Originally posted by Kobie The blank button at the top left beside the metering mode button would be the switchable phase/contrast detect AF button.
Or it might be the missing Fx button.
Originally posted by Kobie The color of the viewfinder (to me) is yellowed due to the inlay for displaying digital data through the optical path (hybrid viewfinder).
Or it might simply use the same SMC coating seen in some photos of the K-1 where a similar yellowish tone in present. (Ditto for the K-3.)
Originally posted by Kobie Also, from the original patent the shape and height of the viewfinder matches the shape that was needed to bounce the different paths for the switchable phase/contrast AF while using the viewfinder.
Which patent is this? Are you referring to this item from 2016 where the RGB meter sensor is potentially used for CDAF?
Ricoh's patent for contrast AF by the AE sensor - Pentax Rumors
The link to the blog post with detail information was dead.
FWIW, the viewfinder shape and height look a lot like that on my K-3, though I gotta admit, I really like the new eyecup design.
Sorry to be a hard sell here, but what is the evidence that switchable PDAF/CDAF has been in the mix any more than any of the other patents filed and noted by rumor sites in the last few years? In addition to the above, those applicable to cameras include:*
- Improved live view display
- Random pattern improved SLR focus screen
- Automated camera registration via Wi-Fi
- Better AF area display indicators
- Full monochrome image sensor
- Tilt-able sensor suspension (!) ala view camera movement
- Sophisticated improvement for SLR focusing screen
- OVF/EVF switchable hybrid viewfinder (apparently a method to superimpose electronically-derived elements onto the optical image formed on the focus screen. I.e. a true hybrid reflex VF. Very cool if implementable. I may be wrong, but I believe the focus point indicators use on my K-3 use something similar.)
From my perspective (and personal desires), of the above, I might expect implementation of the live view and focus screen improvements (#s 1, 2, 4, and 7) with outside possibility for #s 6 and 8. #6 would be amazing, particularly if combined with touch screen to define two focus points for near/far, but might require corresponding in-lens tech to do true Scheimpflug.
I would also love to see vastly improved PDAF on a par with the D500 and, taking a cue from Nikon, supporting such with a dedicated AF processor board. Dreams will be dreams, eh?
Steve
(...still holding out for K-cup support...)
* I am usually not into those sort of things, but have been following a few from the list since they were first discussed on this site.