SINGAPORE : Despite having great photographic equipment like the Spotmatic all the way from the days of film cameras, Pentax always seems to slip under the consumer's radar. But outdoor-sy shutterbugs might want to take a look at Pentax's latest DSLR (digital single lens reflex), the K-7 (S$2,199; body only).

Pentax has slotted a 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, a high-speed Prime II imaging engine and a three-inch screen supporting Live View and high-definition (HD) movie recording (1,280x720 pixels) inside the K-7's strong and compact magnesium-steel alloy shell.

Due to the numerous special seals around its body, the K-7 is resistant to dust and adverse weather conditions. If you buy the K-7 lens kit (S$2,599), it even comes with a weather-resistant 18-55mm (27mm to 82.5mm due to sensor's 1.5x crop factor) f3.5-5.6 lens.

Not only is the K-7 able to overcome the elements, it is also pretty fast when it comes to snapping pictures.

With high-speed continuous shooting at around 5.2 frames per second, you can be sure you are getting the shot you want.

While its price might be a tad higher than that of competitors of the same "prosumer" category, the Pentax K-7's elements-resistant capability might just be the differentiating factor many are looking for.

- TODAY/il