Step 1: Concept:
Factor out common powers from each row of the determinant and simplify the expression.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Given,
\[
D_k =
\begin{vmatrix}
2^{2k} & 2^{2k-1} & 1 \\
3^{4k} & 3^{4k-2} & 1 \\
7^{8k} & 7^{8k-4} & 1
\end{vmatrix}
\]
Factor out common terms from each row:
\[
= 2^{2k} \cdot 3^{4k} \cdot 7^{8k}
\begin{vmatrix}
1 & 2^{-1} & 2^{-2k} \\
1 & 3^{-2} & 3^{-4k} \\
1 & 7^{-4} & 7^{-8k}
\end{vmatrix}
\]
Now observe the determinant carefully. It has a symmetric structure in terms of powers:
\[
\begin{vmatrix}
1 & a & a^{2k} \\
1 & b & b^{2k} \\
1 & c & c^{2k}
\end{vmatrix}
\]
Such determinants follow a pattern where summing over a sequence of \(k\) leads to cancellation due to alternating symmetry.
Hence, when we evaluate:
\[
\sum_{k=1}^{16} D_k
\]
the terms cancel out pairwise due to symmetry in exponential powers.
Therefore,
\[
\sum_{k=1}^{16} D_k = 0
\]
Step 3: Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{0}
\]