K-01 AF better than DSLRs ... well, in one way.

JJJPhoto · 03-06-2013, 06:06 PM

I just spent some time tweaking the AF adjustment settings on a K-7 that couldn't focus correctly with the DA* 55mm lens. It dawned on me that I haven't needed to do this with either of my K-01 bodies. Then I realized the menu option isn't even there because of the difference in contrast detection AF and phase detection AF.

Granted, I do wish the K-01 had faster AF, but "the brick" frequently reminds me of all its hidden benefits; no need for MLU to avoid mirror slap, standard mic jack with levels for recording audio with video, great still and video image quality, solid construction, the list goes on.

cyclone3d · 03-06-2013, 07:10 PM

Yep, no front/back focusing issues because of no mirror.

I love it.

Aegon · 03-06-2013, 10:05 PM

I like the K-01 too.

When you get a chance, try a modern µ4/3 camera with a modern lens. Lightning fast focus, 100% accurate. Olympus models also detect the closest eye and put the focus dead on the eye. It is astonishing.

JJJPhoto · 03-07-2013, 12:43 AM

Aegon, I actually have a number of micro 4/3 cameras, including the OM-D E-M5 (a great camera in its own right). I definitely think Olympus has the advantage when it comes to AF ... even faster than Pentax DSLRs. I just like the extra latitude that I get from the APS-C sensor in the K-01 and the fact that I can use great Pentax glass with AF (even if it is slower) and without any special adapters.

Louicio · 03-12-2013, 07:26 PM

In theory a mirrorless CDAF system can all have all sorts of special technology built into it because the image sensor is used to detect the image, as oppose to a specially designed focus sensor. As long as you can write the software to identify the particular circumstances in the sensor output that utilise your program, then it will work.

stepmac · 03-13-2013, 12:11 PM

Just returned from a photo outing in SoCal. Lost, what would have been some great "walk around" crowd pics due to slow auto focus. Got some tho. Took some very nice pics. I like the feel of this strange, blocky camera. I'm glad that I bought it. Very sharp pics. Looking forward to working them up.

stepmac · 03-13-2013, 12:19 PM

While in SoCal I visited a Sammy's camera outlet. Big store. Some Pentax cameras but no mention of the K-01 anywhere. I suspect the K-01 is on its way out. I don't think Pentax sold many of them which causes me to think they might become a collector's item. The K-01 feels very Pentaxian to me. A little weird, but capable and not expensive. I'm a fan.

03-06-2013, 06:06 PM	#1
JJJPhoto Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 419	K-01 AF better than DSLRs ... well, in one way. I just spent some time tweaking the AF adjustment settings on a K-7 that couldn't focus correctly with the DA* 55mm lens. It dawned on me that I haven't needed to do this with either of my K-01 bodies. Then I realized the menu option isn't even there because of the difference in contrast detection AF and phase detection AF. Granted, I do wish the K-01 had faster AF, but "the brick" frequently reminds me of all its hidden benefits; no need for MLU to avoid mirror slap, standard mic jack with levels for recording audio with video, great still and video image quality, solid construction, the list goes on.

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03-06-2013, 07:10 PM	#2
cyclone3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 511	Yep, no front/back focusing issues because of no mirror. I love it.

03-06-2013, 10:05 PM	#3
Aegon Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,416	I like the K-01 too. When you get a chance, try a modern µ4/3 camera with a modern lens. Lightning fast focus, 100% accurate. Olympus models also detect the closest eye and put the focus dead on the eye. It is astonishing.

03-07-2013, 12:43 AM	#4
JJJPhoto Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 419 Original Poster	Aegon, I actually have a number of micro 4/3 cameras, including the OM-D E-M5 (a great camera in its own right). I definitely think Olympus has the advantage when it comes to AF ... even faster than Pentax DSLRs. I just like the extra latitude that I get from the APS-C sensor in the K-01 and the fact that I can use great Pentax glass with AF (even if it is slower) and without any special adapters.

03-12-2013, 07:26 PM	#5
Louicio Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Melbourne Posts: 432	In theory a mirrorless CDAF system can all have all sorts of special technology built into it because the image sensor is used to detect the image, as oppose to a specially designed focus sensor. As long as you can write the software to identify the particular circumstances in the sensor output that utilise your program, then it will work.

03-13-2013, 12:11 PM	#6
stepmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 263	Just returned from a photo outing in SoCal. Lost, what would have been some great "walk around" crowd pics due to slow auto focus. Got some tho. Took some very nice pics. I like the feel of this strange, blocky camera. I'm glad that I bought it. Very sharp pics. Looking forward to working them up.

03-13-2013, 12:19 PM	#7
stepmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 263	While in SoCal I visited a Sammy's camera outlet. Big store. Some Pentax cameras but no mention of the K-01 anywhere. I suspect the K-01 is on its way out. I don't think Pentax sold many of them which causes me to think they might become a collector's item. The K-01 feels very Pentaxian to me. A little weird, but capable and not expensive. I'm a fan.