[Yohan Pamudji]

I still don't understand why we need more focus points than 1. Why let the camera decide where it wants to focus? I understand the need for multi-point metering, but multipoint focusing makes no sense to me.

Because focus-recompose with a large aperture prime at short distance is asking for trouble. It's not about letting the camera choose. It's about letting me choose the particular point I need for a particular shot.

[Ratmagiclady]

It's 980 shots on a single charge and as far as I know, the K-7 still has 11 focus points (phase detect AF) with nine cross-type sensors. The "15" is still unknown to me.

Nine cross-type sensors would actually be a good improvement if you want to use different focus points. I'm still unconvinced it's faster than just picking something at the right range for whatever off-curvature of field anyway. But it'd probably make those other points more useful.

Don't see the advantage in giving a camera more spots to get confused about. If what's there is better, yay.

Also, something I harp on: Screen for fast lenses, Pentax. We know what to do with it.

[Prognathous]

I still don't understand why we need more focus points than 1.

Because using the center point requires focus recompose, and in many cases this can cause the focus to be behind the subject. Using an AF point that's closer to the subject minimizes this problem. More here:

Why Focus-Recompose Sucks
Focus and Recompose Exposed - James Duncan Davidson - James Duncan Davidson
Focus and Recompose

Why let the camera decide where it wants to focus?

In most cases it's best to manually select the AF point that's closest to the subject, not let the camera guess it. However, when shooting birds-in-flight (or other moving subjects) it's sometimes difficult to keep the AF point on the subject, this is where the auto AF point selection can be useful.

I understand the need for multi-point metering, but multipoint focusing makes no sense to me.

Does it makes sense now?

Prog.

[Mirek]

I still don't understand why we need more focus points than 1. Why let the camera decide where it wants to focus? I understand the need for multi-point metering, but multipoint focusing makes no sense to me.

In addition to everything replied to this statement prior to my post, I find, when the camera is on a tripod, that it is much easier to focus by manually selecting a focus point.
Saves the hassle of readjusting the frame each time for focus.

[Ratmagiclady]

Because using the center point requires focus recompose, and in many cases this can cause the focus to be behind the subject. Using an AF point that's closer to the subject minimizes this problem. More here:

[
Prog.

So... you compensate by choosing a focus point at the right range, like with an old-fashioned focus aid. Faster than selecting a focus point and *then* telling the camera to focus, and *then* adjusting your composition.

Never mind waggling around till AF point selection does something you agree with.

[dafiryde]

look at the flash on top of the body.... quite different from K10/20D.....
maybe....it's....

i just dont get it, its either Pentax has the most morons working in their marketing department or Pentax does not have a clue how to run a business
no where on Pentax site states about a K30D or a K7, but yet there is much talk going around

Dave

[Yohan Pamudji]

i just dont get it, its either Pentax has the most morons working in their marketing department or Pentax does not have a clue how to run a business
no where on Pentax site states about a K30D or a K7, but yet there is much talk going around

Dave

You know the camera hasn't been officially announced, right?

[sveinmb]

I still don't understand why we need more focus points than 1. Why let the camera decide where it wants to focus? I understand the need for multi-point metering, but multipoint focusing makes no sense to me.

You can't track an object moving across the frame with a single AF point

And you have to remember that one af point is just one tiny spot. It searches for the optimal contrast in that particular post. Let's say you're photographing an object with fairly flat and non-structural surface, you'll perhaps need a focus point that's a bit on the edge of that object to find a suitable contrast to adjust focus on.

As said by Caat it's also quite difficult to focus with just that tiny spot or even a few tiny spots spread around your frame if the subject is moving. For birds in flight you'll most probably go for auto/multipoint and hope for the best, or go all manual. The more af points the more chance you'll have that at least one of them will hit a suitable part of your subject. Of course this will also requires that the camera can detect "something interesting" instead of just the background.

[RBellavance]

Nine cross-type sensors would actually be a good improvement if you want to use different focus points.

Except the K10D and K20D already have 9 cross-type sensors

A really good improvement would be to have some points more sensitive than f/5.6.

[melander]

I can bet you can manualy focus much faster then changing your focus point.

And if your in a studio on a tripod and taking product shots. Why would you autofocus then?

L2Turnthefocusring

[RBellavance]

And you have to remember that one af point is just one tiny spot.

That is a common misconception, at least on the Pentax AF systems we've seen so far. The AF "points" are actually quite large, larger than the red "square" we see in the viewfinder. For instance, the center AF sensor covers approximately the same area as the central "circle" in the K20D's viewfinder.

That can lead to problems because the camera will sometimes lock onto a high-contrast are you think is outside the AF sensor area, but in fact is not.

[Prognathous]

So... you compensate by choosing a focus point at the right range, like with an old-fashioned focus aid.

If by "old-fashioned focus aid" you mean the split-image or microprism in old focusing screens, then no, it not the same. These aids were in the center of the frame, where as the focus points are spread over a much larger area.

Faster than selecting a focus point and *then* telling the camera to focus, and *then* adjusting your composition.

Using the closest focusing point may save some time (in recomposing) compared to using the center point, but the main reason to use it is to avoid the focus-recompose out-of-focus issue described in the links I posted.

Prog.

[McKajVah]

To bad Wolfram|Alpha hasn't been released yet... the answer to all our K-7 questions.

[Ratmagiclady]

Except the K10D and K20D already have 9 cross-type sensors

A really good improvement would be to have some points more sensitive than f/5.6.

Do they? I thought there were just three. Not that I know: I just use the middle one. And what you mean 'more sensitive than 5.6?' I don't buy expensive gear to use the kit lens.

[Ratmagiclady]

If by "old-fashioned focus aid" you mean the split-image or microprism in old focusing screens, then no, it not the same. These aids were in the center of the frame, where as the focus points are spread over a much larger area.



Using the closest focusing point may save some time (in recomposing) compared to using the center point, but the main reason to use it is to avoid the focus-recompose out-of-focus issue described in the links I posted.

Prog.

If you use the *middle* one and pick your range, it *is* the same, more or less. Like I say, a screen for fast lenses without the artificial DOF to brighten up kit lenses in the shop, though, would be most welcome.

(I mean, if you're worried about DOF control with fast lenses wide open, it's not fancier computerized AF you need, to guess where in the frame Joe Amateur wants his focus interpolated: you need glass to focus on. )