[mee]

Since the K-x and K-r use the same processor 'Prime II' as the K-5, what is stopping the K-x or the K-r from having 1080p video mode that is in the K-5 ? Seems as if it was a software feature intentionally left out... and, if so, would be a feature able to be fairly easily added.

Does anyone know of anyone hacking Pentax SLR firmwares? I see there are bands of folks on Canon side that have their own hacked firmwares.. CHDK Wiki and Magic Lantern Firmware Wiki

None on Pentax side? Seems like at, at the very least, the Prime II processor-based SLRs could have 1080p and TAv mode added to them.. if someone had a means of reverse engineering the K-5 firmware to see what needed to be added to the K-x/K-r firmwares...

[jimr-pdx]

I believe the K-7 also stops at 720, whether by conspiracy or a buffering bottleneck I couldn't say. I've found 720 to be more than enough but of course your needs will be different. As to video hacks, I know those who hacked the micro43 cameras were examining the K-01 with interest, but I never heard any results of their investigations. Here's a link into that world.

[Adam]

There's a reason the K-x and K-r are priced so cheap Pentax has made a mid-range body- the K-30- which has the fancies at a slightly higher price.

[mee]

I believe the K-7 also stops at 720, whether by conspiracy or a buffering bottleneck I couldn't say. I've found 720 to be more than enough but of course your needs will be different. As to video hacks, I know those who hacked the micro43 cameras were examining the K-01 with interest, but I never heard any results of their investigations. Here's a link into that world.

Very interesting.. looks like it is nothing more than examination at this point though.. and could very well end there..

Good find either way.. I think it would be wonderful if these old bodies could learn a few new tricks

[ramlax13]

I believe the K-7 also stops at 720, whether by conspiracy or a buffering bottleneck I couldn't say. I've found 720 to be more than enough but of course your needs will be different. As to video hacks, I know those who hacked the micro43 cameras were examining the K-01 with interest, but I never heard any results of their investigations. Here's a link into that world.

I have to agree here, I believe it is a buffer bottleneck. Same reason why the k-x can only shoot so many raw on high continuous. Also, the k-5 shoots 25fps, while the k-x does 24, which is more of a regional difference. I'm not exactly versed on the still sensor size to video capture dynamics, but I feel that that could also be a bottleneck.

All that said, I've shot many short films with my k-x, and every time the person I shot for was more than impressed with the quality. The real bottleneck that keeps the k-x from being a video shooter is the fact that it does not have manual controls for shutter/Iso. You have to use exposure lock which becomes quite annoying. The sensor also overheats very quickly, which becomes a problem for longer shoots. (Tip for longer shoots, whenever not in use/recording, turn camera off, open and take out your memory card and batteries, leave the doors open as the body cools down and the batteries/card cool down too. If you have the option, swap cards/batteries with cool ones to keep the system happy, just keep alternating.)