Once you've selected the auto-picture mode, the ZX-7 automatically chooses the autoexposure mode best suited for the scene you want to shoot. This selection is based on the subject's distance, lens focal length, and whether or not the subject is in motion. Once the mode is chosen, the camera "tells" you its decision via the illuminated mode dial and the viewfinder indicator. You can also manually select from the available picture modes, as well as two conventional autoexposure modes (aperture-priority AE and shutter-priority AE), metered manual, and bulb modes.

In addition to the hands-off autoexposure mode selection, the ZX-7 has a high-precision, high-speed phase matching autofocus (SAFOX IV) system designed to deliver crisply focused images. The six-segment, multipattern light metering system calculates the optimum exposure, while the three-point wide focus frame enables pinpoint focusing, regardless of the lighting conditions. If your subject is in motion, the predictive autofocus function automatically detects the subject's motion and anticipates the subject's position at the time of shutter release, resulting in perfectly focused photos.

When you want to frame the same scene a little differently, you can simply push the memory-lock button and your current settings are memorized for 20 seconds. This lets you recompose your subject without changing all of your settings. If the standard setting just doesn't capture the scene, you can switch to panorama mode at any frame on a roll of film. This is perfect for large group shots or breathtaking landscapes.

With an exposure compensation of +/- 3EV in + 1/2EV steps, you can intentionally over- or underexpose your images, depending on the results you want to attain. You can also expose more than two images on a single frame to create multiple exposures. If you want to take three or more exposures on the same frame, simply press the multiple-exposure button after each exposure. For large group shots or to capture a beautiful landscape, simply switch to panorama mode--at any frame on the roll of film. The viewfinder image automatically adjusts to indicate the panorama format so you know what your picture will look like.

With all of these options, it could be easy to forget what your camera's indications and settings are. However, the ZX-7 has a multidata LCD panel, with large icons and numbers, as well as an LCD panel with a green illuminator that brightens the panel to make data confirmation easier. The illumination dial clearly indicates which program is selected by the camera, or by you--even in the dark, as the selected mode is also indicated in your viewfinder display.

I am using a Sigma AF 28-200mm F3.5-5.6 DL Aspherical Hyperzoom Macro lens. This zoom is also a satisfying product and gives quite sharp and well balanced results.

The photographs have come out well exposed and crisp. The RTF flash is OK for lighted indoors but for outdoors, a TTL external flash is required (I am using a Pentax AF280T).

It provides plenty of flexibility when using the various priority modes. For the greenhorns the "auto picture" mode will be very helpful.

Pentax accessory - Battery Pack FG will be quite useful for users as one can use cheaper standard "AA" batteries instead of the expensive "LC" batteries.

Metal lens mount, multiple exposure, TTL RTF flash, silver finish body etc. are some of the features in this well designed SLR camera.

I am very much missing the DOF as my present 28-200mm zoom has a shallow depth of field and it is very difficult to judge the depth of sharpness. My older non-AF Pentax camera (ProgramA) had this capability


Great camera   December 29, 2001
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The zx-7 is just a wonderful camera. It is so easy to use and we still have yet to shoot a bad picture. I enjoy it so much that I went out and bought the Sigma 300mm lens for it-awesome. The best thing is when you upgrade to a new flash-the camera and flash communicate with each other before the photo is taken. This camera has the most options for the price. I recommend this camera to everyone!


Perfect Camera for Beginner to Intermediates   September 12, 2001
Hemal Bhuptani (SUNNYVALE, CA United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I bought this camera without any knowledge of Photography. All I have ever used is point and shoot cameras and this was my first SLR. I reviewed all the SLR cameras in the market for a long time and ultimately decided on this. The best part of this camrera is that it has a metal mount unlike others in its range which have plastic mounts. I use a 28-200 Tamron lens and it is a big and heavy lens but the metal mount has no problems. I use my camera roughly but it is so solidly built that it has no effect on it. The pictures are perfect. My wife who cannot take good pics even with a point and shoot digital cameras, takes awesome pictures with this camera. The other good part with this camera is that it has Memory Lock. Look for the ML key on the back top right hand corner of the camera. That's a very important feature which Nikon N65 and Rebel 2000 have excluded.
The only words I have for it are "GO FOR IT".


What more could you want.   July 1, 2001
mikeblack (Yorkshire, England. UK.)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This camera was bought without any for knowledge of the Pentax SLR, but after comparing it with most of the SLR range I decided to buy One and take the chance. Every thing about the camera looked and felt very good and to give it the rating I have, it has peformed wonders for me. A large part of my Photography is taking photos of N guage Model Trains, and with my 28 - 80 Auto Focus Lens with a 2 x Magnifyer Lens screwed on it takes Portraights to fill 5" x 7" Photo of a Locomotive barely 3" Long & 1" tall. I cannot praise the Camera enough and from a Photographer to a Junior learner it is simple to operate and should never let you down, because if your settings are wrong it will not take the picture.