• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1.5 inch 261.8mm2
  • 14.3 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-7 advantages over Canon G1X

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.07 vs 4.30 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 740 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.70 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.2 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    20 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon G1X advantages over Pentax K-7

  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $1300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Higher effective ISO
    644 vs 536 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    543g vs 758g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • Large-sensor image quality. Sharp lens with useful zoom range. Tilt/swivel LCD. Twin dials. Smaller than competing interchangeable-lens cameras with a similar lens. Lots of photographer-friendly features.

  • Not as small as you might hope. Mediocre burst shooting and autofocus speed. Far too easy to accidentally change exposure compensation. Viewfinder is of surprisingly little use. Battery life could be better.

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Pentax K-7
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Canon G1X
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon T2i

Pentax K-7
Canon T2i
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Canon G1X
Canon T2i
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony A55

Pentax K-7
Sony A55
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon G1X
Sony A55
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Pentax K-7
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
Canon G1X
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon G1X Mark III

Pentax K-7
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon G1X
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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