eK-gadgets info

Pentax is introducing a new digital SLR today. The new K-7 is a midrange model that replaces the K20D. Its closest competitors are probably the Canon EOS-50D, Nikon D90, Olympus E-30, and the recently announced Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 (more or less). Here are highlights:

Pentax K-7 

• 14.6 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Supports all Pentax K-mount lenses with a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio
• Sensor-shift image stabilization now allows for rotational sensor movement
• Compact, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
  • Camera is 7% smaller than the K20D and up to 25% smaller than other cameras in its class
  • Usable at temperatures as low as 14F (-10C)
• Improved dust reduction system
• 3-inch LCD display with 921,000 pixels
• Supports live view with contrast detect (with or without face detection) and phase difference AF
  • User can make slight adjustments to the composition of a photo in live view mode courtesy of the sensor-shift IS system
• Pentaprism optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.92X magnification
• Full manual controls, with two different RAW formats (PEF, DNG) and Pentax’s unique shutter+aperture and sensitivity priority modes
• 11-point AF system, with dedicated AF-assist lamp
• Continuous shooting at 5.2 frames/second (up to 15 RAW, 40 JPEG)
• Electronic level feature
• In-camera lens distortion and chromatic aberration correction functions
• High Dynamic Range function takes three exposures and combines them into one
• Multiple exposure and interval (time-lapse) options
• Can record HD movies at 1280 x 720, 30 frames/second, with sound, using M-JPEG codec
• Supports external flash via hot shoe, flash sync port, or wireless
• Stereo microphone input; HDMI port
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• Uses D-LI90 lithium-ion battery; 740 shots per charge
  • Optional battery grip ($230) supports two D-LI90 or six AA batteries
• Ships in July for $1299.95, body only

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