Pentax was good enough to show people in their demos around the country that there was nothing to be up in arms about. The solution was easy once you knew the formula.

Now that the camera is in customer's hands and the documentation is online, it's time to put this grousing about AF points to bed. How easy is it to change the position in reality?

Well, according to the K-7 manual (now located at Pentaximaging.com), it's simple enough with one extra button press (see below). Hitting the center "OK" button puts the 11 AF Focus Points on alert to change to your desired location in the viewfinder. At which point, the directional keys in the control pad move the selected AF point. The only things that will break your ability to use the directional keys for the AF point is if you 1) Turn the camera off 2) Turn the mode dial 3) Turn the AF mode dial 4) Press OK, play, menu, info, or the Live View button.


So, the issue of adding the extra step of pressing the OK button is going to confound some people, but it's hardly as if this is a hidden, arcane arrangement. At some point in the future, Pentax may decide to release a firmware update that allows the user to set which is default for the "arrow" keys before you press the OK button: functions or AF points. But for now, just think "OK, direction" and you may find it's easier than you thought.

Imaging-Resource's Comparometer™ And The Pentax K-7

Although I wasn't bowled over by their K-7 Preview (which did appreciate the camera, mind you, just not in the most reasoned explanations), I'm more appreciative of these K-7 chart test results from Imaging-Resource.com and how they reveal the K-7's potential detail bonanza with a lens like the DA 70mm lens. Personally, I'm ignoring the poster test they do of the house (below left). I like the line tests and ISO tests best. What you'll see at their site is a set-up where you can compare the chart resolution tests of the K-7's DNG and JPG files versus images tests from other cameras like the Canon 50D. How does the K-7 fair? Better than I would have guessed just a month ago. The K-7 actually holds it's own very well against Nikon's mid-range and semi-pro lines when you're using low ISOs, and fairs pretty well 1600 and higher. This is a real contender.

ISO 6400 test with the Pentax K-7, original JPG here.

To see the comparisons for yourself at Imaging-Resource, visit their Comparometer™.

K-7 Now Arriving in the U.S. with Bounce Back Card

Thanks to the astute people at Pentax Forums, Pentax USA president Ned Bunnell has been prompted confirmed that the Pentax K-7 is now in the U.S. and arriving at retailers to fulfill the first pre-orders. There's a little discount treat to be found inside, too. The "Bounce Back Card." Says Ned on his blog:

"Since shipments to the US have begun, I thought this would be a good opportunity to point out that your K-7 package will come with a "valued PENTAX customer" thank you card. Similar to the program we tested with the K2000, every K-7 package has what's called a bounce back card. As a thank you for purchasing the K-7 the card entitles you to savings if you purchase other PENTAX accessories. (Note: if you click on the above photo of the card, you'll be able to view a larger image and confirm which lenses, flashes and binoculars are included in this offer)."

Ned has also had many great posts about the K-7 that I hope you haven't missed in the last month's lead-up to release:

• Pentax K-7 Operating Manual
• DA 18-55mm WR Lens (Kit Lens)
• D-BG4 Battery Grip
• Popular Photography First Look: K-7
• K-7's First Award
• K-7 Custom Image Presets
• K-7 HDR Capture Mode
• First Takes: K-7 Video
• K-7 Movie "Sound" Primer
• K-7 Brochure Copy

Pentax K-7: Hands-On Preview

Note: This is just one of the many introductory reviews you can read about the K-7, with others notably by Yvon Bourque, Mark Dimalanta, Dan Havlik, Mat Gallagher (with video), Jack Howard of Adorama, Mike Johnston, and the mighty DPReview. I'd like to thank Michelle and Chris of Pentax USA for going out of their way this spring to let us all get a good look at this exciting new camera, and I sincerely hope internet readers everywhere appreciate the variety of good writing they can find about the K-7 thanks to their hard work.

About three weeks ago, at the end of April, I met up with Pentax USA's PR Manager Michelle Martin and Product Manager Chris Pound in Manhattan. Looking for a space where we could have some privacy, I suggested we leave Starbucks and head over to a nearly deserted local bakery with plenty of empty tables that I had just passed by (the sign said Japanese Bakery, but it was decidedly Chinese). We took a table in the corner and for the next hour Chris and I went over the latest DSLR camera from Pentax, the new flagship model slated to replace the K20D for summer 2009: the Pentax K-7 ($1299 MSRP, shipping in late July).

"We think this will really appeal to K10D or *ist users, classic users, advanced amateurs or budget pros" Chris said. And with that he handed over his K-7, fitted with a DA Limited 15mm pancake lens. Admittedly, I got giddy from that point on.

What surprised me at first about the K-7 was what a lot of people will notice right away. For a flagship advanced "prosumer" camera along the lines of the Canon EOS 50D, the K-7 is decidedly small (about 24% smaller than the 50D). It's not as small as the K-m (K2000), but it has obviously inherited some of that micronizing know-how. Both Chris and I were able to handle it gingerly, because the smaller magnesium alloy body was very strong but light. The ergonomics are still the best in the industry, but with the button pattern having evolved, I dare say they've made a good thing better. The review and trash buttons now reside in the top left over the 3" LCD, and the menu array buttons have adopted the style familiar to K-m users (complete with the Fn button working as in the K-m's methodology), with the special addition of a new Live View button. The top mode dial is "locking," which is to say that now you have to depress a center button to release the dial to change modes. The exposure compensation button (and new ISO button!) have moved to the top of the camera, above the top LCD. In short, there's less confusion for your fingers to make.

With this demonstration, the pancake lens really lightened the weight considerably, and showed off the compact size and the K-7's slightly more "boxy contours," which look impressive up close. The casing design seems inspired by mixing the smooth and rounded corners of the K20D with the retro appeal of older SLRs of the past, like the LX. Don't let it escape your attention: the externalized camera strap latches are an intentional return to the old school style, replete with triangle clips. However, this isn't your Dad's Pentax. It's completely weather sealed (every single port and button has been overhauled) and boasts a Pentax first: durable in the cold to 14°F (-10°C). The weather resistant sealing has even been extended to the kit lenses, the DA WR 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses (with new grip surfaces), which will retail for $199 and $249 respectively.

New Sensor

Importantly, the K-7 has a completely redesigned 14.6MP CMOS sensor (23.4mm x 15.6mm) and PRIME II processing engine. This affects so many different areas, it's easy to see why Pentax is so pleased with the result, even though there really isn't a big boost in megapixels over the K20D. Chris explained to me that the agenda by Pentax's design team was to increase memory bandwidth potential (now capable of writing 1GB/sec) and the efficiency of the 4 color channels so that highly detailed and color accurate images get processed more quickly. Case in point? The camera can now comfortably write 5.6FPS in RAW mode. However, there were other significant benefits: the White Balance now uses native color sensing for increased accuracy in Auto WB mode (indoor WB and mixed light colors aren't the problem they used to be), and there's less sensor noise (the new sensor limits "electron creep" because its tiny switch gates aren't as grossly affected by leaks as the older sensors). While the engineering sample we looked at wasn't a final shipping model, it was obvious that at ISO 1600 there was much less visible noise than on the K20D. Expanded ISO range on the K-7 can go up to 6400.

The strength of the new sensor really shines in how Pentax has implemented sensor integration with the camera's operating system, heralding new tricks for Shake Reduction, Live View, Raw Developing, and HD video with incredible sophistication. The camera's GUI interface now resembles the K-m's (what I call the "Hyper" menu—and with the new gyro sensor, it even goes vertical when you rotate the camera), but that doesn't mean you get anything over-simplified. It's a setting tweaker's paradise.

Better SR and Manual Compensation

Shake Reduction now handles rotational compensation, which is a very welcome addition (for when you accidentally tilt the camera on a horizontal axis). But you can now control the sensor's placement within the SR mechanism for what Pentax calls "Compensation Adjustment." Essentially, by using the 4-direction menu buttons, you can slide the sensor in any direction on its plane so that you are changing the field of view. For example, imagine you have your camera set up on a tripod and, for whatever reason, the camera must stay put. Then, just outside the frame is something you wish was inside the frame. You can't move the camera: but you can move the sensor. It's like changing the cropping of a picture that had a wider focal length—mechanically, not digitally. Something like this is where Live View really shines. You can't see the adjustment through the viewfinder, because this is the sensor we're moving. You watch your new frame adjustment taking place on the screen.

Better Live View and HD Video

Speaking of Live View, even though the Pentaprism viewfinder (100% field of view) is gorgeously bright (and you'll soon be able to order a new replacement screen that has no markings at all), Live View is now behaving more like what we expected the first time around. You can now make all your exposure adjustments with a vivid 3"screen representation, instead of just an animated Depth of Field Preview (per the K20D's implementation). And this extends to enabling HD video. Finally. With inboard HDMI and microphone connections (eat that, Rebel Ti), the K-7 has moved into competitive territory with some of Nikon and Canon's best cameras. But the K-7's sensor actually exceeds 720p and allows for a top end 1536 x 1024 pixels at 30fps (sorry, no 60 fps yet).

Using HDR Capture

And how's this for a new trick? Not only is there 77 segment metering (which is very competitive for this market segment) but now there's HDR capture. Okay, I wouldn't say that this is the same as what you'll find on the Ricoh CX1, but it's a fun gimmick. By enabling this mode, you can take 3 pictures and merge them into one for an extended dynamic range (exported as a JPG). Chris and I played at this one for a while. It works best with a tripod, which we didn't have on hand, so we hand held a shot as carefully as we could (with SR on). You can choose between a standard or strong setting, although the exposure +/- differentiation isn't made clear (standard looks about -3, 0 and + 3). You can't take 3 pictures in a burst, so you have to press the shutter release 3 separate times (the mirror is locked up during this time). What follows is a screen black-out while the camera processes all three shots together. If they don't align properly, the results will look blurry, but when everything is in line it works really well, if a bit strong for my tastes (the over-baked look was definitely happening). Shadows are lightened with detail and blown out areas get filled in. Is this going to replace bracketing and Photoshop? No, but it will be fun to play with.

Additional new settings include electronic level detection and the ability to correct for chromatic aberrations and lens distortion for JPG post-processing in camera (though the last 2 are designed specifically to work with Pentax "A" lenses that the K-7 can recognize and match with its internal registry of data, and FYI the DA 10-17mm will always have distortion because it was designed that way as a fish-eye). Yep, they work. As does the new metadata setting that lets you stamp a personalized copyright from within the camera. Also of note: the new dust filter system with "piezo-ceramic" vibrations should be effective, but you can't tell from just one short sitting. At any rate, no more sensor shake at start up to dislodge particles.

Fast Focusing

And last but not least, I'm happy to say that to my satisfaction the new SAFOX VIII Plus auto focusing system is now more accurate and speedy, especially indoors and with artificial light. And yes, the Face Detection feature works just as you've come to expect it on point-and-shoots. While some people might be balking that the KAF2 lens mount is making life difficult with non-A K-mount lenses (to me, it's a non-issue: I don't expect auto functions from 30 year-old lenses, I'm just happy they still work), users should be impressed with the overall increased AF speed, which is more responsive to color and temperature variations thanks to the new sensor, by taking the best of the 4 colors to find the strongest contrast. Aiming around the bakery, everything snapped into focus quickly. At one point, Michelle, Chris, and I looked for a way to initiate the new AF Assist light (on the front left of the camera), which shines bright and green in low light. With 1/8000 shutter speed, the camera does fast and bright easily, but how would it do in the dark? The bakery was too light, so we had to point the camera under the table and at a black bag. And then there was projected green light beaming from the camera. It doesn't overlay a grid, like some AF Assist flashes do, but it is a great improvement over requiring the pop-up flash to pulse, as in previous models. And while it wasn't a deal breaker, autofocus (with assist or without) would not work in movie mode (manual only).

While it wasn't on hand for me to see, Chris said that the new BG-4 grip was entirely new, just like the new K-7 battery. They will not be backwards compatible with older models. But you gain a lot of extra life (up to 900 shots), and the ability to use 6 AA batteries with the grip (via a special tray). The camera can auto-detect whether you're using Lithium, NiMH, or Alkaline (or you can tell it yourself via the menu) to optimize battery performance.

Conclusion

After an hour, I was surprised the time passed so quickly. Chris and Michelle were excellent hosts. I found the K-7 to be delightful to use (and quiet!) and I only wish that I had the chance to post-examine the pictures we were taking. However, this was an engineering sample, so I expect that Pentax was still looking to make improvements on overall image quality before it ships at the end of July. I'm not going to judge it unfairly until Pentax has deemed it ready for the real world. And then I'll be looking forward to getting my hands on one. In many respects, last year's K20D is still a wonderful camera, and at half the price of the K-7, it represents a fantastic deal until its sold out. But the K-7 represents the eagerness Pentax has to compete with all the new features their competitors are bringing to the field. I'm anxious to try it out and push some of my own personal boundaries. So if you've got the itch to drop more than $1000, start saving up, because this camera is on its way.

Pentax K-7: The Best of the New Features and Facts

My favorite line from the Pentax K-7 literature is this self-deprecating phrase: "Despite all these features, the K-7 is one of the most compact and functional photo enthusiast level models in the market." As if Einstein had to apologize for not having a giant, bulbous head.

The following list is a nearly straight regurgitation from Pentax's literature regarding the K-7's features, but I divided it up into two sections, New/Greatly Improved and Inherited/Slightly Improved, and then I integrated some of Pentax's extra notes on the features where appropriate. I also emphasized the parts that deserve some notice with bold lettering. This should make it much easier to follow. And as you can see, the new features really do tally significantly for comparison to the older K20D and other camera models.

New/Greatly Improved Features of the Pentax K-7 DSLR (over previous Pentax DSLRs)

• A compact, magnesium alloy body that is one of the smallest in the advanced photo enthusiast category to reduce bulk and allow users to travel light while maintaining durability and build quality (seven percent smaller than the K20D and up to 25 percent smaller than other cameras in the same class).

  The K-7 is built exceptionally solid and durable with a chassis made of a highly rigid stainless-steel alloy and a housing made of a durable but lightweight magnesium-steel alloy. Construction includes 77 seals for weather, dust and cold-resistance for reliable operation even under harsh conditions and at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The camera also features a newly designed shutter unit providing a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and the outstanding durability to withstand 100,000 shutter releases. Despite all these features, the K-7 is one of the most compact and functional photo enthusiast level models in the market.

• A new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up to minimize noise, adds four channel output for fast image capture, and the ability to capture HD quality movies. It is the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing very large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility.

  The K-7 incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.4mm by 15.6mm and featuring a high-speed, four-channel image data readout. With approximately 14.6 effective megapixels, this image sensor more accurately produces fine-detailed, gradation-rich images. With the adverse effects of digital noise significantly reduced, the sensitivity may be increased from ISO 100 up to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).

• A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure for even the most complex and dynamic lighting situations.
• HD Movie capture features adjustable quality and resolution settings, aperture control, as well as mechanical Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound. The K-7 will capture video at the default standard of 1280x720 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio (equivalent to 720p), 1536x1024 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio, or 640x416 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio (equivalent to VGA quality), all shot at 30 frames per second.
• An HDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on modern high definition TV’s.
• An Electronic Level function ensures that images have truly level horizons to minimize post-capture editing.
• An innovative in-camera Lens Correction function that electronically adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations to maximize image quality with DA series lenses.
• A dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures.
• A High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture mode captures three images then combines them in camera to widen the exposure gamut to bring out detail in all exposure areas of images.
• A composition adjustment feature in Live View allows minor shifts in the framing and composition of images using the Shake Reduction mechanism without having to physically move the camera. This feature is ideal for tripod use.
• A programmable embedded copyright function preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during capture via a keypad that may record ownership in metatag data.
• A Dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions.
• A striking 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review using the Live View function.

  The 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.

• A weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C) body makes the K-7 the perfect camera for use in any environment, inside the studio or when travelling in any weather. (as mentioned previously with the new body alloy).
• Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with a new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and 4 channel output that is ideal for sporting events or any fast action situation.

  The K-7 features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II, an upgrade of the original PRIME, as its imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers faster data-processing speed for higher quality images with richer gradation and more accurate color rendition. The system also offers high-speed movie data transmission.

• A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well lit settings.
• Live View mode, now with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having your eye against the viewfinder.

  The K-7 features the Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor during shooting. This function is available 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. A newly developed diaphragm-control mechanism allows the Live View function be used during Continuous Shooting mode with the mirror at lock-up position.

• A 100 percent field-of-view viewfinder (92X magnification) and bright focusing screen are ideal for accurate image composition and accurate focus.

  A new Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen improves focusing accuracy during manual-focus operation.

• The PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous generation K series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF.

  The K-7’s new SAFOX VIII Plus wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). By adding the light source type to its data range, and driven by a greatly improved algorithm, PENTAX improved the AF system assuring reliable, responsive autofocus operation superior in speed and accuracy to the previous system. The K-7 also incorporates an AF-assist spotbeam projector in its built-in flash unit to improve autofocusing accuracy in the dark.

• The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture.

  The mechanism also provides user-friendly new functions such as Automatic Level Adjustment and Minute Angle Adjustment (up/down, right/left and clockwise/counterclockwise) to help photographers compose images exactly to their specifications.
  * Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, K_A-, K_AF-, K_AF2- and K_AF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

• The K-7’s Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor’s low-pass filter for dust-fee image capture.

  The K-7 is equipped with a newly developed Dust Removal (DR II) mechanism to more effectively remove dust and minimize spots on recorded images even after changing lenses in dust-prone outdoor settings. Using a piezo-ceramic vibration action, the system shifts or vibrates the low-pass filter located in front of the CMOS image sensor at supersonic speed to remove dust more efficiently. A unique dust-alert system also allows users to check for dust adhering to the low-pass filter prior to actual shooting.

• A new high capacity battery features extended battery life, ideal for travel photography or video work.

  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.

Inherited/Slightly Improved: Similar Advanced Features to the K20 (Previous Generation)

• Advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation.
• Custom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment allow users to customize the processing mode to suit personal creative style.

  The K-7’s Custom Image function lets the user control the image’s finishing touch to capture their photographic intention, or reproduce the ambience of the scene. With the K-7, the user can select one of seven modes, including the new “Muted” mode designed to recreate an image with delicate, subdued colors. In addition to saturation, tone, contrast and sharpness, the function now makes it possible to adjust “key” and “contrast highlight/shadow” to the desired levels. The effects of these factors may be effortlessly confirmed on a preview image using the Digital Preview or Live View function before finalizing the settings.

• Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels.
• Advanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures in even the most difficult lighting.

  Featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the color components of sunset scenes and a new incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode.

• Dynamic Range setting with adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows for even the highest-contrast, dynamic lighting.
• Dedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hot shoe adapters.
• Advanced capture options include multi-exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography.

Pentax K-7: The Complete Specs

For posterity, let's remember that in April and May of 2009 these specifications were under considerable speculation and were at one point leaked amid controversy. But now, here they are, all quiet and docile, legitimately reproduced for your viewing pleasure.

MODEL: K-7

TYPE: Digital SLR

PRODUCT CODE:
Body Kit: 17811, UPC: 027075155145

Retails July, 2009 for $1299.99 (US MSRP)

IMAGE STABILIZATION

• Type: Sensor-shift Shake Reduction with rotational compensation (4 stops max)
• Electronic level function: Yes, verification via viewfinder and top LCD panel

METERING SYSTEM

• Type: TTL open-aperture 77 segment metering
• Sensitivity range: EV 0 to 22 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
• Multi-segment: Yes, 77 segments
• Center weighted: Yes
• Spot: Yes
• Exposure compensation: +/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
• Exposure lock: Yes
• Exposure bracketing: Yes, 3 or 5 frames, up to +/- 2 EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps)

ISO SENSITIVITY

• Auto: ISO 100-3200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range available to ISO 6400, auto ISO range selectable
• Manual: ISO 100-3200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range available to ISO 6400

WHITE BALANCE*

* WB fine adjustment available in all modes

• Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE
• Manual mode(s): Yes, manual and 3 color temperature selections available

SHUTTER

• Type: Electronically controlled, vertical run, focal plane shutter
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec, bulb

CAPTURE MODES

• Mode selection: Green, Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv), Metered Manual, Bulb, X-Speed, USER, Movie
• Green simplified mode available: Yes
• P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv)
• Date stamp: n/a
• Digital filters (capture): Custom Image Function includes Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, and Muted modes, each with gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustment for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia warm/cool), high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Other capture filters include Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Extract Color, Soft Focus, Starburst, Fisheye, Custom Filter.
• Data record: Folder name (standard, date), file name (standard, customizable), embed copyright

DRIVE MODES

• Mode selection: Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s, continuous), Bracketing (standard, timer, remote), Mirror Lockup (standard, remote), HDR Capture, Multi-Exposure, Interval
• Continuous FPS: - 5.2 FPS (40 JPG Continuous Hi, 15 RAW PEF, 14 RAW DNG); 3.3 FPS (unlimited JPG Continuous Lo, 17 RAW PEF/DNG)
• Self-timer: Yes (12s, 2s)
• Remote control: Yes, infrared (0s, 3s, continuous) and cable switch

PLAYBACK MODES

• Mode selection: One Shot (no data, basic data, full data, color channel histogram), Multi Image Display (4, 9, 16, 32, 81 thumbnails), Calendar Filmstrip, Folder, Magnification, Select & Delete, Movie Playback (no data, basic data, full data)
• Mode pallet: Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Slideshow, Save as Manual WB, RAW Development, Index Print, Image Comparison, Protect, DPOF
• Magnification: Up to 32X, scrollable
• Digital filters (playback): Toy Camera, Monochrome (filter effects, toning), Retro, Color (6), High Contrast, Soft Focus, Extract Color (6), Starburst, Water Color, Fisheye, Pastel, Slim, Miniature, HDR, Base Parameter Adj, Custom Filter

FILE FORMATS

• Still: RAW (PEF, DNG), JPG (Exif 2.21), DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, Print Image Matching III
• Movie (compression): AVI (Motion JPG)

CUSTOM FUNCTIONS

• Functions available: 37

COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS*

*For device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary.

• Windows: Windows XP/Vista, USB 2.0 port
• Mac: MacOS-X 10.3-10.5, USB 2.0 port

SENSOR

• Type: CMOS with primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system
• Size: 23.4 x 15.6mm
• Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 12 bits/channel RAW
• Effective pixels: 14.6 MP
• Total pixels: 15.07 MP
• Recorded resolutions
• Still: 14M 4672x3104, 10M 3936x2624, 6M 3072x2048, 2M 1728x1152
• Movie (resolution/FPS): 1280x720p30, 1536x1024p30, 640x416p30
• Quality levels: **** Premium, *** Best, ** Better, * Good
• Dust Removal: Supersonic vibration to low pass filter

LENS MOUNT

• Type/construction: PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
• Usable lenses: PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w/ adapter and/or restrictions)
• SDM function: Yes
• Power zoom function: Yes

FOCUS SYSTEM

• Type: TTL phase-difference 11 point (9 cross) wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII+)
• Focus modes: AF Single (w/ focus lock), AF Continuous, Manual
• Focus point adjustment: Auto, user-selectable, center
• AF assist: Yes, via dedicated AF assist lamp with SAFOX VIII+ system

VIEWFINDER

• Type: Pentaprism
• Coverage (field of view): 100%
• Magnification: 0.92X (w/ 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
• Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte III
• Diopter adjustment: -2.5 to 1.5
• Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop down), Digital

LCD MONITOR

• Type: 3.0” TFT IPS (In Plane Switching) color LCD with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating
• Resolution: 921,000 dots
• Wide angle viewable: Yes

LIVE VIEW

• Type: TTL by CMOS image sensor
• Field Of View: 100%
• Display Modes: Magnification (2-6X AF, 2-10X MF), grid pattern overlay
• Autofocus: Yes, contrast w/ face detection, contrast, phase difference

BUILT-IN FLASH

• Type: Retractable P-TTL popup flash
• Guide number: 13 (100/m)
• Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equivalent to 35mm)
• Flash modes: On, redeye, slow sync, slow sync + redeye, trailing curtain sync, wireless
• Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV in 1/2 steps

EXTERNAL FLASH

• Type: Hotshoe (P-TTL, high speed sync available), wireless with PENTAX dedicated flash, X-sync socket
• Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec

STORAGE MEDIA

• Internal memory: n/a
• Removable memory: SD, SDHC

INTERFACES

• Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out, DC in, cable switch, 3.5mm stereo microphone
• Video out: HD (1080i30, 720p30, 480p30), NTSC, PAL
• Printer interfaces: n/a

POWER SUPPLY

• Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG4 Battery Grip (optional) for second D-LI90 battery or 6X AA batteries
• Recordable images: Approx 980 (approx 740 w/ 50% flash, CIPA)
• Playback time: Approx 440 min
• AC adapter available: Yes (optional)

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Body dimensions (W x H x D): 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9”
• Body weight: Without battery or removable memory: 22.9 oz; Loaded and ready: 26.5 oz
• Construction material(s): Magnesium alloy shell over stainless steel chassis
• Operating temperature: 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C)

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

• English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional/Simplified Chinese, Japanese

On Waiting Until The 20th

Over the last few weeks, websites (both with and without Pentax NDA agreements) have been speculating, dishing gossip, and spreading information about a certain upcoming camera model to be formally announced on May 20th. It's gone beyond little hints and teases for one site in particular, which has actually been begging for people to leak new information and do dirty work. This weekend, it exploded. Forums and now big sites have been eating up what may well be ill-gotten pictures and specs pushed through this venue (btw: a photoshop filter does not mean it's a proper "sketch"). Web traffic is spiking for these people. It's great to see so many readers interested in a new camera, but at the same time I've never been so annoyed with people making hay from gossip. Part of me feels that it's supporting something I think is unfair: leaking proprietary information.

It wouldn't break my NDA to repeat the all rumors and pictures, but at the same time, without some restraint, I'd be capitalizing (however small that might be) unfairly and contrarily to my friendly relationship with Pentax. Sure, Pentax is getting a lot of free press right now, but that doesn't mean every website has to jump on the advanced leak bandwagon.

I'm just going to give you my 2 cents on why I'm waiting until the 20th to talk more about this camera.

1st penny: I sat down with Pentax and chatted with them for a solid hour about this new camera, and so I respect that they took the time to reach out to me and give me an opportunity to get hands on with their new model. It's definitely worth the wait to respect their timetable and write a good article. I mean, really, really, really, worth the wait.

2nd penny: I'm not a big fan of piracy. Corporations spend a lot of money and employees put a lot of work into coordinating the release of a new product. You may not see the negative causality of a leak, but it's there, and it saddens me our society is becoming more permissive with media theft, encouraging the problem. It's frustrating. I'm not going to fault anyone for enjoying the ramp up to the release and all the good attention the rumors have created, but it hasn't been the best possible scenario.

3rd (bonus) penny: Ned Bunnell drew my attention to this Pentax + Beatles photo on May 2nd. And despite what Ned said, I think that old Pentax does have a design feature of the new camera, which a lot of people guessed correctly. That's the sort of rumor teasing that I love.

Keir Dullea Anecdote: Kubrick Paused Set to Look At New Pentax Camera

I found this quote below today and I thought it was fun to read that director Stanley Kubrick could be just as geeky about new Pentax cameras as most of us. Most people know Kubrick for his films like Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining (and many others), but he got his start as a photojournalist. Later, when filming Barry Lyndon, he famously used a Zeiss F0.7 lens to capture a scene lit by candlelight (more on that here and here). The man could be stopped in his tracks to appreciate any exciting new photo gear.

Keir Dullea on filming 2001: A Space Odyssey with Stanley Kubrick: "He had great curiosity. I remember once somebody came in with a Pentax camera. It was a new thing on the market, and [Kubrick] was a photography nut. So when the Pentax camera came on set, we didn’t work for a half an hour. He’d just look at this camera, asking questions about it and trying it out."

From Decider Chicago "2001's Keir Dullea reflects on his star-making role" (photo via 2001 Internet Archive)

DxO Tests:Pentax K-m (K2000)

DxO Labs' DSLR RAW tests are freely available for anyone who wants to look up and then quickly compare the sensor abilities of many of the top-selling cameras. I think their published results actually prove how remarkably similar all the DSLR cameras behave across markers like dynamic range and color depth. Sure, there's latitude, but within given groups, it's not that wide at all. When the latest image quality test results were published for the K-m (K2000 in the U.S.), I thought it would be neat to do a comparison versus the K20D and the Canon 50D, both of which have similar features to the K-m, but obviously more bells and whistles (higher resolution, expanded ISO range, etc.). How did the K-m fair? Not bad at all. Take a look:

The K-m actually matches the Canon 50D in key areas, like dynamic range, and comes out ahead on the sensor aptitude scale. This is for a camera half the price and considerably smaller. Now, some cameras fair better in these tests than others (Nikon's D700 and D3x are shining examples), but what makes the K-m twinkle, too, is that it holds its own against some very advanced models because its sensor system is a proven workhorse, inherited from the K10D. The K-m's only shortcomings are those which the U.K.'s Photography Blog called out already in their review of the K-m last year, when they compared its performance to its predecessor, the K200D:

"The K-m even improves on the more expensive K200D in some areas, notably a faster continuous shooting speed of 3.5 fps, expanded ISO range of 100-3200, and a less cluttered main menu system. Admittedly there are some downgrades, most notably the 5 point AF system which makes it more difficult to track moving subjects, slightly less powerful pop-up flash and the complete lack of any Live View or Digital Preview functionality (the K200D offers the latter).

Given the aggressive price-point, however, the Pentax K-m certainly hits the mark in terms of features, performance and most importantly image quality. The only major difference between the K-m and K200D is that the latter offers better low-light performance, with intrusive amounts of noise appearing at ISO 1600 rather than 800 on the K-m. In all other respects the 10 megapixel images from the cameras are very similar, with very little purple-fringing, accurate colours and a useful built-in flash and Bulb exposure mode, all delivered with the minimum of user input and effort."

Those italics at the end are my emphasis, which brings me back to what I think is the strongest point about the K-m, and one which you can't really test adequately at this point (no fault of DxO's, though): the user interface. The large rear LCD screen accentuates a well-reasoned grid-like menu system that isn't as recursive as you find in other Pentax models. In fact, it's similar to Canon and Nikon entry-level models in that respect, and as such it's very intuitive and allows you to toggle the features you're looking for quickly (I commented on that back when I first tried it out last fall). I'd call it the Hyper-Function menu, if I could. I hope Pentax rolls more of these "special" menu considerations into their higher end cameras, because, quite frankly, menu drilling isn't my favorite activity. It may be that the engineers were thinking about catering to a specific demographic when they made these interface choices (see the Designers' Notes), but the end result is one that I believe benefits any user. It's simple to use, and that's not something to overlook on a camera targeted to new DSLR users.