[Ragnar]

Hi all,

does anybody know if the K-5 can handle 64 GB SD Cards ?

Just got my K-5 today, works well with 4, 8 and 32GB cards, but won't accept my brand new "64 GB Transcend XC Class 10 - SD Card".

Could it be the card is a dud ?
Or should i try to format it on a PC first ?
Or is it just the K-5 cant handle such big cards ?

[napawino]

Update the firmware to 1.03

Digital Cameras and Accessories - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

"SDXC memory card compatibility (via firmware update)."

[Ragnar]

Thanks guys.

Should have tried Google first

Charging my battery right now to update firmware.
Can't wait to capture my first night sky time lapse

[napawino]

Do you have a motor drive mount? Mounting it on a telescope?

[Ragnar]

Nope, no drive mount yet, ... but i'm looking at this one right now: Stage Zero Dolly 6-Foot Complete Kit (Back-Order Deposit) [DP6FK-BODEP] - $447.50 : Dynamic Perception LLC, Open-Source TimeLapse Motion Control Systems

Compared to others, this one is quite affordable.
And it seems to work excellent:

Vimeo

And no, no telescope.
Just my DA 16-50 @16mm, f/2.8, 10sec, ISO 1600, triggered every 12 sec. for ... 999 shots (why the heck did Pentax that darn limitation)

Just testing how it works.
The DFW Metroplex with its light pollution is probably the worst place to do a night sky time lapse.
Unless your in a good spot to capture all the planes taking off and landing on DFW International. (What a great idea, .. i might do that another night)

I ordered a intervalometer even though the K-5 got a internal one to have more control and to bypass the (... stupid) 999 limitation.

[Schraubstock]

Just a remark on the side for what it's worth.
People in general prefer big cards so when they go on holidays they can take all their pics on one card, beginning to end. Big mistake!

On holidays or any travel often in unfamiliar countries things can go wrong, think of theft malfunctioning card or even leaving your cam behind somewhere and if this happens at the end of your trip (as it always does) you lose every thing. Had you used smaller cards (I use 2 and 4 GB) and you store these away from the cam in different locations you lose only what is in the cam. You can replace your gear but not your snaps.

Just a thought for you to consider.

[Eagle_Friends]

Ragnar

That is beautiful!

[pxpaulx]

Schraubstock - since he is intending to do timelapse, that requires a large capacity since the camera is left to take photos at intervals for many, many shots (which is why the OP needs an intervalometer that will take more than 999 shots!).

Ragnar, I think Napawino was referring to sky tracking with his telescope reference - that timelapse moving rail is pretty cool, but something else entirely!

[Ragnar]

@ pxpaulx:

You are right about the large capacity SD card. Nothing worse than running out of memory, ... well, ... running out of power is a tie to that.

Ja, Sky tracking is a whole other level which i'm far away from. The equipment needed must cost a fortune. Although i would be very interested in that. For now i just got into this exciting hobby and i got to learn how to use my brand new K-5 first. But a dolly system is definitely on my wish list! Shooting my lapse right now, ... 0:40 here in Dallas, lot of light pollution
After a couple of test shots i came to the following settings:
Lens: DA*16-50 @ 16mm
ISO 200
15 sec exposure
f/3.2
30 sec interval
16 mb jpg
WB = Tungsten
all on manual

I'll post the result tomorrow in another tread ... we're far off topic here.

@ Schraubstock: Dem Namen nach bist Du wohl auch deutscher ? Gruss in die Heimat !

[RonHendriks1966]

Well the 999 shots is new, with K-7 it was only 99 shots. But with a 30 second timer you are already true the night.

Looks great those shots. And 999 nightshots do fit on a single 32 GB card in RAW.

[Ragnar]

Well the 999 shots is new, with K-7 it was only 99 shots. But with a 30 second timer you are already true the night.

Good math there buddy, ... but unfortunately i'm not shooting night only and not always with 30sec interval. One Time Lapse i did was over 1500 shots.

999 shots / 24 frames = 41.625 seconds video

Since most time you cut from lapse to lapse in creating a video, a 30sec clip is enough.
But sometimes ... you just need more.

And 999 nightshots do fit on a single 32 GB card in RAW.

That is the reason for the original topic here, ... 64GB card would be the answer.

Met collegiale groetjes van Texas !

[RonHendriks1966]

Met collegiale groetjes van Texas !

Funny

Well as far as I know SanDisk SDXC 64Gb should work.

There is also a possability to purchase a radio remote that has the function of a timer working with the cable. Some HongKong shops sell them, but if they reach beyond 999 shots is out of my knowledge.

[Ex Finn.]

Compared to others, this one is quite affordable.
And it seems to work excellent:

For a hair under thousand bucks it does seem pretty nice.
Cool time-lapses BTW.