Will be there a new version of the D-BG2 (D-BG2 MKII ??)?

Priyantha Bleeker · 01-24-2008, 05:05 AM

Hi all

It is nice that the old D-BG2 grip is going to work with the K20D off course, but is Pentax going to release a new updated version of the grip ?
With a dedicated AF button and a dedicated ISO ad WB button ?
Maybe also a handstrap opportunity ? That would be for me the main reason to buy a newer grip(I do own the old D-BG2).

Somebody knows if there is a possibility that Pentax is going to do this ? aka listening to their users ?

-spam- · 01-24-2008, 05:07 AM

A separate AF button and the ability to have two batteries in the grip sure would be nice.

AnoLife · 01-24-2008, 05:19 AM

It will be the same...

And with an new grip I will be nice of there is an 4 inch screen on the bottom with live view....

And D-BG3 is the name for the grip for the K200D. So it will be a little confusing in the stores for buying the good grip.

Priyantha Bleeker · 01-24-2008, 05:19 AM

Originally posted by -spam-

A separate AF button and the ability to have two batteries in the grip sure would be nice.

Yes that would be a big upgrade for me

and please don't forget the hand-strap :P

Priyantha Bleeker · 01-24-2008, 05:24 AM

Originally posted by AnoLife

It will be the same...

And with an new grip I will be nice of there is an 4 inch screen on the bottom with live view....

And D-BG3 is the name for the grip for the K200D. So it will be a little confusing in the stores for buying the good grip.

Yes I know, that's why I ask for a new one :P

Well that's true

That's why my suggestion to name it D-BG2 mkII

AnoLife · 01-24-2008, 05:52 AM

I really do not think that Pentax will make an new grip for the K20D (and K10D). The priorities will be on other things like making the K1D/K30D/645D and develop an new AF-system and higher fps cam... Just to make all Pentaxians happy.

Elton · 01-24-2008, 05:57 AM

The lack of an AF-button on the grip is exactly why I never use the grip for anything else than ergonomity and SD storage. It is absolutely needed.

barendvl · 01-24-2008, 06:03 AM

Originally posted by Elton

The lack of an AF-button on the grip is exactly why I never use the grip for anything else than ergonomity and SD storage. It is absolutely needed.

And extra power?

Aren't those the main three features of the D-BG2 anyway? If Ergonomity includes buttons.

Actually I'm very happy Pentax didn't change (they might upgrade, ofcourse). But making the D-BG2 compatible with the K20D actually makes me buy the grip for my K10D. If I'll ever upgrade to the K20D (which just might happen..) I would still be able to use the grip on that camera as well :-)

Good to hear something from you again Priyantha, why are you never on GoT anymore?

Elton · 01-24-2008, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by barendvl

And extra power?

Well, no. I don't use it for extra power, but I always have my battery in the grip.

I found this to be the best solution because when I used two batteries at the same time I used to go empty all of a sudden without warning. Now I can easily change the battery which is in the grip when needed and allways have a backup battery.

Also changing the battery in the camera takes to much time. Much neater to just slide out the battery drawer in the grip.

Ishpuini · 01-24-2008, 06:41 AM

Having a AF button on the grip would be an improvement indeed. However, I'm happy that the grip remained the same too... I got used to it so that's one less adjustment to make to get all the new features... That includes holding the camera in a slightly odd fashion to reach the on-body AF button in vertical position...

More batteries would probably mean more bulky grip, and I like the size as it is. Please don't make it bigger...

A dedicated ISO button isn't needed as the OK button is just as easily reached in both horizontal and vertical position. A dedicate WB button isn't present on the body, so it won't ever on the grip. The software is written for the body and the grip just replaces functions on the body. It will never add functions not on the body imho...

Wim

Elton · 01-24-2008, 06:51 AM

Originally posted by Ishpuini

The software is written for the body and the grip just replaces functions on the body. It will never add functions not on the body imho...

But they could easily put in an option in custum functions that would flip so that AE-L button would do what AF-button does and vice versa. This way people like me that never uses the AE-L button could have an AF-button on the grip. This would work perfectly on both grip and camera.

So engineers, please take a note of this and put it in the final firmware. I will bake you a very nice cake if you do.

Ishpuini · 01-24-2008, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by Elton

But they could easily put in an option in custum functions that would flip so that AE-L button would do what AF-button does and vice versa. This way people like me that never uses the AE-L button could have an AF-button on the grip. This would work perfectly on both grip and camera.

So engineers, please take a note of this and put it in the final firmware. I will bake you a very nice cake if you do.

That's what the First Look at the K20D published on popfoto.com also suggests...

However, I would find that too confusing for one. Changing the function of a general button such as the OK button or the arrow buttons on the 4way controller is one thing, but changing the function of a button which explicitely displays another function is generally not considered very user friendly interface design.

Second I'm pretty sure that more people use the AE-L button than the AF button? The AE-L button has a general function, whereas I notice the AF button is a nice feature appreciated by a select audience only (including myself). That select audience obviously uses their AF button much more than their AE-L button, but the other part of the K10D/K20D using population (I fear this might be the vast majority) probably never uses the AF button at all...

Wim

TDN · 01-24-2008, 07:02 AM

I think Pentax's priorities lay elsewhere for the moment...like getting models out in the stores in time!

Elton · 01-24-2008, 07:23 AM

Originally posted by Ishpuini

That's what the First Look at the K20D published on popfoto.com also suggests...

However, I would find that too confusing for one. Changing the function of a general button such as the OK button or the arrow buttons on the 4way controller is one thing, but changing the function of a button which explicitely displays another function is generally not considered very user friendly interface design.

I agree, changing a buttons function to do something else than it says is not very user friendly, and off course, I don't want Pentax to change this permanently in a new firmware. However, I cannot see why they couldn't include it as a custom functions option. Hidden away in that menu it would only confuse people who willingly and on their own choose to be (dazed and) confused.

The best option indeed would be a grip with both AF and AE-L buttons, but since the engineers have more than enough on their hands they could buy some time with what I believe to be a fairly simple firmwareupgrade.

So my cake-offer is still up.

kenyee · 01-24-2008, 07:36 AM

Since the original grip fits, I doubt they will.
What no one seems to have asked is if they addressed the horizontal line noise from using the battery grip's battery. I suspected this needed to be fixed inside the body instead of in the grip, but I'm sure K20D purchasers will find out soon ;-)

01-24-2008, 05:05 AM	#1
Priyantha Bleeker Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 190	Will be there a new version of the D-BG2 (D-BG2 MKII ??)? Hi all It is nice that the old D-BG2 grip is going to work with the K20D off course, but is Pentax going to release a new updated version of the grip ? With a dedicated AF button and a dedicated ISO ad WB button ? Maybe also a handstrap opportunity ? That would be for me the main reason to buy a newer grip(I do own the old D-BG2). Somebody knows if there is a possibility that Pentax is going to do this ? aka listening to their users ?

01-24-2008, 05:57 AM	#7
Elton Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 34	Af Button! The lack of an AF-button on the grip is exactly why I never use the grip for anything else than ergonomity and SD storage. It is absolutely needed.

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01-24-2008, 05:07 AM	#2
-spam- Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 354	A separate AF button and the ability to have two batteries in the grip sure would be nice.

01-24-2008, 05:19 AM	#3
AnoLife Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rotterdam Posts: 61	It will be the same... And with an new grip I will be nice of there is an 4 inch screen on the bottom with live view.... And D-BG3 is the name for the grip for the K200D. So it will be a little confusing in the stores for buying the good grip.

01-24-2008, 05:19 AM	#4
Priyantha Bleeker Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 190 Original Poster	Originally posted by -spam- A separate AF button and the ability to have two batteries in the grip sure would be nice. Yes that would be a big upgrade for me and please don't forget the hand-strap :P

01-24-2008, 05:24 AM	#5
Priyantha Bleeker Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 190 Original Poster	Originally posted by AnoLife It will be the same... And with an new grip I will be nice of there is an 4 inch screen on the bottom with live view.... And D-BG3 is the name for the grip for the K200D. So it will be a little confusing in the stores for buying the good grip. Yes I know, that's why I ask for a new one :P Well that's true That's why my suggestion to name it D-BG2 mkII

01-24-2008, 05:52 AM	#6
AnoLife Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rotterdam Posts: 61	I really do not think that Pentax will make an new grip for the K20D (and K10D). The priorities will be on other things like making the K1D/K30D/645D and develop an new AF-system and higher fps cam... Just to make all Pentaxians happy.

01-24-2008, 06:03 AM	#8
barendvl Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Netherlands, Eindhoven Posts: 133	Originally posted by Elton The lack of an AF-button on the grip is exactly why I never use the grip for anything else than ergonomity and SD storage. It is absolutely needed. And extra power? Aren't those the main three features of the D-BG2 anyway? If Ergonomity includes buttons. Actually I'm very happy Pentax didn't change (they might upgrade, ofcourse). But making the D-BG2 compatible with the K20D actually makes me buy the grip for my K10D. If I'll ever upgrade to the K20D (which just might happen..) I would still be able to use the grip on that camera as well :-) Good to hear something from you again Priyantha, why are you never on GoT anymore?

01-24-2008, 06:27 AM	#9
Elton Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 34	Originally posted by barendvl And extra power? Well, no. I don't use it for extra power, but I always have my battery in the grip. I found this to be the best solution because when I used two batteries at the same time I used to go empty all of a sudden without warning. Now I can easily change the battery which is in the grip when needed and allways have a backup battery. Also changing the battery in the camera takes to much time. Much neater to just slide out the battery drawer in the grip.

01-24-2008, 06:41 AM	#10
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Having a AF button on the grip would be an improvement indeed. However, I'm happy that the grip remained the same too... I got used to it so that's one less adjustment to make to get all the new features... That includes holding the camera in a slightly odd fashion to reach the on-body AF button in vertical position... More batteries would probably mean more bulky grip, and I like the size as it is. Please don't make it bigger... A dedicated ISO button isn't needed as the OK button is just as easily reached in both horizontal and vertical position. A dedicate WB button isn't present on the body, so it won't ever on the grip. The software is written for the body and the grip just replaces functions on the body. It will never add functions not on the body imho... Wim

01-24-2008, 06:51 AM	#11
Elton Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 34	Originally posted by Ishpuini The software is written for the body and the grip just replaces functions on the body. It will never add functions not on the body imho... But they could easily put in an option in custum functions that would flip so that AE-L button would do what AF-button does and vice versa. This way people like me that never uses the AE-L button could have an AF-button on the grip. This would work perfectly on both grip and camera. So engineers, please take a note of this and put it in the final firmware. I will bake you a very nice cake if you do.

01-24-2008, 06:59 AM	#12
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Originally posted by Elton But they could easily put in an option in custum functions that would flip so that AE-L button would do what AF-button does and vice versa. This way people like me that never uses the AE-L button could have an AF-button on the grip. This would work perfectly on both grip and camera. So engineers, please take a note of this and put it in the final firmware. I will bake you a very nice cake if you do. That's what the First Look at the K20D published on popfoto.com also suggests... However, I would find that too confusing for one. Changing the function of a general button such as the OK button or the arrow buttons on the 4way controller is one thing, but changing the function of a button which explicitely displays another function is generally not considered very user friendly interface design. Second I'm pretty sure that more people use the AE-L button than the AF button? The AE-L button has a general function, whereas I notice the AF button is a nice feature appreciated by a select audience only (including myself). That select audience obviously uses their AF button much more than their AE-L button, but the other part of the K10D/K20D using population (I fear this might be the vast majority) probably never uses the AF button at all... Wim

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01-24-2008, 07:02 AM	#13
TDN Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 96	I think Pentax's priorities lay elsewhere for the moment...like getting models out in the stores in time!

01-24-2008, 07:23 AM	#14
Elton Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 34	Originally posted by Ishpuini That's what the First Look at the K20D published on popfoto.com also suggests... However, I would find that too confusing for one. Changing the function of a general button such as the OK button or the arrow buttons on the 4way controller is one thing, but changing the function of a button which explicitely displays another function is generally not considered very user friendly interface design. I agree, changing a buttons function to do something else than it says is not very user friendly, and off course, I don't want Pentax to change this permanently in a new firmware. However, I cannot see why they couldn't include it as a custom functions option. Hidden away in that menu it would only confuse people who willingly and on their own choose to be (dazed and) confused. The best option indeed would be a grip with both AF and AE-L buttons, but since the engineers have more than enough on their hands they could buy some time with what I believe to be a fairly simple firmwareupgrade. So my cake-offer is still up.

01-24-2008, 07:36 AM	#15
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	Since the original grip fits, I doubt they will. What no one seems to have asked is if they addressed the horizontal line noise from using the battery grip's battery. I suspected this needed to be fixed inside the body instead of in the grip, but I'm sure K20D purchasers will find out soon ;-)