• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Pentax K-7 advantages over Nikon J2

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.07 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    536 vs 363 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.6 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    20 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon J2 advantages over Pentax K-7

  • Less expensive
    $550 vs $1300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 73 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 5.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

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
Nikon J2
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

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
Nikon J2
Canon T2i
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A55

Pentax K-7
Sony A55
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon J2
Sony A55
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J1

Pentax K-7
Nikon J1
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon J2
Nikon J1
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • 1 inch

Compared to Nikon J3

Pentax K-7
Nikon J3
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon J2
Nikon J3
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
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