Pentax has launched a new top of the range camera, the K-7. The photography press calls it a flagship model, but it is a title that will be short lived, as the Pentax 645 digital is due to be released next year.

It is an impressive camera, that will probably beat similar priced Nikon and Canon cameras in most respects. The K-7 is not however a full frame camera as some Pentaxians had hoped, but the Pentax 645 should fill the niche of Pentax photographers who want more than an APS sized sensor. 

Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera

The K-7 also joins the ranks of digital SLRs that can record high definition video. Like other SLRs I believe you will have to manual focus while shooting video, but it should allow you to film with a shallow depth of field much like you see in movies, something that is difficult to do with regular consumer video cameras.

The price quoted in the British Journal of Photography was 1200 pounds. On the Yodobashi.com  website the price is 129,000 yen (you can also get 10% store credit), which is about 863 pounds. The K-7 is also available for pre-order on Amazon.com for $1299.95

If you are looking for a high quality digital SLR and don’t already have an array of Canon or Nikon lenses, then the Penax K-7 looks likes a real contender.