User Guide

Chapter 1 - Know your K-7
Page 44
Exclusive Image Processor
The redesigned PRIME II processor (Pentax Real IM-
age Engine) significantly speeds up the image processing
when compared to other current DSLRs. The new
PRIME II engine offers faster data-processing speed for
higher quality images with richer gradation and more ac-
curate color rendition. The system also offers high-speed
movie data transmission. It allows you to shoot continu-
ously at a higher rate, up to 5.2 images per second,
which is very good considering the 14.6 MP file size of
the CMOS sensor. In addition, it allows you to process
RAW images in-camera without the need of a computer.
Proprietary Dust Removal System (DR II)
This (DR II) Dust Removal II system ensures that dust on the CCD is a thing of the
past, for the most part anyway. The K-7
is equipped with a newly developed Dust
Removal (DR II) mechanism to more effectively remove dust and minimize spots
on recorded images even after changing lenses in dust-prone outdoor settings. Using
a piezo-ceramic vibration action, the system shifts or vibrates the low-pass filter
located in front of the CMOS image sensor at supersonic speed to remove dust more
efficiently. A unique dust-alert system also allows users to check for
dust adhering
to the low-pass filter prior to actual shooting.
How does that help you? Post processing and retouching of images, with spots
caused by dust, may no longer be necessary. The K-7
has introduced additional tools to further eliminate dust
specks that have a tendency to stick in very humid condi-
tions. With interchangeable lenses, dust will be intro-
duced in the body, possibly each time you change lens.
Pentax has introduced the Dust Alert function. This func-
tion, when activated, makes a copy of the sensor surface.
It actually saves an image of it and displays the results on the LCD screen. Any dust
on the sensor is shown in reverse with a replica of the front of the camera without
the lens attached. So that by looking at the sensor from the lens side of the camera,
you can physically clean the sensor, knowing where the dust particles are located.