The latest Pentax K-7 firmware v1.10 adds the ability to edit movies in-camera through the playback mode palette, with the ability to specify up to four points at which to split the video, then to determine which of the sections should be saved as a new file, and which should be discarded. (More complex edits can be achieved by using the feature several times in a row.) An addendum to the K7 user manual describes this new feature in more detail.

Pentax K7 v1.10 also adds an electronic level mode on the camera's 3.0-inch, 921,000 dot LCD display similar to that from the Pentax 645D, although with only single-axis leveling capability, since the K-7's orientation sensor isn't dual-axis like that of its medium-format sibling. We don't currently have a screenshot of the new display, but it's the 645D version is shown towards the end of this Japanese-language page on Pentax's website. The new K7 display is identical with the exception of the vertical level bar at right of the screenshot.

In addition, the K-7's viewfinder display information has been adjusted so that it is now possible to use the electronic level function without obscuring the exposure meter in Manual or Flash Sync exposure modes, which would ordinarily share the same portion of the display. When the electronic level function is enabled, the Manual or Flash Sync modes' exposure meter display is replaced by a numeric readout towards the right of the viewfinder display, allowing use of both features together for the first time.

Also inherited from the 645D is a new image mode found in the K7 v1.10 firmware. This new custom image mode aims to recreate the high-contrast visual feel of reversal film, and the recently updated release of Pentax's Silkypix-based Digital Camera Utility v4.21 likewise adds support for this feature.

Two changes have been made to live view autofocusing in the K-7 v1.10 update. It is now possible to perform live view autofocus operations by half-pressing the shutter button, and speed of the contrast detection autofocus operation has been quite noticeably improved.

The new firmware update also includes all changes made in previous releases of firmware. More details, and the update itself for both Windows and Macintosh computers, can be found on the Pentax K7 firmware download page.

Announced in May 2009, the Pentax K7 digital SLR includes a 14.6 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, compact and rugged magnesium alloy weather-sealed body, high-res 3.0" LCD with live view function, 100% pentaprism viewfinder, 11-point AF, 77-segment metering, and both in-camera shake reduction and dust reduction. It also offers a 5.2 frames-per-second burst mode, 1/8000 second top shutter speed, electronic level and composition adjustment functions, in-camera HDR capability, and a high-definition movie mode with external microphone jack. The Pentax K-7 began shipping from July 2009, with an initial body-only retail price of US$1,300. Current street pricing is around US$1,100. More details can be found in our Pentax K7 preview.

The Pentax K-7 digital SLR, shown with optional D-BG4 battery grip and smc PENTAX DA 17-70mm F4 AL (IF) SDM lens attached. Photo provided by Pentax Imaging Co.