Pentax K-7 DSLR Features HD Video, In-Camera HDR Imaging

Pentax looks to be making a major leap forward with its K-7 DSLR, offering high-definition video capture, in-camera high-dynamic range imagine, and much, much more.

Pentax has finally taken the wraps of its Pentax K-7 DSLR camera, which looks to be a leap forward for Pentax’s DSLR family and a serious competitor to the likes of the Canon EOS 50D and the Nikon D300. The K-7 offers a 14.6 megapixel resolution, a 3-inch live preview LCD display, image stabilization, and a high-dynamic range image mode that captures three images then combines them in-camera to widen the overall exposure gamut. What’s more, the K-7 shoots video at 1,280 by 720, 1,536 by 1024, or 640 by 416, all at 30 frames per second…and it does it all with a camera body that’s downright tiny compared to most other DSLRs in its class.

"The K-7 will appeal to many current Pentax SLR photographers who have been asking for more advanced features, but in a smaller, solid, comfortable-to-hold body," said Pentax Imaging Company president Ned Bunnell, in a statement. "We also believe the combination of the K-7’s smaller, high quality construction coupled with the growing line-up of our Limited compact prime lenses will appeal to serious shooters who currently don’t own or previously hadn’t considered adding a Pentax to their camera bag."

The K-7 can shoot 5.2 images per second and features an HDMI output for pushing video and images to big screens, along with a 77-segment metering system to help photographers adjust exposure, an in-camera lens correction function to adjust for distortion and color aberrations. Unique to the K-7 is a "composition adjustment" feature that lets the photographer shift the composition a bit using the camera’s shake reduction feature—imagine using a tripod and being able to reframe a picture without moving the camera. The K-7 is also designed to be weather, cold, and dust-resistant, offers a wide range of advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and custom image modes.

The K-7 will be available in a body-only configuration in July for a suggested retail price of $1,299.95; Pentax will also e offering weather-resistant lenses for $199.96 and $249.95 when the camera is available.