K-x, does it have the focus indicator?

*skid2964* · 10-18-2009, 02:23 PM

The K2000 did not have this, does the K-x? (The little red light that shows up in the viewfinder when it has focused)

grishazzz · 10-18-2009, 03:15 PM

no, it doesn't have focus indicators like K-m.

*falconeye* · 10-18-2009, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by skid2964

The K2000 did not have this, does the K-x? (The little red light that shows up in the viewfinder when it has focused)

Originally Posted by grishazzz

no, it doesn't have focus indicators like K-m.

Correct, it has no AF area overlay in the view finder.

It is supposed though to indicate the active AF area in the INFO screen on the rear LCD.

**Marc Sabatella** · 10-18-2009, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by skid2964

The K2000 did not have this, does the K-x? (The little red light that shows up in the viewfinder when it has focused)

The red square doesn't show *when* it has focused; it shows *where* it is trying to focus. It's the green hexagon that shows *when* it has successfully focused.

Neither the K-m nor the K-x have the red squares to show *where* the camera is focusing, but both feature the green hexagon to show *when* it has focused.

BobRad · 10-19-2009, 06:59 AM

Marc,

When using center focus, does the red square appear in the viewfinder at the center point?

Bob

*pxpaulx* · 10-19-2009, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by BobRad

Marc,

When using center focus, does the red square appear in the viewfinder at the center point?

Bob

No, there is no red LED overlay in the viewfinder at all. Focus confirmation is available via the green hex which is found in the current shooting details in the bottom of the viewfinder, as Mark indicated above.

*skid2964* · 10-19-2009, 07:09 AM

It doesn't on the K2000. and according to Marc, it does not on the K-x either.

When I had my K2000, I found it not to be a serious issue. But I always used the center focus anyway so the beep and the green light was enough.

I do view it as a K-x shortcoming though. got to make it less expensive somehow I guess. I'm still going to get one.

But when the next pro camera comes out with this sensor and two wheels (and focus indicator!) Im getting one!

Originally Posted by BobRad

Marc,

When using center focus, does the red square appear in the viewfinder at the center point?

Bob

BobRad · 10-19-2009, 09:06 AM

Bummer! I find it odd that the face detection shows the faces that are being identified for focus (according to the Pentax promotional video - or is that just on a simulation?), but yet the center focus point is not identified. Like you, it won't stop me from getting it to replace my dear departed K10D, but I would rather not have to gauge that my subject is in the center of the screen on every shot, especially since I use the center focus, hold, re-compose, and shoot approach.

Thanks for the quick and helpful respones.

Bob

TBSteve · 10-19-2009, 10:02 AM

I think you are maybe confusing the LCD screen focus information, with the viewfinder focus information.

When using the LV mode all focus information is available on the LCD screen, including face tracking etc.

When using the viewfinder face tracking would not be available (as the sensor is not active), and this information would not be seen in the viewfinder.

The viewfinder only has a focus confirmation indicator, to indicate that the camera has locked on focus.
What it lacks is the focal point indicator overlay in the viewfinder to show where the camera has focused.

I hope his makes sense.

**Marc Sabatella** · 10-19-2009, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by BobRad

Bummer! I find it odd that the face detection shows the faces that are being identified for focus (according to the Pentax promotional video - or is that just on a simulation?),

Maybe it works that way in liveview mode? not sure. Just to be clear, I don't own a K-x - I'm just going by what the spec sheet and all reviewers and owners have stated.

I would rather not have to gauge that my subject is in the center of the screen on every shot, especially since I use the center focus, hold, re-compose, and shoot approach.

You don't need the dot for that; actually, it's misleading anyhow. The center focus "point" is actually about as large as the whole center bracket etched into the focus screen. So as long as you subject is in that range, you're good.

BobRad · 10-19-2009, 10:30 AM

Thanks, Marc. I always used the red LED center focus indicator on my K10D, so I never even noticed if it has an etched center area indication. If the K-x has the center bracket, I'll adapt.

Bob

BobRad · 10-19-2009, 10:34 AM

TBSteve,

Yes, it makes sense. The footage on face detection must be showing the LCD view.

Thanks,
Bob

Nass · 10-19-2009, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Marc Sabatella

The red square doesn't show *when* it has focused; it shows *where* it is trying to focus. It's the green hexagon that shows *when* it has successfully focused.

Neither the K-m nor the K-x have the red squares to show *where* the camera is focusing, but both feature the green hexagon to show *when* it has focused.

Marc, it took me aaaaaaages before I figured that out and nowadays I point this out whenever this question comes up. I know there's RTFM... but there does seem to be such widespread misconception about this!

prayforsnow · 10-19-2009, 12:24 PM

I think you are maybe confusing the LCD screen focus information, with the viewfinder focus information.

When using the LV mode all focus information is available on the LCD screen, including face tracking etc.

When using the viewfinder face tracking would not be available (as the sensor is not active), and this information would not be seen in the viewfinder.

The viewfinder only has a focus confirmation indicator, to indicate that the camera has locked on focus.
What it lacks is the focal point indicator overlay in the viewfinder to show where the camera has focused.

I hope his makes sense.

I am total SLR beginner so excuse me if this question is silly, but if a camera like the K-X has 11 auto focus points but no way of telling which focus point it is using, what is the point (excuse the pun) in having all those extra focus points?

When framing a picture either in LV on the screen or through the viewfinder, is it possible to see roughly which area is in focus? How do you chose a different focus point if the wrong one is selected?

Thanks

Nass · 10-19-2009, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by prayforsnow

I am total SLR beginner so excuse me if this question is silly, but if a camera like the K-X has 11 auto focus points but no way of telling which focus point it is using, what is the point (excuse the pun) in having all those extra focus points?

When framing a picture either in LV on the screen or through the viewfinder, is it possible to see roughly which area is in focus? How do you chose a different focus point if the wrong one is selected?

Thanks

Hello,

I don't actually own this camera but I do remember reading somewhere that the LCD LV will show you which of the focus points is active. Not through the viewfinder however.

Someone might want to confirm this though?