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Pentax ZX-7 Intermediate Level 35mm SLR
By Peter K. Burian • September, 2000
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The ZX-7 can be as automatic or as manual in its operation
as desired. When shooting quickly, I appreciated the subject-specific
Programs, "autoexposure compensation" (six-zone meter),
autofocus, and auto pop-up flash because they allowed
me to concentrate on the subject. (FA 20-35mm f/4 AL;
Portrait Program; flash; Fuji Superia 200.)
Photos © Peter K. Burian, 1999 |
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Following the resounding
success of the ZX-5N--a high tech autofocus SLR with traditional controls--Pentax
has introduced several models with an equally handsome silver and black
finish. Most recent is the mid-priced ZX-7, designed for maximum ease
and speed of operation. Instead of conventional knobs and rings, or
numerous small buttons, the ZX-7 takes a more logical approach. Sporting
a "mode selector dial"--a single control used to access 13 camera functions--it
accelerates the entire photographic process.
This is a well-equipped model
for an affordable SLR as I discovered last fall while shooting various
subjects from autumn colors to candid portraits, and the action at a
demolition derby and an Oktoberfest parade. Including numerous operating
modes and the overrides that photographers expect, the ZX-7 met many
of my needs while making images for my stock files.
Physical Attributes.
The camera is particularly compact, with a protruding rubberized grip
for convenient holding. This is a polycarbonate body, but the lens mount,
film guide rails, and pressure plate are made of metal, giving Pentax
an edge over some competitors. In order to reduce weight, size, and
price, a penta mirror type viewfinder is used, instead of an all glass
prism. (This is becoming common in the industry.) Thanks to a new type
of focusing screen, the view is surprisingly bright and contrasty.
The large selector dial allows
even the novice to begin using this camera without reading the instruction
manual. Other manufacturers use a similar control, but this one has
an advantage: whenever a Program mode is selected, the pertinent symbol
on the dial is illuminated, very useful in low light. Pentax should
be congratulated for including this amenity. I hope that subsequent
cameras will offer illumination for the other symbols on the dial, too,
making their functions easier to select in the dark. Yes, there are
a few buttons as well but all are extremely well marked with logical
symbols and ideally located. (Apertures are selected with the ring on
the lens, but only in Manual mode.) Both data panels provide plenty
of useful information and are illuminated in low light.
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The wide area autofocus sensor allows for off-center
compositions instantly. Since the point in sharpest
focus is not indicated by a signal, do check the viewing
screen carefully when critical focus is important. (FA*
80-200mm f/2.8ED; AF 500 FTZ flash; f/11 in Aperture
Priority AE; Fujichrome Sensia II 100.)
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As with many recent SLRs of
all brands, two autofocus controls are missing, in order to avoid over-complicating
camera operation. There is no switch for selecting a single focus detection
sensor as you'll find on the ZX-5N. For critical focus on an essential
element--such as the eyes, instead of the nose, in a portrait--manual
focus remained useful. (In less demanding situations, I would zoom in
on an important subject element and hold the autofocus setting with AF
Lock while recomposing.) Pentax does not include a switch for selecting
Continuous Autofocus (as found on the PZ-1p) because that mode should
be automatically activated when necessary. This is a common omission today
but unfortunate. Frankly, all automatic systems are all slow to activate
follow focus, so the first few frames of any sequence of a moving subject
are often not sharp.
The built-in TTL flash pops
up automatically when needed in Program modes, if the flash mode is set
to "Auto." In bright light, the head can be manually raised and forced
to fire in Program modes--for fill flash. Though not powerful, such heads
are fine for fill-in flash with a nearby subject: e.g., to soften shadows
cast by a hat. I recommend ISO 400 film with "slow" zoom lenses for an
effective "reach" up to 13' at f/5.6 indoors, and far greater outdoors
in bright light.
Primary Capabilities.
While the Specs lists all ZX-7 features, let's consider the most important
of these and their performance in actual photographic situations.
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Though not a true "panoramic" effect, the stretch format
can be useful for excluding distracting elements in
any scene. It's not simply for landscapes and it can
be equally useful in vertical compositions. (FA* 80-200mm
f/2.8ED; Sports Program; Fuji Superia 200.)
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o The seven Program modes make
this a camera that anyone can operate. Simply turn it on and rotate the
large selector dial to the symbol that represents the subject type. Surprisingly,
however, Continuous film advance in Sports Program must be manually selected
by pressing a button.
o The [Auto Pict] setting on
the dial is used to access an "intelligent" system that automatically
selects the most appropriate Program mode for the type of subject encountered.
Frankly, the system is not foolproof in its determination process; personal
choice of a specific Program offered a more predictable combination of
aperture/shutter speed.
o Automatic fill-in flash--balanced
with ambient light--is provided in bright conditions with the built-in
head or an accessory flash. With slide film, I found the output a bit
excessive; if you shoot negative film, the lab can simply print the images
slightly darker. Surprisingly, flash will fire even in the Sports and
Landscape mode when set for "Auto" operation. In these situations, the
small unit is unlikely to be of any value, so set another flash mode.
In the Manual and Aperture, or Shutter-Priority AE mode, the head never
pops up automatically but can be manually raised and will fire for every
exposure, a highly suitable arrangement.
o The only metering option
is six-segment "multi-pattern," adequate for a camera of this type. It
is surprisingly successful with light-toned subjects and in moderate backlighting,
often preventing underexposure, a real benefit with slide film. Overall
however, the meter is optimized for color print film, a wise precaution
because that is what most ZX-7 owners will shoot. The multi-segment system
produced printable negatives in 95 percent of test situations. It tends
to slightly overexpose mid-tone scenes, because print film definitely
benefits from this strategy: shedding grain and increasing color saturation.
In quick shooting with slide film, I found an exposure compensation factor
of -0.5 to be useful with scenes of "average" reflectance.
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Photographers
who frequently shoot sports or other action subjects
will prefer the Pentax PZ-1p, but the ZX-7 is suitable
for more casual shots of moving subjects. (FA 20-35mm
f/4 AL; Sports Program; flash; Fujichrome Sensia II
100.)
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Final Evaluation.
After shooting 10 rolls of slide film and five of print film, I made
the following assessments of the ZX-7:
Overall Operation.
Operating noise is moderate--it's quieter than the ZX-5N. The 2 fps
film advance is quite adequate and much faster than that of most lens/shutter
compact models. The ZX-7 accepts manual focus lenses, too, but without
multi-segment metering or Program modes. Even so, anyone who already
owns K-mount lenses need not trade his entire arsenal if switching to
a Pentax autofocus SLR. With the optional AF Adapter 1.7x (also a tele-converter)
some such lenses will even autofocus, though not quickly.
Adequacy Of Features.
As expected in a model of this class, there's no multiple exposure
capability, reflex mirror lockup, PC cord socket, autoexposure bracketing,
custom functions, other metering patterns, or depth of field preview.
However, considering the price and the target market, I felt that all
of the essentials were included, plus extras like eyepiece diopter correction
switch and facility for two types of remote release accessories.
Autofocus. The ZX-7
incorporates a wide area (three point) autofocus system, allowing for
slightly off-center compositions instantly; in action photography, there's
less risk of "losing" the subject. The system favors accuracy over sheer
speed of focus acquisition or tracking of an ultrahigh speed/erratic
subject. Still, the overall performance should satisfy those likely
to buy a ZX-7 as their primary camera. Do not recompose too quickly
after setting AF for a static subject because the ZX-7 may continue
shifting focus. And do check the viewing screen carefully as to which
section of a subject is in sharpest focus when that is important.
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Although
the ZX-7 has a full complement of fully automatic Program
modes, it also offers overrides and full Manual control.
Hence, it is equally useful as an entry-level camera
and as a serious SLR for the photographer who prefers
to make all the settings. (FA* 80-200mm f/2.8ED; B+W
polarizer; Manual mode and focus; f/4 at 1/125 sec;
Fujichrome Sensia II 100.)
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Flash Photography. A
top synch speed of 1/100 sec is not high, but was plenty for all but
fast moving subjects on bright days. As all manufacturers caution, redeye
cannot always be completely eliminated in dark locations with the pre-flash
feature. An accessory flash unit that sits higher above the lens axis
is more effective, especially when flash is bounced from a nearby wall
or ceiling. As well, the optional Pentax FTZ units offer more power
and some additional features, so they are worth considering.
Program Modes. Like
most cameras, the ZX-7 emphasizes fast shutter speeds in Program modes
to minimize the risk of unsharp pictures in handheld photography. This
is logical but creates a problem with ISO 100 film on overcast days.
Wide apertures (with minimal depth of field) are usually selected in
every Program mode, especially with telephoto lenses. Switch to an ISO
400 film to allow the system to select smaller apertures, as in Landscape
Program. Finally, remember that the settings provided by any Program
mode may not meet your own creative demands (e.g., in nature close-ups
you may prefer f/22 instead of the f/8 selected by the computer). That's
why Pentax wisely offers other operating modes, for full user control.
Conclusion. Photographers
who have owned only conventional SLRs may prefer the ZX-5N with its
more familiar controls and the PZ-1p still offers more capabilities
for the advanced enthusiast. Still, the ZX-7 is an ideal entry-level
camera that should satisfy its new owner for years. It will also be
a suitable backup to a manual focus Pentax for those who appreciate
autofocus (with AF lenses) and the high tech capabilities when shooting
quickly. The camera is small, lightweight, elegant, a pleasure to operate,
responsive, and affordable. This combination should ensure that Pentax
has another winner on its hands, keeping this brand competitive in the
SLR market.
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Technical Specifications
Type: 35mm autofocus SLR with KAF bayonet mount; also
accepts KAF2, KA, and K-mount lenses; autofocus possible with KA-and
K-mount lenses with AF adapter; does not operate power zoom lenses
Shutter: Electronically controlled vertical run focal
plane shutter; 1/2000-30 sec speeds, and Bulb in Manual mode; flash
synch at 30 sec to 1/100 sec and Bulb
Focusing System: TTL phase matching three point (wide
area) AF; single shot AF with AF Lock and Continuous predictive focus,
automatically activated; manual focus with confirmation signal; AF detection
range EV -1 to EV 18 (ISO 100 at f/1.4)
Viewfinder: Penta mirror type; 92 percent field of
view; 0.7x magnification; fixed bright matte focusing screen; rubber
eyecup provided; mechanical blackout type panorama frame selectable
Exposure Control: Six-segment TTL metering coupled
with lens and focus info; range: EV 0 to EV 21 (at ISO 100 and f/1.4);
exposure compensation selectable, +/-3 EV (1/2 EV steps); AE Lock; f/stops
and shutter speeds selectable in half step increments
Operating Modes: Metered manual, Aperture and Shutter
Priority AE, seven Programs
Flash: Retractable pop-up TTL head with 28mm coverage; GN 11; slow synch
and automatic daylight synch; discharge level automatically adjusted;
redeye reduction mode selectable
Data Panels: Full information viewfinder panel (nine
items) and external LCD panel (15 items)
Film Handling: Motorized advance and rewind (mid roll rewind possible);
single shot or continuous (to 2 fps) advance; DX code reader (ISO 25-5000);
manual film speed setting (ISO 6-6400)
Other: Self-timer; multiple exposure; cancelable beeper;
accepts electronic cable release and infrared remote controller; optional
Data Back FG
Dimensions And Weight: 5.3x3.6 x2.5"; 13.9 oz (135.5x
92x63.5mm; 395 g) Power Source: Two 3v lithium batteries (CR2 type)
or four AA with optional battery pack FG
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