K-7 Viewfinder explained

er1kksen · 05-19-2009, 03:34 AM

So let's ponder what it actually does: What I can get from the description in the original post, it displays data in the optical viewfinder... when the mirror is up. I was hoping for a data overlay on top of the optical image in the viewfinder, but that clearly isn't possible when the mirror is up. So what exactly does this mean? Is it just a data overlay over... nothing? Is it a full live-view EVF implementation (that would actually be quite useful for video)? Does anyone have any specs on it yet?

illdefined · 05-19-2009, 05:38 AM

Originally posted by er1kksen

So let's ponder what it actually does: What I can get from the description in the original post, it displays data in the optical viewfinder... when the mirror is up. I was hoping for a data overlay on top of the optical image in the viewfinder, but that clearly isn't possible when the mirror is up. So what exactly does this mean? Is it just a data overlay over... nothing? Is it a full live-view EVF implementation (that would actually be quite useful for video)? Does anyone have any specs on it yet?

with the mirror up, it would work one of two ways much like the Digital Preview works now.

either a static shot is taken and you can review it along with some info (like histogram), OR the mirror flips up and engages full LV but this time inside the viewfinder.

i believe the LV button on the back would be exclusive for the back LCD, as i don't see an eye sensor to flip the feed between viewfinder and LCD. which isn't doing wonders for my theory.

Ratmagiclady · 05-19-2009, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by er1kksen

So let's ponder what it actually does: What I can get from the description in the original post, it displays data in the optical viewfinder... when the mirror is up. I was hoping for a data overlay on top of the optical image in the viewfinder, but that clearly isn't possible when the mirror is up. So what exactly does this mean? Is it just a data overlay over... nothing? Is it a full live-view EVF implementation (that would actually be quite useful for video)? Does anyone have any specs on it yet?

Actually, from someone's description of how this works, it sounds like they could in fact put a data overlay in the finder: the mirror obviously would only have to be up when making video exposures, and during that I guess you get in-finder live view. Seems to me they could re-task the same stuff to make those overlays pretty easily.

Oh, and, I suppose, Illdefined, the LV button could just toggle the LCD on or off: it seems to me that in video, you'd only need the two modes, maybe with the INFO button involved for any heads-up stuff just like on the LCD in review. Or the switch around the shutter for 'digital preview,'

PentaxPoke · 05-19-2009, 09:37 AM

So cateto do you still stand by the EVF prediction in your blog? "superimpose AF" menu item is in both the k10d and k20d so it is nothing new.

**RuiC** · 05-19-2009, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by PentaxPoke

So cateto do you still stand by the EVF prediction in your blog? "superimpose AF" menu item is in both the k10d and k20d so it is nothing new.

Only a few hours to be clarified upon that. Anyway, there were two discussions about EVF. The real goodie would be the electroluminescent display above the focusing screen. You would be able to have LV in realtime through the eyepiece. Huge benefits would follow. Maybe it's costlier and trickier to implement.
The other VF would have some image data superimposed on the image, other than just the AF points.

Sorry, I only wanted to help.

jay · 05-19-2009, 07:03 PM

Originally posted by RuiC

The real goodie would be the electroluminescent display above the focusing screen. You would be able to have LV in realtime through the eyepiece. Huge benefits would follow. Maybe it's costlier and trickier to implement.

My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes.

It shouldn't be too hard for the K-7 to gain the ability to do live view through the eyepiece. I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time):

Basically, they could do it by putting a mirror at a 45 degree angle in the camera -- this would bounce the light up. Then, using a pentaprism would reflect the image out of the eyepiece (some may call it a "view finder").

This way, the photographer can always see the same image that the sensor sees. Live view. Through the eye piece.

I think it'd be a great feature.

xhanatos · 05-19-2009, 07:07 PM

Originally posted by jay

I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time):

you should have used ms paint. and at least remove the copyright!

sezme · 05-19-2009, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by jay

My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes.

...

I think it'd be a great feature.

Some people really do go to a lot of trouble for the sake of sarcasm.

Bravo!

**RuiC** · 05-20-2009, 02:52 AM

Originally posted by RuiC

Only a few hours to be clarified upon that. Anyway, there were two discussions about EVF. The real goodie would be the electroluminescent display above the focusing screen. You would be able to have LV in realtime through the eyepiece. Huge benefits would follow. Maybe it's costlier and trickier to implement.
The other VF would have some image data superimposed on the image, other than just the AF points.

Sorry, I only wanted to help.

Originally posted by jay

My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes.

It shouldn't be too hard for the K-7 to gain the ability to do live view through the eyepiece. I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time):

Basically, they could do it by putting a mirror at a 45 degree angle in the camera -- this would bounce the light up. Then, using a pentaprism would reflect the image out of the eyepiece (some may call it a "view finder").

This way, the photographer can always see the same image that the sensor sees. Live view. Through the eye piece.

I think it'd be a great feature.

I'm afraid you have a modern version of the ME body. Yours has the lens to the right side, mine has it to the left.

Rui

cateto · 05-20-2009, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by PentaxPoke

So cateto do you still stand by the EVF prediction in your blog? "superimpose AF" menu item is in both the k10d and k20d so it is nothing new.

Read again my blog; I wrote "Second, in one of the menus, there is the option of "Superimpose AF area", which might be (or not) related to the EVF idea discussed before".

This was purely speculation from my side. I am waiting until the final specs are disclosed today, and for the record: I make no business out of this story, this is strictly personal interest from me. If I was right, fine; if I was wrong, so be it: no big deal. The waiting time was fun anyway.

RMabo · 05-20-2009, 03:05 AM

"Superimpose AF area" - has been a feature in Pentax DSLR's since the *ist D.

It simply means AF point indication in the viewfinder on or off.

ricardobeat · 05-20-2009, 03:10 AM

Originally posted by jay

My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes.

It shouldn't be too hard for the K-7 to gain the ability to do live view through the eyepiece. I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time):

Basically, they could do it by putting a mirror at a 45 degree angle in the camera -- this would bounce the light up. Then, using a pentaprism would reflect the image out of the eyepiece (some may call it a "view finder").

This way, the photographer can always see the same image that the sensor sees. Live view. Through the eye piece.

I think it'd be a great feature.

Great features = live histogram in the viewfinder, exposure preview, and any crazy augmented reality stuff you could imagine

soalle · 05-20-2009, 07:07 AM

so is it there the EVF or not??? I have not seen anything in the previews...

Cambo · 05-20-2009, 11:22 AM

it's a no-show...total bs...malarkey...etc.

A GREAT little camera, though...

Cheers,
Cameron

05-19-2009, 08:26 AM	#18
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by er1kksen So let's ponder what it actually does: What I can get from the description in the original post, it displays data in the optical viewfinder... when the mirror is up. I was hoping for a data overlay on top of the optical image in the viewfinder, but that clearly isn't possible when the mirror is up. So what exactly does this mean? Is it just a data overlay over... nothing? Is it a full live-view EVF implementation (that would actually be quite useful for video)? Does anyone have any specs on it yet? Actually, from someone's description of how this works, it sounds like they could in fact put a data overlay in the finder: the mirror obviously would only have to be up when making video exposures, and during that I guess you get in-finder live view. Seems to me they could re-task the same stuff to make those overlays pretty easily. Oh, and, I suppose, Illdefined, the LV button could just toggle the LCD on or off: it seems to me that in video, you'd only need the two modes, maybe with the INFO button involved for any heads-up stuff just like on the LCD in review. Or the switch around the shutter for 'digital preview,' Last edited by Ratmagiclady; 05-19-2009 at 08:40 AM.

05-20-2009, 11:22 AM	#29
Cambo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,016	Sorry, but... it's a no-show...total bs...malarkey...etc. A GREAT little camera, though... Cheers, Cameron

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05-19-2009, 03:34 AM	#16
er1kksen Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Forestville, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 1,801	So let's ponder what it actually does: What I can get from the description in the original post, it displays data in the optical viewfinder... when the mirror is up. I was hoping for a data overlay on top of the optical image in the viewfinder, but that clearly isn't possible when the mirror is up. So what exactly does this mean? Is it just a data overlay over... nothing? Is it a full live-view EVF implementation (that would actually be quite useful for video)? Does anyone have any specs on it yet?

05-19-2009, 05:38 AM	#17
illdefined Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 929 Original Poster	Originally posted by er1kksen So let's ponder what it actually does: What I can get from the description in the original post, it displays data in the optical viewfinder... when the mirror is up. I was hoping for a data overlay on top of the optical image in the viewfinder, but that clearly isn't possible when the mirror is up. So what exactly does this mean? Is it just a data overlay over... nothing? Is it a full live-view EVF implementation (that would actually be quite useful for video)? Does anyone have any specs on it yet? with the mirror up, it would work one of two ways much like the Digital Preview works now. either a static shot is taken and you can review it along with some info (like histogram), OR the mirror flips up and engages full LV but this time inside the viewfinder. i believe the LV button on the back would be exclusive for the back LCD, as i don't see an eye sensor to flip the feed between viewfinder and LCD. which isn't doing wonders for my theory.

05-19-2009, 09:37 AM	#19
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	So cateto do you still stand by the EVF prediction in your blog? "superimpose AF" menu item is in both the k10d and k20d so it is nothing new.

05-19-2009, 11:48 AM	#20
RuiC Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lisboa - The best destination in Europe Posts: 633	Originally posted by PentaxPoke So cateto do you still stand by the EVF prediction in your blog? "superimpose AF" menu item is in both the k10d and k20d so it is nothing new. Only a few hours to be clarified upon that. Anyway, there were two discussions about EVF. The real goodie would be the electroluminescent display above the focusing screen. You would be able to have LV in realtime through the eyepiece. Huge benefits would follow. Maybe it's costlier and trickier to implement. The other VF would have some image data superimposed on the image, other than just the AF points. Sorry, I only wanted to help.

05-19-2009, 07:03 PM	#21
jay Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Posts: 65	Originally posted by RuiC The real goodie would be the electroluminescent display above the focusing screen. You would be able to have LV in realtime through the eyepiece. Huge benefits would follow. Maybe it's costlier and trickier to implement. My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes. It shouldn't be too hard for the K-7 to gain the ability to do live view through the eyepiece. I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time): Basically, they could do it by putting a mirror at a 45 degree angle in the camera -- this would bounce the light up. Then, using a pentaprism would reflect the image out of the eyepiece (some may call it a "view finder"). This way, the photographer can always see the same image that the sensor sees. Live view. Through the eye piece. I think it'd be a great feature.

05-19-2009, 07:07 PM	#22
xhanatos Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 379	Originally posted by jay I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time): you should have used ms paint. and at least remove the copyright!

05-19-2009, 07:18 PM	#23
sezme Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 59	Originally posted by jay My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes. ... I think it'd be a great feature. Some people really do go to a lot of trouble for the sake of sarcasm. Bravo!

05-20-2009, 02:52 AM	#24
RuiC Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lisboa - The best destination in Europe Posts: 633	Originally posted by RuiC Only a few hours to be clarified upon that. Anyway, there were two discussions about EVF. The real goodie would be the electroluminescent display above the focusing screen. You would be able to have LV in realtime through the eyepiece. Huge benefits would follow. Maybe it's costlier and trickier to implement. The other VF would have some image data superimposed on the image, other than just the AF points. Sorry, I only wanted to help. Originally posted by jay My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes. It shouldn't be too hard for the K-7 to gain the ability to do live view through the eyepiece. I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time): Basically, they could do it by putting a mirror at a 45 degree angle in the camera -- this would bounce the light up. Then, using a pentaprism would reflect the image out of the eyepiece (some may call it a "view finder"). This way, the photographer can always see the same image that the sensor sees. Live view. Through the eye piece. I think it'd be a great feature. I'm afraid you have a modern version of the ME body. Yours has the lens to the right side, mine has it to the left. Rui

05-20-2009, 02:57 AM	#25
cateto Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Spain Posts: 189	Originally posted by PentaxPoke So cateto do you still stand by the EVF prediction in your blog? "superimpose AF" menu item is in both the k10d and k20d so it is nothing new. Read again my blog; I wrote "Second, in one of the menus, there is the option of "Superimpose AF area", which might be (or not) related to the EVF idea discussed before". This was purely speculation from my side. I am waiting until the final specs are disclosed today, and for the record: I make no business out of this story, this is strictly personal interest from me. If I was right, fine; if I was wrong, so be it: no big deal. The waiting time was fun anyway.

05-20-2009, 03:05 AM	#26
RMabo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 845	"Superimpose AF area" - has been a feature in Pentax DSLR's since the *ist D. It simply means AF point indication in the viewfinder on or off.

05-20-2009, 03:10 AM	#27
ricardobeat Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brazil Posts: 376	Originally posted by jay My Pentax ME Super has Live View in realtime through the eyepiece. It's great. I can see what I'm about to shoot, through the lens. That way, if I have filters and stuff in front of the lens, I see what they do. It's especially great with polarizes. It shouldn't be too hard for the K-7 to gain the ability to do live view through the eyepiece. I drew up a diagram that I hope they implement (though obviously it's too late to squeeze it into the K-7 -- but maybe next time): Basically, they could do it by putting a mirror at a 45 degree angle in the camera -- this would bounce the light up. Then, using a pentaprism would reflect the image out of the eyepiece (some may call it a "view finder"). This way, the photographer can always see the same image that the sensor sees. Live view. Through the eye piece. I think it'd be a great feature. Great features = live histogram in the viewfinder, exposure preview, and any crazy augmented reality stuff you could imagine

05-20-2009, 07:07 AM	#28
soalle Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Italy -> Canada -> Belgium -> Switzerland Photos: Gallery Posts: 233	so is it there the EVF or not??? I have not seen anything in the previews...