CameraReview

Pentax K7

Pentax · DSLR · 14.6 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video

Pentax K7

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 51
Video 49
Features 54
Storage & Battery 43
52
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
61
Overall score
22.6
Color depth
10.6
Dynamic range
536
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options

General

BrandPentax
ModelK7
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2009
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
May 20, 2009
Camera typeDSLR
Camera size131 x 97 x 73 mm
Camera weight750 g

Optics

51/100
About the Optics

Pentax K7 Overview and Optics

The Pentax K7 receives an optics score of 51/100. This camera boasts a 14.6-megapixel resolution, a shooting speed of 5.2 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor. The Prime II processor contributes to its performance, and the sensor earns a DXOMARK score of 61. The sensor size is APS-C, and the camera uses a Pentax KAF lens mount. Additionally, the K7 includes image stabilization and has an aspect ratio of 3:2.

Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Pentax K7 falls behind in terms of megapixels and shooting speed. Modern cameras generally offer higher resolutions and faster shooting speeds. However, the K7’s image stabilization and the Prime II processor are still competitive features.

The Pentax K7’s optics score of 51/100 reveals that it is not a leading option in today’s market. While some features remain competitive, others lag behind newer models. The K7 may be suitable for photographers who prioritize image stabilization and processor performance over resolution and shooting speed.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
14.6 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4672 x 3104
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.4
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5.2 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Pentax KAF
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Prime II
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
32003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
64003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
110300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dotsN/A

Video

49/100
About the Video

The Pentax K7 scores 49/100 in the video category. Its maximum video resolution is standard HD, with dimensions of 1536 x 1024 pixels. Moreover, the camera captures videos at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The K7 also includes a built-in time-lapse functionality.

In today’s market, the Pentax K7’s video capabilities seem outdated. Many modern cameras offer higher resolutions, such as 4K and even 8K, and faster frame rates for smoother video playback. Additionally, features like image stabilization and autofocus tracking have become standard in current camera models.

Despite its lower score, the Pentax K7 still provides basic video recording options and time-lapse functionality. However, it falls short when compared to the advanced video capabilities available in today’s competitive camera market.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Standard HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1536 x 1024
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
30 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
Motion JPEG

Features

54/100
About the Features

The Pentax K7 features a score of 54/100 in terms of its specifications. The camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, but lacks modern features such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth.

Considering the current market, the Pentax K7’s specifications fall short when compared to more recent camera models. The absence of a touchscreen and flip screen limits its ease of use and versatility, while the lack of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth hinders its connectivity capabilities.

The Pentax K7 has decent features for its time, but it struggles to compete with the advanced technology found in today’s cameras. It is essential to consider these specifications when deciding on a camera to ensure it meets the required standards and functionality.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9210001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No

Storage & Battery

43/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Pentax K7 storage and battery score is 43/100. The camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and MMC cards. This single slot may not be sufficient for many photographers, as dual slots are common in today’s market. The battery life of the Pentax K7 is impressive, offering 980 shots per charge. The camera uses a D-LI90 battery type, which is reliable but lacks USB charging capability.

Considering the camera’s storage and battery specifications, the Pentax K7 falls short in some aspects compared to modern cameras. However, its battery life still remains a strong point, allowing for extended shooting sessions.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / MMC
Dual memory card slotsNo
Battery typeD-LI90
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
980 shots1505000
USB chargingNo