Pentax K-7 Firmware Update 1.01: Selective Point Fix

Well, the cat's out of the bag! Pentax has released a fix for one of their newest cameras, the K-7 DSLR, within the same month of its US release. And as speculated, the first firmware update for the K-7 addresses the highly contentious default behaviour of the 4-way controller for some of those users frustrated by having to press the OK button to allow the controller to move the AF point.

v1.01
Added a custom function to the K-7's Custom Function menu that affects the behavior of the 4-way controller when using user-selectable focus point adjustment.

For Windows (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com)
Mac (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com)

(Via DPReview Forums)

K-7: Changing The 11 Focusing Area Point Positions

There was some concern when the K-7 was first announced that quickly changing the autofocus point (11-points, 9 cross) would be a hassle because the new control pad on the back of the camera was tied to functions in the new menu system (flash, WB, etc.). As it was demonstrated to me, I saw no problem, and Pentax was good enough to show people in their demos around the country that there was nothing to be up in arms about. The solution was easy once you knew the formula.

Now that the camera is in customer's hands and the documentation is online, it's time to put this grousing about AF points to bed. How easy is it to change the position in reality?

Well, according to the K-7 manual (now located at Pentaximaging.com), it's simple enough with one extra button press (see below). Hitting the center "OK" button puts the 11 AF Focus Points on alert to change to your desired location in the viewfinder. At which point, the directional keys in the control pad move the selected AF point. The only things that will break your ability to use the directional keys for the AF point is if you 1) Turn the camera off 2) Turn the mode dial 3) Turn the AF mode dial 4) Press OK, play, menu, info, or the Live View button.


So, the issue of adding the extra step of pressing the OK button is going to confound some people, but it's hardly as if this is a hidden, arcane arrangement. At some point in the future, Pentax may decide to release a firmware update that allows the user to set which is default for the "arrow" keys before you press the OK button: functions or AF points. But for now, just think "OK, direction" and you may find it's easier than you thought.

Imaging-Resource's Comparometer™ And The Pentax K-7

Although I wasn't bowled over by their K-7 Preview (which did appreciate the camera, mind you, just not in the most reasoned explanations), I'm more appreciative of these K-7 chart test results from Imaging-Resource.com and how they reveal the K-7's potential detail bonanza with a lens like the DA 70mm lens. Personally, I'm ignoring the poster test they do of the house (below left). I like the line tests and ISO tests best. What you'll see at their site is a set-up where you can compare the chart resolution tests of the K-7's DNG and JPG files versus images tests from other cameras like the Canon 50D. How does the K-7 fair? Better than I would have guessed just a month ago. The K-7 actually holds it's own very well against Nikon's mid-range and semi-pro lines when you're using low ISOs, and fairs pretty well 1600 and higher. This is a real contender.

ISO 6400 test with the Pentax K-7, original JPG here.

To see the comparisons for yourself at Imaging-Resource, visit their Comparometer™.

K-7 Now Arriving in the U.S. with Bounce Back Card

Thanks to the astute people at Pentax Forums, Pentax USA president Ned Bunnell has been prompted confirmed that the Pentax K-7 is now in the U.S. and arriving at retailers to fulfill the first pre-orders. There's a little discount treat to be found inside, too. The "Bounce Back Card." Says Ned on his blog:

"Since shipments to the US have begun, I thought this would be a good opportunity to point out that your K-7 package will come with a "valued PENTAX customer" thank you card. Similar to the program we tested with the K2000, every K-7 package has what's called a bounce back card. As a thank you for purchasing the K-7 the card entitles you to savings if you purchase other PENTAX accessories. (Note: if you click on the above photo of the card, you'll be able to view a larger image and confirm which lenses, flashes and binoculars are included in this offer)."

Ned has also had many great posts about the K-7 that I hope you haven't missed in the last month's lead-up to release:

• Pentax K-7 Operating Manual
• DA 18-55mm WR Lens (Kit Lens)
• D-BG4 Battery Grip
• Popular Photography First Look: K-7
• K-7's First Award
• K-7 Custom Image Presets
• K-7 HDR Capture Mode
• First Takes: K-7 Video
• K-7 Movie "Sound" Primer
• K-7 Brochure Copy