dSLR Dad

Digital Photography Review has published their gargantuan 33-page review of the 15-megapixel Pentax K-7 dSLR Camera:

Our in-depth review of the Pentax K-7. When it arrived in May we were impressed by the way the K-7 managed to squeeze all the features of its predecessor and a handful of new tricks into such a compact package. It still has a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor but gains a new metering system, revised autofocus, a faster shutter mechanism, a high resolution LCD, faster continuous shooting and the ability to shoot HD movies. And, as that svelte little magnesium alloy body has been passed around the office, it’s continued to leave a good impression. So, how did it fare in our studio tests?

As usual, they have released another gargantuan 33-page review. You can read the entire Pentax K-7 review at dPreview. You can find more dSLR Dad article on the Pentax K-7 here.

A note for Pentaxian dSLR Dads: There is now a $100 instant rebate available on the Pentax K-7 from retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo.

Pentax has released a firmware update for the K-7. According to Pentax, this firmware update, Version 1.01,incorporates the following fixes:

• Added [Operate at AF point “SEL”] on [Custom] menu and it can be selected either [1 Calling Function Preference] or [2 Select AF point Preference].
  When selected [2 Select AF point Preference] and AF point switching dial is set at [SEL], selection of AF point can be operated priority by the four-way controller.
  How to operate additional function, Click Here.
• Improved stability for general performance
  For example: when left- end focus point is selected, function of auto focus may rarely become unstable in particular shooting condition.

You can download firmware version 1.01 from Pentax here.

Digital Photography Review has spent some special hands on alone time with the new 15-megapixel Pentax K-7 dSLR Camera. As a replacement for the K20D, the K-7 adds 720p HD video recording, a 77 segment exposure meter, a faster 5.2 frame-per-second continuous capture and a 920,000 pixel 3-inch LCD screen. Their hands on preview begins as follows:

Pentax is a name that will evoke fond memories for many photographers whose first SLR experience would have been with a Spotmatic, KM, K1000 or ME Super. Although the company’s market position isn’t as well entrenched as it was during the halcyon days of 35mm film, it continues to attract a devoted following of enthusiasts. And that following isn’t just based on nostalgia – Pentax is alone in having developed a comprehensive range of prime lenses for the APS-C format that dominates modern DSLR photography, while most of its competitors concentrate on offering a selection of zooms.

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I wrote about Popular Photography Magazine’s comparison of the top five affordable dSLR Cameras last fall after the Photokina 2008 trade show. Their article evaluated each camera on the merits of image Quality, Ease of Use, Control, and System Flexibility.  What’s interesting now, after the PMA 2009 Trade Show has concluded, all but one of these cameras (the Olympus Evolt E-520) are still the top affordable dSLRs from each manufacturer. Actually, since the Olympus Evolt E-620 will cost $100 more than the most expensive dSLR in this roundup once it is released, maybe they should just re-publish the entire article for the May 2009 issue?  The contestants are (in alphabetical order):

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Vote For Your Choice

It’s that time of year again. Time to push out one year and bring in another. And on this, the last day of 2008, I offer up the nominees for dSLR Dad Camera of the Year 2008 (listed in chronological order): (more…)