K5 Firmware V1.03 released

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/k-5_s.html

Explicitly states that it improves low light AF!

you beat me to the thread.

Already installed here ...

I've rattled off several initial test shots with 1.03 and so far I'm highly impressed. - There seems to be a little more hunting at EVs lower than EV2 than there were before and also results are a little intermittent, Occasionally it still front focusses, but the majority of the time it nails it around EV2

It's too early tell if it's a perfect fix, but I'm certainly a lot happier.

Right back to testing.

Seems improved here too, but I'm not testing anymore, I'm off to bed!

great news! I was begining to get abit worried that Pentax's promises of a firmware fix were hollow - they took their time about it!

I haven't noticed FF on my K5, and am running v1.01, wonder if there's any point for me to upgrade? - if somethings not broke, why fix it afterall

Compare the contrast AF ( LV ) with the phase AF ( regular ) in low light - say around EV2. If there's a difference then install 1.03.

In any case 1.03 has also improved general stability. I would upgrade the firm ware even if you did haven't any FF problems.

OK, not so impressed now ....

.... been doing a lot of tests ... I will say there is some improvement, but the AF performance on my K-5 is still way behind the K20D. I'll post pictures tomorrow sometimes as it's 3:30an here, but here's the test I just did ....

K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light.

AF test chart focus spot on!

K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO160 [apox EV6.5] tungsten light.

AF test chart focus spot on!

proves the above the two cameras perform equally well with the same lens and same settings at EV6.5


now taking the light down to EV2 ...

K20D - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2]

object in room - AF spot on

K-5 - Sigma 30/1.4 - exposure f1.4 1/60s ISO3200 [approx EV2]

object in room - phase AF way front focusses. contrast AF nails it.


---------------------------------------


Current conclusion: My K20D focus works perfectly at EV2 in all situations i've tried. the K-5 AF has worked in some situations at EV2 but there's many situations including the test above where it has failed miserably.

A lot more testing required.

Thanks smeggy - I never thought of comparing Contrast AF with phase for a test, will do it tonight.

Thanks Graham

Will have to test tonight after work!

AFAIK, the K7 & K5 have colour temperature adjustment for the phase focus.
For me the K20D would miss focus in low level tungsten light. The K7 seems absolutely fine.

Might be worth bearing in mind that when doing your low-light tests. Try with both tungsten & halogen if possible, or even with dusk outside.

Matt

Just tried a few in very dim light (but not quite dim enough for the AF assist light to come on) and no noticeable problem. Not an exhaustive test though.

Incidentally, is there a way to show the EV value directly? I know it is in the EXIF, and can be inferred from the indicated exposure values, but can the camera actually show it at the time of the shot?

Mmmmm I did a couple more tests and whilst its better its by no means perfect.

I'm finding similar to Smeggy around EV2 now LV is still spot on, TTL is still out of focus....

So a little bit and a little bit

Dusk outside is dripping with sodium light here.

Having taken a few dozen test shots around the house in dim light with my Sigma 30mm at f/1.4, I have to say I'm *very* pleased with Firmware V1.03.

Just updated mine from 1.01 and despite not noticing if I had a FF issue previously, I have to say AF seems much faster, accurate decisive for me, in both CDAF and PDAF modes.