focus peaking on the K-5

Kennod · 02-04-2012, 06:59 PM

One of the new useful features being discussed on the K-01 forum is 'focus peaking'.

If, like me, you didn't really know what this is, 'focus peaking' highlights the in-focus areas on the LCD in much the same way as you can show blown highlights and dark areas.

This makes manual focusing very quick and easy and is becoming a standard feature on MILC (like NEX and K-01) which lack a real viewfinder.

But this would also be a great feature on the K-5 in at least two scenarios:

1. using older (MF) large aperture lenses (like 50/1.2) where it can be difficult to consistently achieve accurate focus. Using live-view and digital magnification is usually more accurate than the viewfinder but is slow and means you can't see/compose the whole image on the LCD.

2. for shooting video, where pulling and pushing focus can be clumsy and very hit and miss

Does anyone have a view on how likely it might be that 'focus peaking' could be added to the K-5 via firmware update?

Or is new functionality of any kind now increasingly unlikely, and held off for new models etc?

Adam · 02-04-2012, 07:03 PM

You can zoom in during live view on the K-5; however, with SLRs the best solution is a split-screen focusing screen. Can't do that on a MILC

**mattt** · 02-04-2012, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by Adam

the best solution is a split-screen focusing screen

I'm stunned that a focusing screen doesn't come stock - I never realized how useful it would be until I started playing with the K1000 which has a marvelous focus screen. Having briefly tasted the features of a Nikon D70s I find it lacking on my Kr now.

Sounds like you have some pull with corporate Adam - what are the chances these new 100% OVF's that are coming in the K-3 and K-300 will also be equipped with useful focus screens?

reign226 · 02-04-2012, 07:37 PM

Lol there is a K300??

**mattt** · 02-04-2012, 07:41 PM

I'm going with the rumors..... LOL

Kennod · 02-04-2012, 07:47 PM

Yes, zoom in during live view is what I do. I also use a Tenpa magnifier and have considered getting a Katzeye, but focus peaking would be more useful, or a least convenient, in some situations, IMO.

Not my intention to trigger discussion around the relative merit of various focusing techniques, but moreso whether we think we can still expect new functionality for the K-5 via firmware or just minimal support. Everyone has their own firmware wishlist, and focus peaking was just something that 'piqued' my interest.

Adam · 02-04-2012, 07:49 PM

Don't the split-screen focusing screen have a performance impact on AF? If so, that's why they're not stock. Plus, most people don't focus manually!

A big viewfinder with an OEM split-screen option would be welcome, though!

Adam
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**mattt** · 02-04-2012, 07:51 PM

Originally posted by Adam

A big viewfinder with an OEM split-screen option would be welcome, though

Thumbs up here on that one.

Kennod · 02-04-2012, 07:54 PM

Adam and Matt,

All interesting, but any thoughts about Firmware upgrades delivering NEW functionality (Focus Peaking is just an example), which is the intended topic of my question please

bossa · 02-04-2012, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by Adam

You can zoom in during live view on the K-5; however, with SLRs the best solution is a split-screen focusing screen. Can't do that on a MILC

Split screens in K-5 lose the spot metering. I have a Canon S screen modded for my K-5 that works pretty well although it's still not as crisp as a split screen would be. It does allow seeing DOF on fast lenses though.

Kennod · 02-04-2012, 08:05 PM

Hi Guys, I originated this thread. Apparently my question wasn't clear enough despite my attempted clarification. Thanks anyway.

Adam, who do I complain to when the Site Moderator hijacks my thread?

falconeye · 02-04-2012, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by Kennod

Hi Guys, I originated this thread. Apparently my question wasn't clear enough despite my attempted clarification. Thanks anyway.

Adam, who do I complain to when the Site Moderator hijacks my thread?

Everybody hijacks the thread because new Pentax firmware never brought new features. No hope. Ok, a little but you have to ask on a Ricoh forum then

**mattt** · 02-04-2012, 08:10 PM

Sorry, I'm the wrong guy to ask Kennod, I hate all the noise and delays associated with live view on my K-r. I have young eyes, and used the OVF 99% of the time. The rare occasion that I use Live view is while taking photographs with the Pentax K-mount Microscope adapter.

Kennod · 02-04-2012, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by falconeye

Everybody hijacks the thread because new Pentax firmware never brought new features. No hope. Ok, a little but you have to ask on a Ricoh forum then

Thanks falconeye for a 'back on topic' response

pop4 · 02-04-2012, 08:34 PM

Originally posted by Kennod

Does anyone have a view on how likely it might be that 'focus peaking' could be added to the K-5 via firmware update?

Or is new functionality of any kind now increasingly unlikely, and held off for new models etc?

It probably is a software implementation, meaning that focus peaking could be added to the K-5 via a firmware update, but whether they'd want to add such a feature to a camera that is probably going to be replaced sometime soon is anyone's guess...

Another thing is that this peaking will only be available whilst using the rear LCD, i.e. Live View or when reviewing files. I got a dSLR because I want and prefer to use the optical viewfinder, and there may be others like me...

02-04-2012, 06:59 PM	#1
Kennod Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 126	focus peaking on the K-5 One of the new useful features being discussed on the K-01 forum is 'focus peaking'. If, like me, you didn't really know what this is, 'focus peaking' highlights the in-focus areas on the LCD in much the same way as you can show blown highlights and dark areas. This makes manual focusing very quick and easy and is becoming a standard feature on MILC (like NEX and K-01) which lack a real viewfinder. But this would also be a great feature on the K-5 in at least two scenarios: 1. using older (MF) large aperture lenses (like 50/1.2) where it can be difficult to consistently achieve accurate focus. Using live-view and digital magnification is usually more accurate than the viewfinder but is slow and means you can't see/compose the whole image on the LCD. 2. for shooting video, where pulling and pushing focus can be clumsy and very hit and miss Does anyone have a view on how likely it might be that 'focus peaking' could be added to the K-5 via firmware update? Or is new functionality of any kind now increasingly unlikely, and held off for new models etc?

02-04-2012, 07:03 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	You can zoom in during live view on the K-5; however, with SLRs the best solution is a split-screen focusing screen. Can't do that on a MILC Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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02-04-2012, 07:36 PM	#3
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	Originally posted by Adam the best solution is a split-screen focusing screen I'm stunned that a focusing screen doesn't come stock - I never realized how useful it would be until I started playing with the K1000 which has a marvelous focus screen. Having briefly tasted the features of a Nikon D70s I find it lacking on my Kr now. Sounds like you have some pull with corporate Adam - what are the chances these new 100% OVF's that are coming in the K-3 and K-300 will also be equipped with useful focus screens?

02-04-2012, 07:37 PM	#4
reign226 New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	Lol there is a K300??

02-04-2012, 07:41 PM	#5
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	I'm going with the rumors..... LOL

02-04-2012, 07:47 PM	#6
Kennod Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 126 Original Poster	Yes, zoom in during live view is what I do. I also use a Tenpa magnifier and have considered getting a Katzeye, but focus peaking would be more useful, or a least convenient, in some situations, IMO. Not my intention to trigger discussion around the relative merit of various focusing techniques, but moreso whether we think we can still expect new functionality for the K-5 via firmware or just minimal support. Everyone has their own firmware wishlist, and focus peaking was just something that 'piqued' my interest.

02-04-2012, 07:49 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Don't the split-screen focusing screen have a performance impact on AF? If so, that's why they're not stock. Plus, most people don't focus manually! A big viewfinder with an OEM split-screen option would be welcome, though! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

02-04-2012, 07:51 PM	#8
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	Originally posted by Adam A big viewfinder with an OEM split-screen option would be welcome, though Thumbs up here on that one.

02-04-2012, 07:54 PM	#9
Kennod Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 126 Original Poster	Adam and Matt, All interesting, but any thoughts about Firmware upgrades delivering NEW functionality (Focus Peaking is just an example), which is the intended topic of my question please

02-04-2012, 08:00 PM	#10
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by Adam You can zoom in during live view on the K-5; however, with SLRs the best solution is a split-screen focusing screen. Can't do that on a MILC Split screens in K-5 lose the spot metering. I have a Canon S screen modded for my K-5 that works pretty well although it's still not as crisp as a split screen would be. It does allow seeing DOF on fast lenses though.

02-04-2012, 08:05 PM	#11
Kennod Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 126 Original Poster	Hi Guys, I originated this thread. Apparently my question wasn't clear enough despite my attempted clarification. Thanks anyway. Adam, who do I complain to when the Site Moderator hijacks my thread?

02-04-2012, 08:09 PM	#12
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by Kennod Hi Guys, I originated this thread. Apparently my question wasn't clear enough despite my attempted clarification. Thanks anyway. Adam, who do I complain to when the Site Moderator hijacks my thread? Everybody hijacks the thread because new Pentax firmware never brought new features. No hope. Ok, a little but you have to ask on a Ricoh forum then

02-04-2012, 08:10 PM	#13
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	Sorry, I'm the wrong guy to ask Kennod, I hate all the noise and delays associated with live view on my K-r. I have young eyes, and used the OVF 99% of the time. The rare occasion that I use Live view is while taking photographs with the Pentax K-mount Microscope adapter.

02-04-2012, 08:13 PM	#14
Kennod Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 126 Original Poster	Originally posted by falconeye Everybody hijacks the thread because new Pentax firmware never brought new features. No hope. Ok, a little but you have to ask on a Ricoh forum then Thanks falconeye for a 'back on topic' response

02-04-2012, 08:34 PM	#15
pop4 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: YMML Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,879	Originally posted by Kennod Does anyone have a view on how likely it might be that 'focus peaking' could be added to the K-5 via firmware update? Or is new functionality of any kind now increasingly unlikely, and held off for new models etc? It probably is a software implementation, meaning that focus peaking could be added to the K-5 via a firmware update, but whether they'd want to add such a feature to a camera that is probably going to be replaced sometime soon is anyone's guess... Another thing is that this peaking will only be available whilst using the rear LCD, i.e. Live View or when reviewing files. I got a dSLR because I want and prefer to use the optical viewfinder, and there may be others like me...