[al.k]

I am looking to get a K-5. I really like the way the camera feels in my hands, love the size, have old Pentax film lenses, like the weather sealing. But - I am also a documentary filmmaker and although I have other video options, would prefer to have the best (or at least an adequate) video option on me... at all times. So if I'm out and about with just my dSLR, I would like to have a good solid video option. So, I've been researching ad-nauseam the camera's video capabilities and everyone's manual control workarounds. I've yet to definitively find answers to the following questions I have:

1) I understand that the AE-L can be used to lock exposure before movie recording. But can the button be used WHILE you're recording video? To lock and unlock, etc. without stopping and starting recording?

2) Similarly, can the EV compensation be used during movie recording?

3) And lastly, I understand, according to the manual that while using manual focus in stills mode, the camera indicates when you've pulled the image into focus. Can the camera also indicate focus for video? And again, can it do this also while you're recording, or only before you start?

Thanks much. My first post. Hoping to be a new dSLR Pentax owner, as I really prefer the feel of the camera to the alternatives. Not to mention that the stills quality seems stellar.

Cheers.

[Gimbal]

As far as I know:
1. yes.
2. yes.
3. not while recording.

[al.k]

Thanks for the quick response, Gimbal.

Have you had a chance to try all that out on the K-5? To me if 1 and 2 are true, then it's not that big a deal to not have direct control of shutter speed. Thanks.

[Gimbal]

That is my experience from the little video shooting I've done on the K5. I can double check later today if no one else confirms/denies it.

[Gimbal]

So I've just tried it again and yes, AE-lock can be locked and unlocked anytime during recoding. EV-compensation +- 2 ev also whenever you wish.

Interestingly one can also lock exposure and then on top of that adjust EV-compensation. Neat.

No focus help at all if you are in MF, even if you are not recording since you are still in live view. That only works with phase focus.

[al.k]

Thanks so much again Gimbal. Perfect. I can definitely live with those capabilities. I think I'm in. Thanks so much for the extra help!

Too bad most people aren't talking about the fact that AE-L and EV are active during recording. It makes the lack of manual controls irrelevant for most purposes. Especially considering you can also lock the aperture separately.

Cheers.