Pentax ZX-7 Quartz Date 35mm SLR Camera Kit with 35-80mm Lens

by Pentax

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B00004U5WZ
• Item model number: ZX-7
• Batteries: 2 CR2 batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,190 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #63 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Film Cameras > SLR Cameras
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 18, 2000

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Pentax's new ZX-7 offers compact size, solid performance, ease of use, and impressive capability. The ZX-7 offers the photographer both auto and manual focus. The camera has three autofocus (AF) points for sensing the subject and will automatically switch to predictive AF mode if it detects subject movement. The AF system is focus priority, so the shutter is locked until the camera focuses on something, virtually guaranteeing that you won't shoot a picture that isn't focused. If you prefer to use the manual focus setting, the AF status light will glow when you have achieved correct focus.

The built-in flash uses spotbeam technology, which assists the AF system when focusing in dim-light situations. The system is capable of assisting the AF down to light levels of the current standard for assist technology.

The ZX-7 also offers a snap-in mode, which only functions with non-AF lenses. The camera will fire when your subject enters the range you have chosen and is in focus. This feature is perfect for an action subject, such as horse racing. You can choose a proper background and take the picture when your subject passes a specific point.

The Pentax ZX-7 comes with a built-in TTL exposure meter that breaks the image into six zones. Linked to the AF system, ISO settings range from 25 to 5,000 and are set automatically via DX coding. Manually, you can set ISOs from 6 to 6,400. In addition to auto mode, the ZX-7 offers the photographer programmable AE, portrait, landscape, action, close-up, and night modes. The built-in TTL flash unit covers a field of view equal to a 28mm lens and is capable of daylight sync, slow sync, and red-eye reduction. Maximum flash sync is 1/100 second.

The camera allows for shutter speeds from 30 to 1/2,000 seconds. The built-in motor drive is capable of up to two frames per second and has a self-timer with 12-second delay. Quartz dating allows you to document your photographic memories.

The Pentax ZX-7 is a solid camera with a full load of advanced automatic features for those individuals making the transition from point-and-shoot to 35mm SLR technology.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Camera!, October 27, 2000

By 

Robert Cameron "cannikin" (San Marcos, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax ZX-7 Quartz Date 35mm SLR Camera Kit with 35-80mm Lens (Electronics)

I actually own the Canadian version of this camera, the MZ-7. As far as I know, it's identical. The reason this camera is so great is that you can have as little or as much control as you want. Set it to autofocus and AutoPict and it will, of course, focus itself, but also determine what type of shot you're trying to take and will set appropriate shutter speeds and f/stops. For example, if you're going for a portrait look, the camera will pick a quick shutter speed and a large aperature to make sure the background is nice and soft, but the subject is crystal clear. It's usually correct as to the type of picture you're taking.

My only gripe is that when it gets the type wrong, you'll get some weird settings. I've found that if I point the camera away, focus, then bring it back to the subject, sometimes the camera will pick the correct settings. Other times you may have to just set the thing for aperature priority and do it manually. Also, if the lighting conditions aren't ideal, the autofocus will flip out and you'll have to do it manually.

Those gripes are more just my own nitpicking than true problems with the camera. I'd definately recommend it to anyone. It makes a great camera for amatuers/enthusiasts, and even beginners! It's so simple to take good pictures that you need little if any previous SLR experience. But when you're ready to start playing with depth of field and other fancy stuff, this camera will lead you right into it.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great camera for active types, August 23, 2000

By 

Michael John Shea (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax ZX-7 Quartz Date 35mm SLR Camera Kit with 35-80mm Lens (Electronics)

Compared Pentax to Nikon and Cannon prior to purchase. Fell in love with the size and weight of this Pentax. New to photography, wanted something to both learn on and to take 'automatic' pictures. This camera works great for both of these tasks. Took to Jackson, Wyoming and used while snowmobiling through Yellowstone, and dog sledding. Took great shots, and the panoramic mode came in handy. Have also used camera to shoot my sister in-law during her high school basketball games and the autopicture and predictive autofocus produced nice shots.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful, September 10, 2000

By 

JD - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax ZX-7 Quartz Date 35mm SLR Camera Kit with 35-80mm Lens (Electronics)

I'm a beginner in photographry, and this camera has been wonderful. I've taken some beautiful shots (sometimes thanks to the helpful autofocus) and I've learned the beauty of shutter speed techniques. I definately recommend this camera. It's worth every penny.