[Prognathous]

I assume that the stencil in the OVF will provide some guidance for where the AF points are, but is not as good as the real deal by a long shot. Like I said IMO it's all about the cost and intended user target.

How about using the 4 digit seven-segment display in the viewfinder to complement the stencil:





Further discussion here.

Prog.

[Marc Sabatella]

pingflood. Not helpful.

I thought it was actually a pretty good answer, but I'll restate it more diplomatically:

Selectable focus points are useful if you want to focus on something not at the center of the frame. Yes, you could point at the object then recompose, but sometimes you don't want to give up that extra fraction of a second, as when shooting a series of shots of a moving subject (still subjects are no problem, because you can focus once then switch to MF mode). Focusing then recomposing can also introduce slight focus errors when using extremely shallow DOF if your lens has an unusually flat focus field.

As for why you would *want* to focus on something not at center, that's pretty common, really, as in this shot:

[pingflood]

pingflood. Not helpful.

Then why don't you tell me how you'd go about focusing on a moving subject that's not in the dead center?

[pingflood]

How about using the 4 digit seven-segment display in the viewfinder to complement the stencil:





Further discussion here.

Prog.

That is a pretty good idea and something similar was used in an older film camera body, though I can't remember if it was Canon or Nikon who did it. They lacked the AF point indication and had a small portion of the LCD below the viewfinder show which one was active.

The approach above though, using the existing display, might actually be doable with a firmware upgrade. Clever idea.

[nostatic]

Then why don't you tell me how you'd go about focusing on a moving subject that's not in the dead center?

Well, a .223 round at 50m should stop the motion...and you'd really have it dead center.








*please note: the author is not condoning violence in any way, shape or form. This was an attempt at black humor after a very long week. No warranties implied or expressed, please use with caution and your mileage may vary. See store for details.

[hinman]

Here are my thoughts on the Pentax K-x and Pentax K-xC (rumored by Hin)

Hin's Pick on Pentax K-x Color



Pentax K-xC plan revealed -- Hin's Request to Pentax



RiceHighTrashyGreen Unlimited

Thanks,
Hin

[Aristophanes]

Meaning the D60 was already stripped bare. I didn't mean they cut something from model to model; I mean, something isn't included thst is included in higher models. If you want to look at it that way, then Pentax didn't "cut" anything from the K-x, either - it has every single feature of the K-m it replaces, and then some.



Just like Canon, true.

And the Canon gets rave reviews for it's "excellent low light AF" (DP Review), regardless.

Does Pentax? Nope. Not even on this forum. And a persistent gripe by reviewers about the brand (until the K-7).

Did a $650 Pentax with kit lens last year in September give you AF select and superimposition?

Yes.

Then it's a downgrade.

Did it have a kit lens with metal mount and hood?

Yes.

Then it's another downgrade.

Did the competition remove these things to go cheaper?

No.

They added features and cut no core photographic tools.

Did the competition significantly improve AF and low-light performance?

Yes.

In fact, it's a consensus thread in reviews.

Did Pentax?

No.

Compared to the competition, they are treading water here.

Did they use colour choice as a feature to cover removed features?

Looks like it.

Did a major review site call the K-x AF "broken"?

Yes.

Kiss of death on opening day. This and the DP Review intimation are what got the whole thing going.

Can they get away with it?

Apple could. Pentax can't.


Comparing apples to apples is essential when making pie.

[creampuff]

Ladies and gentlemen, the best candidate to fill the shoes of RH has emerged.

[aleonx3]

Ladies and gentlemen, the best candidate to fill the shoes of RH has emerged.

Can't imagine another RH like troll surfacing in Canada

[pingflood]

Ladies and gentlemen, the best candidate to fill the shoes of RH has emerged.

All my Canikon trolling efforts, and this NEWCOMER gets the highest honors?

Pshaw, I tell you people...

[jhaji]

It's kind of a shame the K-x is still using the ugly old pre-K-7 shell design though...

You're complaining about appearance...

Plastic or not, something with a bit more design sense like the K-7 would have been a lot more striking -- and given the color selection they're offering, it's clear they care about the appearance!

and then you are complaining about Pentax being hung up on appearance

The desire for an early release may have had something to do with the lack of refinement in the shell. Chances are this model was primarily a release of a new set of features which they intend to build upon.

[pingflood]

Chances are this model was primarily a release of a new set of features which they intend to build upon.

Well, between the lack of AF point indication and the "surprise" cross-processing filter, I think this is their ultimate destination:

Lomo LC-A+

The new slogan: "Pentax, like a box of chocolates."

I'm glad I only paid twenty bucks for my Holga.

[creampuff]

All my Canikon trolling efforts, and this NEWCOMER gets the highest honors?

Pshaw, I tell you people...

Well, between the lack of AF point indication and the "surprise" cross-processing filter, I think this is their ultimate destination:

Lomo LC-A+

The new slogan: "Pentax, like a box of chocolates."

I'm glad I only paid twenty bucks for my Holga.

C'mon seriously, how can that be your BEST trolling effort?
How can you get the highest honors when you got pwned hands down by the Greek comic playwright and the Samsung guy?

Kinda reminds me of the time Stephen Colbert gets beat by Rain...
Dailymotion - Rain on Colbert - a News & Politics video

[davebris33]

I don't know why you are all going on with this incessant rant about AF when the people this camera is obviously aimed at probably couldnt care less. For the average user this is not an issue. They will sell a heap of these cameras and really put Pentax back in the mix. Don't worry about the features of this camera, start thinking about what next!!!!

I agree entirely,

I am a photographer who does quite a lot of paid work, uses digi and film, medium format, scans, prints, cyanotypes...lots of tech stuff and NEVER use anything but the central AF point, as I just compose, lock, recompose, shoot...it's second nature and I find quicker than messing about with AF point selections...thats if the AF is switched on of course....

[Transit]

I don't know why you are all going on with this incessant rant about AF when the people this camera is obviously aimed at probably couldnt care less. For the average user this is not an issue. They will sell a heap of these cameras and really put Pentax back in the mix. Don't worry about the features of this camera, start thinking about what next!!!!

I agree!
I can never understand the continual obsessing about focus points .
Not a feature I ever bothered turning on
Pete