http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/
Six models of Pentax DSLRs are included. The results can also be compared to other camera models of other makes as well.
Showing posts with label K20D. Show all posts
Showing posts with label K20D. Show all posts
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, November 09, 2012
Method to Force DFS Off for Pentax DSLRs
A working method with full instructions can be found here:-
http://pentaxda.deviantart.com/journal/Turning-DFS-Off-224124268
For the files that are mentioned and needed, they can be downloaded here directly, if you just don't know how to compile them yourself:-
http://darky.is-a-geek.net/debug_mode/disable_dfs.zip
This may be useful for those who need to do astro-photography in a continuous way without any interruption for longer time exposure per shot.
As for the latest Pentax DSLR models after K-r (i.e., K-r, K-5, K-30, K-5II and IIs) that cannot open the Debug mode by the above method, you can try to use the PK Tether software and then load the SYSPARAM.TXT file at the SD Card Root to see if it works or not! And please let us know about your result if you really try!
Btw, today, I've just come across these photos taken by a Japanese with his EOS 60D and 10-17mm wide angle lens combo. They are quite nice, look:-
http://www.geocities.jp/tpkkagato/
(in Japanese)
N.B. Pentax DSLRs using the Samsung sensors (i.e., K20D and K-7) do not have any option to turn off the DFS (Dark Frame Subtraction) whereas other Pentax DSLRs using the Sony sensors can have the option to turn off DFS for exposure that is not longer than 30 seconds, otherwise DFS is forced to be turned on again.
Related:-
K-5 and K-r Debug Mode Unleashed, Finally!
Successfully Open the Debug Mode of My K-r! :-)
http://pentaxda.deviantart.com/journal/Turning-DFS-Off-224124268
For the files that are mentioned and needed, they can be downloaded here directly, if you just don't know how to compile them yourself:-
http://darky.is-a-geek.net/debug_mode/disable_dfs.zip
This may be useful for those who need to do astro-photography in a continuous way without any interruption for longer time exposure per shot.
As for the latest Pentax DSLR models after K-r (i.e., K-r, K-5, K-30, K-5II and IIs) that cannot open the Debug mode by the above method, you can try to use the PK Tether software and then load the SYSPARAM.TXT file at the SD Card Root to see if it works or not! And please let us know about your result if you really try!
Btw, today, I've just come across these photos taken by a Japanese with his EOS 60D and 10-17mm wide angle lens combo. They are quite nice, look:-
http://www.geocities.jp/tpkkagato/
(in Japanese)
N.B. Pentax DSLRs using the Samsung sensors (i.e., K20D and K-7) do not have any option to turn off the DFS (Dark Frame Subtraction) whereas other Pentax DSLRs using the Sony sensors can have the option to turn off DFS for exposure that is not longer than 30 seconds, otherwise DFS is forced to be turned on again.
Related:-
K-5 and K-r Debug Mode Unleashed, Finally!
Successfully Open the Debug Mode of My K-r! :-)
Monday, March 05, 2012
A Production K-01 Vs K-5 JPEG/ISO Shootout Test (Re-Tested)
The Pentax NDA breaker, Frank/Fengwei strikes again! Here is his latest shootout test of the above at the PF:-
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-01-forum/177763-k-01-vs-k-5-jpg-dng-iso100-25600-full-size-samples.html
(As shown in the EXIF, the K-01 is with production firmware version 1.0 and the K-5 is with the latest firmware of version 1.13.)
Whilst the test shows that for all shots, the K-01 is superior in IQ whilst the K-5 sucks, I have to point out the three primitive flaws that I could find quickly about those K-5 shots and his test:-
1. The focus is really not that accurate, some obvious out-of-focus can be seen: Despite that it is said manual focus was used to determine the focus, the actual focusing method is not stated (for the K-5 only). Was it focused with Live View or through the viewfinder. And, what focusing aid did he use? Say for example, if he used Live View with the K-5, did he magnify the image and for how much? If not and if he just used the finder, did he rely on the focus indication or just by his own eyes through the finder via the focusing screen and so on;
2. The sharpening level is different: It is obvious that the K-01 photos have been applied more sharpening than the K-5's. The unsharp mask (USM) radius seems to be smaller, too;
3. Shutter blur and mirror blur and shake with the K-5 images: Despite that it is stated that a sturdy tripod and the 2-sec timer with mirror lock was used (the K-01 did not have a mirror anyway!), WHY carried out the test in such super dim environment? We all knew that K-5 was not focusing accurately enough at low light, which is just worse than the old K20D. And, the long exposure would cause more problem of camera shake, which the K-5 is more susceptible to as a DSLR.
With all the problems I've found above within "seconds" ;->, I believe the above shootout test is considered completely useless, or actually it is misleading. Never mind, I recall that every time a new Pentax camera was marketed, Frank/Fengwei would show that the new camera was really ever strongest and the old cameras were trashed as compared, and whatsoever. So, this time, as before, the "test" result is actually well expected! ;-p Btw, will he be able to sell more of the new Pentax cameras as a result? I dunno - Maybe only the K-5 sales is hurt! :-o
Update (3-6):-
The post-everywhere Pentaxian online posting expert and measurbator Frank/Fengwei re-did his whole test and now the whole opening post of his at the PF and DPR as well were edited. Never mind, he has updated and uploaded all the image files for us to re-measurbate. His conclusion seems to be the same, though, i.e, he believes that the K-01 is superior in IQ than the K-5. But I still remember that last time his posted samples of his new K-5 gear, *were* very "sharp", far better than Ned Bunnell's with the same set of gear! :-o After all, I think Pentax should employ talent Pentaxians especially whom like Frank to replace some mediocre sales people who are currently working for Pentax, as Frank is actually doing the promotion jobs of his outstandingly! ;-D
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-01-forum/177763-k-01-vs-k-5-jpg-dng-iso100-25600-full-size-samples.html
(As shown in the EXIF, the K-01 is with production firmware version 1.0 and the K-5 is with the latest firmware of version 1.13.)
Whilst the test shows that for all shots, the K-01 is superior in IQ whilst the K-5 sucks, I have to point out the three primitive flaws that I could find quickly about those K-5 shots and his test:-
1. The focus is really not that accurate, some obvious out-of-focus can be seen: Despite that it is said manual focus was used to determine the focus, the actual focusing method is not stated (for the K-5 only). Was it focused with Live View or through the viewfinder. And, what focusing aid did he use? Say for example, if he used Live View with the K-5, did he magnify the image and for how much? If not and if he just used the finder, did he rely on the focus indication or just by his own eyes through the finder via the focusing screen and so on;
2. The sharpening level is different: It is obvious that the K-01 photos have been applied more sharpening than the K-5's. The unsharp mask (USM) radius seems to be smaller, too;
3. Shutter blur and mirror blur and shake with the K-5 images: Despite that it is stated that a sturdy tripod and the 2-sec timer with mirror lock was used (the K-01 did not have a mirror anyway!), WHY carried out the test in such super dim environment? We all knew that K-5 was not focusing accurately enough at low light, which is just worse than the old K20D. And, the long exposure would cause more problem of camera shake, which the K-5 is more susceptible to as a DSLR.
With all the problems I've found above within "seconds" ;->, I believe the above shootout test is considered completely useless, or actually it is misleading. Never mind, I recall that every time a new Pentax camera was marketed, Frank/Fengwei would show that the new camera was really ever strongest and the old cameras were trashed as compared, and whatsoever. So, this time, as before, the "test" result is actually well expected! ;-p Btw, will he be able to sell more of the new Pentax cameras as a result? I dunno - Maybe only the K-5 sales is hurt! :-o
Update (3-6):-
The post-everywhere Pentaxian online posting expert and measurbator Frank/Fengwei re-did his whole test and now the whole opening post of his at the PF and DPR as well were edited. Never mind, he has updated and uploaded all the image files for us to re-measurbate. His conclusion seems to be the same, though, i.e, he believes that the K-01 is superior in IQ than the K-5. But I still remember that last time his posted samples of his new K-5 gear, *were* very "sharp", far better than Ned Bunnell's with the same set of gear! :-o After all, I think Pentax should employ talent Pentaxians especially whom like Frank to replace some mediocre sales people who are currently working for Pentax, as Frank is actually doing the promotion jobs of his outstandingly! ;-D
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Debug Mode / AF Correction Quick Note and Update
Someone posted at the PF has found out that a -100 um correction in Debug mode is actually corresponding to -10 in the AF Fine Adjust menu. This actually coincides with my own experience and it would be somehow safe to conclude that ONE AF Fine Adjust correction unit corresponds to 10 um. That's why some Pentaxians were complaining about the inadequacy of this +/-10 units when some of their lenses were used on their Pentax DSLRs of which those combinations had even larger errors than the allowed correction range!
So, thanks to the author of the PK Tether, every Pentax DSLR user, including all those K-5 and K-r people, can now "debug" his/her own Pentax DSLR up to own's satisfaction, no matter how!
All Previous Related:-
Focus Adjust the K-5 and Pentax AF Lenses with Live View
Successfully Open the Debug Mode of My K-r! :-)
K-5 and K-r Debug Mode Unleashed, Finally!
K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment
UPDATED: New Method to Access the Debug Mode of Various Pentax DSLRs
K-m Debug Mode Unleashed! (For AF Correction)
K10D Firmware 1.3 Debug Mode Unleashed
So, thanks to the author of the PK Tether, every Pentax DSLR user, including all those K-5 and K-r people, can now "debug" his/her own Pentax DSLR up to own's satisfaction, no matter how!
All Previous Related:-
Focus Adjust the K-5 and Pentax AF Lenses with Live View
Successfully Open the Debug Mode of My K-r! :-)
K-5 and K-r Debug Mode Unleashed, Finally!
K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment
UPDATED: New Method to Access the Debug Mode of Various Pentax DSLRs
K-m Debug Mode Unleashed! (For AF Correction)
K10D Firmware 1.3 Debug Mode Unleashed
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Focus Adjust the K-5 and Pentax AF Lenses with Live View
In this post, I am going to brief about a new method and the general procedures to calibrate (focus adjust) the AF accuracy of the (Pentax) DSLRs which are equipped with the Live View function.
Before going on, there is something to note about the Live View function (called "LV" thereafter) of those Pentax DSLRs, the aperture in the LV is controlled automatically by the camera body, in doubled f-stops per step from wide opened, according to the brightness level as metered, but NOT according to the set Av by the user nor by the camera in Program mode. Just say for example that a F1.4 Pentax prime is mounted onto the K-5, the stepping is from wide opened and then to f/2.8 and then to f5.6 and then to f/11, as brightness rises. This is different from other ILDC cameras and systems like the Sony NEX, which always stopped down to the exact set Av no matter how.
So, here we go, the following are the detailed procedures which I have designed and recommended. Read in full and strictly following these for the best results:-
1. First of all, we need to find an ideal AF target. Find something that is flat in surface, with white background and dark but coarse *irregular* patterns, which shows the highest contrasts which are easily distinguishable, like this:-
I focused on the "Kleenex" words. On the other hands, objects with coloured patterns are not recommended so as to avoid the effect of Chromatic Aberration of a lens that might exist, e.g., red colour would front focus more for some lenses.
2. Mount the camera body with the lens you want to calibrate/focus adjust on a sturdy tripod. Put it in the environment that you want it to focus correctly, e.g. at a particular subject distance and the light source you used. For the sake of standardised calibration basis at my side, I put the object at a distance at about 2 metres from the camera and used an artificial light source at about 5200K to simulate the natural daylight.
3. Turn on the Live View of the camera, do the Live View CDAF, observe the focus scale. Repeat the CDAF three times to see if focus arrives at the same position. If it is (as it usually does), note down the exact position of it, take the picture and then switch off LV. Check if the picture is correctly focused (it usually is).
N.B.1. If the lens does not have a focus scale, stick on some marks by yourself.
N.B.2. Do observe about the aperture chosen by the LV by watching through the lens from the front which is according to the brightness level as what I have briefed in the beginning. If you want the lens to be wide opened for the calibration, the lighting level is required to be turned down a bit so as to make it!
For illustration purpose, say for example, I achieved the LV CDAF focus with a perfectly sharp picture with the lens focused at this position, according to the focus scale of the lens:-
4. Go to the Custom Menu number 26 for "AF Fine Adjustment", select "Apply One" and you should see the "Unset" setting if the lens has not been calibrated before. Do note that the camera only supports Pentax lenses with an identifiable lens ID for the Pentax F series AF lenses or later.
5. Do the Phase Matching AF (PMAF) and see if it is front or back focused in comparison to what the Live View AF has determined. Do the PMAF for several times until the AF motor doesn't turn anymore.
If it is front focused, like this, key in a negative (-ve) value for the focus adjust:-
Otherwise, if it is back focused, like this, key in a positive (+ve) value instead:-
6. Key in the compensation focus adjust values by trial and errors until the PMAF completely agrees with the LV CDAF, i.e, turn on the LV mode, did the AF and then switch back to PMAF and re-do the AF, the lens focus ring should NOT turn, anymore.
So, we did it. Below are the results for some of my Pentax AF primes. I've noted that all my zoom lenses (no matter DA or FA) do not require any focus adjust before they were accurate but fast primes would. This may be owing to the lack of a f/2.8 AF sensor in any Pentax DSLRs, including the K-5. Thus, focus adjust by individual lens is essential and crucial:-
Good luck and happy measurebation! I hope that you would get razor sharp images with your Pentax primes (which are mostly capable of when focused correctly) after calibration with my above method! :-D One final reminder: Forget about all those "45 degree" inclined chart methods, which is not going to help you to do the job but would just create more confusions! Believe me.. The Live View will tell you the truth, really! Try it out by yourself! :-)
Related:-
K-5 and K-r Debug Mode Unleashed, Finally!
K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment
Finally, I am Done! :-D
Before going on, there is something to note about the Live View function (called "LV" thereafter) of those Pentax DSLRs, the aperture in the LV is controlled automatically by the camera body, in doubled f-stops per step from wide opened, according to the brightness level as metered, but NOT according to the set Av by the user nor by the camera in Program mode. Just say for example that a F1.4 Pentax prime is mounted onto the K-5, the stepping is from wide opened and then to f/2.8 and then to f5.6 and then to f/11, as brightness rises. This is different from other ILDC cameras and systems like the Sony NEX, which always stopped down to the exact set Av no matter how.
So, here we go, the following are the detailed procedures which I have designed and recommended. Read in full and strictly following these for the best results:-
1. First of all, we need to find an ideal AF target. Find something that is flat in surface, with white background and dark but coarse *irregular* patterns, which shows the highest contrasts which are easily distinguishable, like this:-
I focused on the "Kleenex" words. On the other hands, objects with coloured patterns are not recommended so as to avoid the effect of Chromatic Aberration of a lens that might exist, e.g., red colour would front focus more for some lenses.
2. Mount the camera body with the lens you want to calibrate/focus adjust on a sturdy tripod. Put it in the environment that you want it to focus correctly, e.g. at a particular subject distance and the light source you used. For the sake of standardised calibration basis at my side, I put the object at a distance at about 2 metres from the camera and used an artificial light source at about 5200K to simulate the natural daylight.
3. Turn on the Live View of the camera, do the Live View CDAF, observe the focus scale. Repeat the CDAF three times to see if focus arrives at the same position. If it is (as it usually does), note down the exact position of it, take the picture and then switch off LV. Check if the picture is correctly focused (it usually is).
N.B.1. If the lens does not have a focus scale, stick on some marks by yourself.
N.B.2. Do observe about the aperture chosen by the LV by watching through the lens from the front which is according to the brightness level as what I have briefed in the beginning. If you want the lens to be wide opened for the calibration, the lighting level is required to be turned down a bit so as to make it!
For illustration purpose, say for example, I achieved the LV CDAF focus with a perfectly sharp picture with the lens focused at this position, according to the focus scale of the lens:-
4. Go to the Custom Menu number 26 for "AF Fine Adjustment", select "Apply One" and you should see the "Unset" setting if the lens has not been calibrated before. Do note that the camera only supports Pentax lenses with an identifiable lens ID for the Pentax F series AF lenses or later.
5. Do the Phase Matching AF (PMAF) and see if it is front or back focused in comparison to what the Live View AF has determined. Do the PMAF for several times until the AF motor doesn't turn anymore.
If it is front focused, like this, key in a negative (-ve) value for the focus adjust:-
Otherwise, if it is back focused, like this, key in a positive (+ve) value instead:-
6. Key in the compensation focus adjust values by trial and errors until the PMAF completely agrees with the LV CDAF, i.e, turn on the LV mode, did the AF and then switch back to PMAF and re-do the AF, the lens focus ring should NOT turn, anymore.
So, we did it. Below are the results for some of my Pentax AF primes. I've noted that all my zoom lenses (no matter DA or FA) do not require any focus adjust before they were accurate but fast primes would. This may be owing to the lack of a f/2.8 AF sensor in any Pentax DSLRs, including the K-5. Thus, focus adjust by individual lens is essential and crucial:-
| Lens | Focus Adjust Value as Measured | Conditions |
| FA 28/2.8 | -2 | 2m, 5200K, f/2.8 |
| DA 35/2.4 | 0 | 2m, 5200K, f/2.4 |
| FA 43/1.9 | +5 | 2m, 5200K, f/1.9 |
| DA 70/2.4 | -5 | 2m, 5200K, f/2.4 |
| FA 85/1.4 | 0 | 2m, 5200K, f/2.8 |
| DFA 100/2.8 | 0 | 2m, 5200K, f/2.8 |
Good luck and happy measurebation! I hope that you would get razor sharp images with your Pentax primes (which are mostly capable of when focused correctly) after calibration with my above method! :-D One final reminder: Forget about all those "45 degree" inclined chart methods, which is not going to help you to do the job but would just create more confusions! Believe me.. The Live View will tell you the truth, really! Try it out by yourself! :-)
Related:-
K-5 and K-r Debug Mode Unleashed, Finally!
K-x Debug Mode Tutorial - AF Adjustment
Finally, I am Done! :-D
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Pentax SLR Cameras 1952-2011
(Updated: Click Above to Download a Larger Poster!)
Source: Pentax Germany @ Google Plus
Via: Chassimages Pentax Forum
Btw, does it have a larger version? :-(
Read Also:-
A (Pentax) Camera Catalogue Collector
Pentax SLR Cameras 1952-2008
Major Canon Cameras 1930 to 2010
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Supported Pentax DSLR Functions with Different Pentax Lenses
Read this question at the PF and I was surprised to see the reply by the site owner Adam (i.e., the first reply to the OP), which shows that Adam completely lacks the basic user/operation knowledge in using older manual (aperture) Pentax lenses on any Pentax DSLR! :-o
Maybe Adam has been given too many of the latest Pentax lenses (for "reviewing" or whatsoever) so that he has almost forgotten how older Pentax manual lenses would behave on all the Pentax digital bodies. Nevermind, I think it's my take now! Below are two summaries that I compile to let all my readers here know (or got refreshed for the knowledge if already known) about the basic technical features or limitations of our Pentax lenses back to the 60s of the last century and what they could or could not do for us with our Pentax DSLR bodies! :-)
N.B. I don't think that you can find ALL of the information below in any of the Pentax DSLR/lens user/operation manuals! ;-D
Table 1: Lens Data/Function Availability with different Pentax Lenses
Legend: Y= Yes/Available; "-" = No/Not Available; S = Supported depending on Lens Model (if Feature is Available)
*Remark: Limited/Partial Function - Only Auto Zoom Retract and Powered Zoom are Supported.
Table 2: Pentax DSLR Camera Function Availability with different Pentax Lenses
Legend: Y= Yes/Available; "-" = No/Not Available
Okay, is it and everything much clearer now? :-> And no need to make thanks to me, thank Adam instead! ;-p After all, I just won't make any reply over his premise to help others (and actually help him to make more money!) anymore (although Adam is really "kind" enough for not banning me!), as I decided and told two-and-a-half year ago! :-D
Further/Reference Read:-
K-Mount Metering and Exposure Bases - A Technical Brief
Related:-
Two Important Custom Functions for Proper Metering
Modding a Rikenon-P 50/1.7 Into an "A" Lens! :-o
Ten Things that I Want Ricoh to Do for Pentax
Hypocrites of the PentaxForums and Their Lies
Updating of my Blog Editing Direction
Maybe Adam has been given too many of the latest Pentax lenses (for "reviewing" or whatsoever) so that he has almost forgotten how older Pentax manual lenses would behave on all the Pentax digital bodies. Nevermind, I think it's my take now! Below are two summaries that I compile to let all my readers here know (or got refreshed for the knowledge if already known) about the basic technical features or limitations of our Pentax lenses back to the 60s of the last century and what they could or could not do for us with our Pentax DSLR bodies! :-)
N.B. I don't think that you can find ALL of the information below in any of the Pentax DSLR/lens user/operation manuals! ;-D
Table 1: Lens Data/Function Availability with different Pentax Lenses
| Lens Data and/or Function | Provision Means | M42 | K/M | _A_ | _F_ | _FA_ | FAJ/ DA/ DAL | DFA (1st Gen.) | DFA (2nd Gen.) |
| Wide-opened Metering | Instant Return Aperture Coupler | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Number of Steps Stopped-down (via Aperture Ring) | Mechanical Position Indicator | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | - | Y | - |
| Maximum Aperture | Array of Electrical Contacts | - | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Minimum Aperture | Array of Electrical Contacts | - | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Focal Length | (Advanced/Serial) Electronic Communication | - | - | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Focus Distance | Electronic Communication | - | - | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Lens ID | Electronic Communication | - | - | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| MTF Data | Electronic Communication | - | - | - | - | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Powered/Auto Zoom | Electronic Communication and KAF2 Power Contacts | - | - | - | - | S* | - | - | - |
| In-lens AF (SDM or DC Motor) | Electronic Communication and KAF2 Power Contacts | - | - | - | - | - | S | - | - |
Legend: Y= Yes/Available; "-" = No/Not Available; S = Supported depending on Lens Model (if Feature is Available)
*Remark: Limited/Partial Function - Only Auto Zoom Retract and Powered Zoom are Supported.
Table 2: Pentax DSLR Camera Function Availability with different Pentax Lenses
| Body Function | M42 | K/M | _A_ | _F_ | _FA_ | FAJ/ DA/ DAL | DFA (1st Gen.) | DFA (2nd Gen.) | *Remark |
| Wide-opened Metering | - | -* | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Stopped-down metering is available with a push of button. |
| Multi-segment Metering | - | - | Y* | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Not as accurate as subject distance information is Not available (and hence is not included in the calculation). |
| Off-the-film TTL Flash Auto (*ist D and DS/DS2 Only) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | TTL flash sensor underneath mirror is installed; No Pre-flash is required. |
| Off-the-film TTL Flash Auto (All Others) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | No TTL flash sensor underneath mirror; P-TTL is mandatory for Auto Flash. |
| P-TTL (where P stands for Pre-flash) | - | - | Y* | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Not as accurate as subject distance information is Not available. |
| AF | - | - | - | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | - |
| Lens Correction on Image | - | - | - | - | -/Y* | Y | Y | Y | Only the three FA Limited are Supported. |
Legend: Y= Yes/Available; "-" = No/Not Available
Okay, is it and everything much clearer now? :-> And no need to make thanks to me, thank Adam instead! ;-p After all, I just won't make any reply over his premise to help others (and actually help him to make more money!) anymore (although Adam is really "kind" enough for not banning me!), as I decided and told two-and-a-half year ago! :-D
Further/Reference Read:-
K-Mount Metering and Exposure Bases - A Technical Brief
Related:-
Two Important Custom Functions for Proper Metering
Modding a Rikenon-P 50/1.7 Into an "A" Lens! :-o
Ten Things that I Want Ricoh to Do for Pentax
Hypocrites of the PentaxForums and Their Lies
Updating of my Blog Editing Direction
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Cable Control Your (Pentax) DSLRs Using iPhone
(Credit: DC Fever)
Using the ioShutter.
Now, if your Pentax DSLR has a cable release socket, then you can use your iPhone to fire the shutter remotely but wired, and with even more software control capabilities including interval shooting, programmable bulb and sound/movement trigger etc. A nice and welcome Pentax alternative of course. And with many people are having iPhones nowadays, it could come in handy, provided that the user also brings along with the proprietary interfacing release cable that is to be purchased from the ioShutter altogether with the App.
Related:-
Remote Control Your Camera Using Android Device
The Pentax (Electronic) Cable Switches
Monday, October 10, 2011
Dust Accumulates Inside the LCD of K-5 Silver
A K-5 Silver user reports that the LCD of his Special Edition K-5 is collecting dust and now it is looking like this:-
(Click to Enlarge in New Tab/Window)
Oh, it's too terrible! >:-{
He tells that he has used his unit for two months only and it was not like that when it was new! Indeed, in the same thread, there are users of K-7, K20D and K10D report the same, here, here and here, respectively.
So, this issue seems to be not uncommon. And the really worrisome thing is that it is found to be persistent since the first "Weather-Resistant" Pentax DSLR model K10D, back to 2007. The most strangest thing is that it happens mostly for those Pentax WR bodies, but rarely heard for non-WR entry-level Pentax DSLR bodies, on the other hand. Well, it seems that the weather-sealing is actually the culprit to this issue! E.g., when it was just not properly assembled out of the Pentax factory or when the sealing rubber and/or other materials are changing its/their state(s) over time?? :-o
Update (10-11):-
Thanks to Blog reader "calluses", we have the following yet another report from a Japanese user for exactly the same issue, also for a Silver K-5:-
(Source: http://d.hatena.ne.jp/hisway306/20110324/1300971454#seemore, in Japanese, Google English translation can be found here)
It is told that the above dust accumulated inside the LCD just from the very beginning and thus the user immediately asked for a direct replacement from the dealer and he got his replacement unit without any difficulty. It is also told that the replacement unit of his have not had the same issue after then.
Update (10-13):-
Yet here is another report of the same issue, for an ordinary black K-5:-
http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=924323
(in Chinese, English Here (Google-translated))
Of course, the user is pissed off. >:-(
(Click to Enlarge in New Tab/Window)
Oh, it's too terrible! >:-{
He tells that he has used his unit for two months only and it was not like that when it was new! Indeed, in the same thread, there are users of K-7, K20D and K10D report the same, here, here and here, respectively.
So, this issue seems to be not uncommon. And the really worrisome thing is that it is found to be persistent since the first "Weather-Resistant" Pentax DSLR model K10D, back to 2007. The most strangest thing is that it happens mostly for those Pentax WR bodies, but rarely heard for non-WR entry-level Pentax DSLR bodies, on the other hand. Well, it seems that the weather-sealing is actually the culprit to this issue! E.g., when it was just not properly assembled out of the Pentax factory or when the sealing rubber and/or other materials are changing its/their state(s) over time?? :-o
Update (10-11):-
Thanks to Blog reader "calluses", we have the following yet another report from a Japanese user for exactly the same issue, also for a Silver K-5:-
(Source: http://d.hatena.ne.jp/hisway306/20110324/1300971454#seemore, in Japanese, Google English translation can be found here)
It is told that the above dust accumulated inside the LCD just from the very beginning and thus the user immediately asked for a direct replacement from the dealer and he got his replacement unit without any difficulty. It is also told that the replacement unit of his have not had the same issue after then.
Update (10-13):-
Yet here is another report of the same issue, for an ordinary black K-5:-
http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=924323
(in Chinese, English Here (Google-translated))
Of course, the user is pissed off. >:-(
Friday, August 26, 2011
Sony A77 and Pentax K20D are Looking so Alike!
Well, sometimes a picture worths a million words.. And two pictures worth more than two million words and so on! Action! ;-D
N.B. Picture Sources: Imaging Resource:-
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA77/AA77A.HTM
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/K20D/K20DA.HTM
Oh well, the ex-Pentax engineers should have been with Sony now, my bet! :-o
Related:-
The Very Different Fates of Two ex-AOC Top Optical Engineers
N.B. Picture Sources: Imaging Resource:-
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA77/AA77A.HTM
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/K20D/K20DA.HTM
Oh well, the ex-Pentax engineers should have been with Sony now, my bet! :-o
Related:-
The Very Different Fates of Two ex-AOC Top Optical Engineers
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
E-P3 / E-PL2 / G3 / NX100 ISO Measurbation (JPEG and RAW)
JPEG: http://www.optyczne.pl/160.6-Test_aparatu-Olympus_E-P3_Jako%C5%9B%C4%87_obrazu_JPEG.html
RAW: http://www.optyczne.pl/160.7-Test_aparatu-Olympus_E-P3_Szumy_i_jako%C5%9B%C4%87_obrazu_w_RAW.html
Via http://dslcamera.ptzn.com/2011/15015
It seems that the NX100 sensor and image processing is crappy all in all, I am afraid but to tell honestly.. After all, I think Pentax had made a very right decision to part with Samsung, as their that 14.6MP CMOS sensor is just helpless.
On the other hand, it can bee seen that the built-in JPEG engine of the EP-3 handles noise (primitively from the sensor) very well, i.e., whilst noise is removed, the image colours and details are mostly retained. When the RAW images are inspected, we can always see more noise with a little bit more details, but the colours are not as good. So, the image processor of the E-P3 has done a very good job here!
Monday, August 01, 2011
Microsoft Camera Codec Pack for Windows 7 and Vista
Is now available for download and supports the RAW files (PEF only) of various Pentax DSLRs from *ist D to K-x (and for many cameras of other brands as well):-
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26829
Go get it for the update if you are using Win7 or Vista (SP2 only) and you just want to have a quick preview of your RAW pictures at the Windows Explorer. Enjoy!
Btw, the latest Pentax K-5 and K-r are not officially supported, though. And neither the 645D is mentioned.
On the other hand, Pentax has their own RAW codec that supports K-5, K-r and 645D, but than all the 64-bit Windwows are not supported:-
http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/rawcodec_win.html
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26829
Go get it for the update if you are using Win7 or Vista (SP2 only) and you just want to have a quick preview of your RAW pictures at the Windows Explorer. Enjoy!
Btw, the latest Pentax K-5 and K-r are not officially supported, though. And neither the 645D is mentioned.
On the other hand, Pentax has their own RAW codec that supports K-5, K-r and 645D, but than all the 64-bit Windwows are not supported:-
http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/rawcodec_win.html
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Pentax K Series Ranks Below Average in a Recent DSLR User Satisfaction Survey by J.D. Power
"A study conducted by market research firm J.D. Power and Associates has found that “Nikon Pro Series” DSLRs rank highest in customer satisfaction. The company surveyed 4,500 verified online DSLR buyers to find out their satisfaction across five factors: image quality, durability, features, ease of use, and responsiveness."
From: http://www.petapixel.com/2011/07/19/nikon-ranks-highest-in-online-customer-satisfaction-among-dslr-buyers/
Via: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=38944858
Actually, Pentax K ranks No. 5 amongst 7 with a "just-failed" mark of 883 below the passing mark of 887. Nevertheless, the K is still ahead of the Canon Rebel as well as the Sony A, which is ranked last.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
What are These Pentax Big Guns?
First, look at this:-
What is this Pentax big gun and why an Olympus body is attached?? :-o
via http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=873779
(in Chinese, Google-translated English version here)
Go down the thread you will discover that these big guns are for astro-applications actually. I don't know when the photos were taken but it seems that it was not very long ago as I can see a Pentax DSLR had that kind of lens mounted (a K10D or K20D, see the picture below). It is good to learn that if Pentax is still making those astro-telescopes and lenses which is just great! :-)
Last Story:-
Pentax DSLR is Not a Machine Gun II
What is this Pentax big gun and why an Olympus body is attached?? :-o
via http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=873779
(in Chinese, Google-translated English version here)
Go down the thread you will discover that these big guns are for astro-applications actually. I don't know when the photos were taken but it seems that it was not very long ago as I can see a Pentax DSLR had that kind of lens mounted (a K10D or K20D, see the picture below). It is good to learn that if Pentax is still making those astro-telescopes and lenses which is just great! :-)
Last Story:-
Pentax DSLR is Not a Machine Gun II
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Latest DxOMark Lens Test Results for the DA35/2.4
On a K-5..:-
http://dxomark.com/index.php/Lens-with-Camera/All-tested-lenses/Pentax/smc-DA-35mm-F2.4-AL/%28camera%29/676/%28cameraname%29/Pentax-K5
Other test data are also available for the same lens when putting on other Pentax bodies, for example, here is a comparison amongst K-5, K-m and the K20D with the DA35/2.4, actually in descending order for the overall DxO Lens Score, i.e., with the K-m, the combo performs better than with the K20D!
If you want to compare the DA35/2.4 lens to other 35mm focal lenses of other brands on other DSLRs, there is always the DxO comparison tool for the measurbation. Below is an example for K-5+DA35/2.4 Vs Nikon D5000+DX35/1.8G Vs Sony A550+A35/1.4G:-
Happy measurbation and *endless* "comparison"! Good luck! ;-D
Other DA35/2.4 Reviews/Tests:-
http://www.google.com/search?q=DA35+2.4+Tests&btnG=Find&domains=ricehigh.blogspot.com&sitesearch=ricehigh.blogspot.com
http://dxomark.com/index.php/Lens-with-Camera/All-tested-lenses/Pentax/smc-DA-35mm-F2.4-AL/%28camera%29/676/%28cameraname%29/Pentax-K5
Other test data are also available for the same lens when putting on other Pentax bodies, for example, here is a comparison amongst K-5, K-m and the K20D with the DA35/2.4, actually in descending order for the overall DxO Lens Score, i.e., with the K-m, the combo performs better than with the K20D!
If you want to compare the DA35/2.4 lens to other 35mm focal lenses of other brands on other DSLRs, there is always the DxO comparison tool for the measurbation. Below is an example for K-5+DA35/2.4 Vs Nikon D5000+DX35/1.8G Vs Sony A550+A35/1.4G:-
Happy measurbation and *endless* "comparison"! Good luck! ;-D
Other DA35/2.4 Reviews/Tests:-
http://www.google.com/search?q=DA35+2.4+Tests&btnG=Find&domains=ricehigh.blogspot.com&sitesearch=ricehigh.blogspot.com
Friday, May 06, 2011
Continuous Reports of K-5 still Mis-Focused under Tungsten even with the Latest Firmware 1.03
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=38366802
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=38365268
Test photos are posted and the following is quoted from one of the K-5 users above:-
"I bought a K-5 which was clearly having trouble with AF in tungsten light. Focus worked fine in daylight, so I loaded v1.03 and did some testing. Unfortunately the new firmware didn't help.
I know some people have a K-5 that works in tungsten light, but I decided to give up for now and returned the camera.For those who can't be bothered to look, tungsten AF on both older cameras outperformed the K-5 by a margin that doesn't require pixel peeping to spot."
Well, it seems that the low light tungsten Front Focusing issue is a real and newly introduced one with Pentax latest AF system of the SAFOX IX, which used in the K-5 and K-r. Too bad.. >:-(
All Related:-
http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/search?q=SAFOX+IX
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=38365268
Test photos are posted and the following is quoted from one of the K-5 users above:-
"I bought a K-5 which was clearly having trouble with AF in tungsten light. Focus worked fine in daylight, so I loaded v1.03 and did some testing. Unfortunately the new firmware didn't help.
I know some people have a K-5 that works in tungsten light, but I decided to give up for now and returned the camera.For those who can't be bothered to look, tungsten AF on both older cameras outperformed the K-5 by a margin that doesn't require pixel peeping to spot."
Well, it seems that the low light tungsten Front Focusing issue is a real and newly introduced one with Pentax latest AF system of the SAFOX IX, which used in the K-5 and K-r. Too bad.. >:-(
All Related:-
http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/search?q=SAFOX+IX
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Pentax Picture Samples (Full Sized, Japanese Link)
The samples are grouped by particular Pentax DSLR or lens models.. To view the full size samples, several clicks are required:-
http://photoxp.daifukuya.com/tag/pentax
EXIF data are usually preserved.
Enjoy! :-)
http://photoxp.daifukuya.com/tag/pentax
EXIF data are usually preserved.
Enjoy! :-)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Lowlight AF Accuracy Shootout: K-5 Firmware 1.03 Vs the Old K20D
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/136324-k-5-1-03-versus-k20d-auto-focus-tests.html
The results are self-explanatory. Testing conditions including lens in used and the lighting level is stated clearly below each pair of the comparison test pictures.
It can be seen that the old K20D K.O. the K-5 with the latest "improved low light AF accuracy" firmware 1.03 hands down! :-o
It seems that Pentax has gone back to the old *ist D days for poor AF accuracy with their latest SAFOX IX/+ used in the K-r and K-5, although in speed the new 9th generation of the Pentax system seems to be faster! >:-(
Nevertheless, a few other K-5 users have carried out some random ad-hoc checks on the AF accuracy of their K-5 units at lower light. It seems that some improvements over the old firmwares are shown but I can still see some OOF samples:-
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=37937710
So, the quick conclusion is that the new K-5 firmware could improve something but if it is compared to some old Pentax DSLRs like the K20D, the AF accuracy of the K-5 still, sucks.
My personal experience is that my K-m has the best AF accuracy, which has a mature SAFOX VIII. In fact, I found that the AF accuracy of the K-x had deteriorated but just have never imagined that the K-r could be even worse! Too bad!
Related:-
"Hysteria"!
Improved AF Accuracy of the K20D
AF Speed Difference of K-m Vs K20D
K-x' Time Longevity on AF Accuracy
K-r's AF Accuracy Affected Much by Colour Temparture of the Light Source
Magnified AF Errors of the SAFOX IX than the SAFOX VIII
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
New Version of the PK Tether is Out
http://www.pktether.com/new-version-0-4-5
What's New:-
Release version 0.4.5 PK_Tether – changes:
- added drive mode changing
- added white balance changing
- added flash mode and compensation changing
- added extended ISO detecting
- added zoom functionality
- added support for k-m/k2000 and maybe Samsung GX10
- reworked user interface
- fixed bugs
If you really need such a tethering software, which Pentax had dropped the support of the "Remote Assistant" software since the *ist Dx days, this one is for you. At least it will work with the K-x and the K-m, possibly with the K10D/GX-10 also.
Update (3-3): In the main page of the PK Tether, it is now told that it supports Pentax K-x, K-7, K-5, K-r, K20D, K10D and K200D.
Previous Related:-
Tethering Software for the K-x (3rd Party Freeware)
Tethering the Current Pentax DSLRs?
Monday, January 03, 2011
Some Bits and Pieces (1-3)
1. Sony to double image sensor output, via buy back chip plant from Toshiba:-
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTOE6BQ04420101227
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSGE6BL0B220101222
2. A new K-r review with image crops for measurbation:-
http://www.cyberphoto.se/?info.php?article=K-rsvart
(in Swedish, Google English Translation Here)
Related: http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2010/11/yet-k-5-brief-review-with-full-original.html
3. A trick for faster image zooming review for for K-5/K-7/K10D/K20D/K200D (and a few other Pentax DSLRs - but some do not work with this trick, e.g., the K-x):-
http://www.dchome.net/viewthread.php?tid=971802&extra=page%3D1
(in Chinese, Google English Translation Here)
In short, it states about when zooming is activated in image playback review mode, in addition to turning the e-dial for zooming in and out, the EV compensation (+/-) button and the Green button can be pressed and continuous zooming-in or out action is possible, which could provide a quicker access and minimise the wear and tear of the e-dial.
As a side-tip of mine, no matter what Pentax DSLR model(s) you use, if you just want to zoom in larger instantaneously without turning the e-dial for cycles. There is an option of "Quick Zoom" under the "Playback Display Method" menu. Just enter a zoom ratio you prefer once you turn the e-dial for zooming during image review. That's it! :-)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTOE6BQ04420101227
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSGE6BL0B220101222
2. A new K-r review with image crops for measurbation:-
http://www.cyberphoto.se/?info.php?article=K-rsvart
(in Swedish, Google English Translation Here)
Related: http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2010/11/yet-k-5-brief-review-with-full-original.html
3. A trick for faster image zooming review for for K-5/K-7/K10D/K20D/K200D (and a few other Pentax DSLRs - but some do not work with this trick, e.g., the K-x):-
http://www.dchome.net/viewthread.php?tid=971802&extra=page%3D1
(in Chinese, Google English Translation Here)
In short, it states about when zooming is activated in image playback review mode, in addition to turning the e-dial for zooming in and out, the EV compensation (+/-) button and the Green button can be pressed and continuous zooming-in or out action is possible, which could provide a quicker access and minimise the wear and tear of the e-dial.
As a side-tip of mine, no matter what Pentax DSLR model(s) you use, if you just want to zoom in larger instantaneously without turning the e-dial for cycles. There is an option of "Quick Zoom" under the "Playback Display Method" menu. Just enter a zoom ratio you prefer once you turn the e-dial for zooming during image review. That's it! :-)
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