Better, Yet Smaller: The Pentax K-7

In the summer of 2009, the K20D was supplanted at the top of Pentax's DSLR lineup by the new K-7. While it had an APS-C sensor with in-body Shake Reduction and a 14MP resolution just like its predecessor, the new camera was smaller and more rugged, with a magnesium body shell and better cold-weather resistance.

Top shutter speed bumped from 1/4000th to 1/8000th of a second, and it was rated for 100,000 activations.

Like before, there's "TAv" position on the mode dial. This allows you to set your preferred aperture and shutter speed and the camera will automatically adjust ISO to compensate. There's also the "Sv" mode to allow you to use the rear dial to adjust ISO on the fly. The other modes are the same as you'd expect. The top panel LCD can be briefly illuminated blue by rotating the power switch past the "ON" position.

Despite the K-7 being physically smaller than its predecessor, the rear LCD screen has grown from 2.7" on the K20D to a full 3" on the newer camera. This required relocating the vertical stack of buttons that used to live on the left side of the monitor. The relocation was done sensibly, with the playback-mode-only "Play" and "Trash" buttons moving to the upper left, and "Info" and "Menu" moving over to the right with the other menu navigation and activation buttons.

Despite all these improvements, MSRP for the K-7 was $1,150, which was over a hundred bucks cheaper than its forebear, and one of the best deals of the cameras in the category.

DSLR Pics: Red cars with the Pentax K20D

It's not likely to blossom into real fandom for me, but having put in a fair amount of time with the K20D and the K7 now, I can see why Pentax has a loyal following. They're compact, rugged, and have sensible control layouts.

Mirrorless Pics: Local shots with a Nikon 1 V3

The Nikon 1 V3 was the ultimate iteration of the high-end V-series of the Nikon 1 compact mirrorless cameras. Released in 2014, it was a big improvement in image quality and video capabilities over the V2 and introduced a tilting rear screen to the Nikon 1 series, but had some quirks. 

Unlike the V1 and V2, it did not have a built-in EVF. You could get a detachable EVF that mounted to the hot shoe, but that precluded the use of a flash. Further, it had only a notional grip unless you purchased and attached the separate GR-N1010 grip.

With the EVF and grip attached, it was a bigger camera than the Nikon 1 V2 it replaced. Without them attached, it looks a little silly with the big 1 Nikkor 10-100mm f/4-5.6 VR PD-Zoom lens attached.

Digicam Pics: A VW Beetle with the Nikon Coolpix A

A 35mm equivalent focal length isn't normally my choice for shooting vehicle photos, but when you're driving along on a fine summer day in Indianapolis and spot a pristine vintage VW Beetle and all you have with you is the Nikon Coolpix A, well... needs must when the devil drives, as they say.