pixel-shifting

So if this new tech works, and with decent software they should produce pretty amazing results!

I think Pentax are to be applauded with their new pixel shift system in the K3 MkII, it should really elevate the image quality of the camera in situations where it's possible to use the feature. Studio work should benefit as well as the odd landscape on a very still day.
It's just a shame it takes four exposures to achieve but unfortunately there is no way around that with the Bayer array.

Of course as others have pointed out Sigma with the Foveon sensor have been producing this wonderful quality for some time in a single exposure. Yes there are areas where Bayers simple trample over the inflexibility of a Sigma setup but when used in their sweet spot there really isn't anything that can come close this side of a very high resolution 35 mm or medium format camera.

For those that might be interested, here is an enlightening review/comparison between the Pentax K5 (Bayer sensor) and a DP3 Merrill.
Should also give prospective K3 MkII purchasers a feel for what may in store with the new pixel shift feature.

[quote:3496ace15f="johnriley"]Sigma cameras are outside the remit of Pentax User, but ...../quote]
Sorry, John, but the "Pentax tunnel vision" approach you often take on matters like this is far too "obvious" again. The "World" is wider than Pentax, so please consider the merits/demerits of other marques more objectively - there are other ways of phrasing what you want to say (it does you no credit), so please consider saying things in a little less "dismissive" way.

To be fair to John, after a little investigative work it seems the Sigma fixed lens camera review John was referring to was the pre Merrill (and now Quattro) cameras so he's not really up to speed on the current output quality (with respect to John).

It's a long weekend here in WA due to Anzac Day. So yesterday I was pixel shifting.

A total shift of around 700Km between home, Margaret River & Leeuwin Lighthouse. It looks like the technique works as I'm pleased with the results.

I will be shifting them again today up to the Pinnacles and back.

Best regards

If that's the "shift", then the camera body must be the size of the Sun, and the FF Pentax will be obsolete before it is released

Wow, and here was I thinking the sun was much larger than 700Km

That's what THEY want you to think...

I think you misinterpreted what I was trying to suggest, i.e. a 700km shift on a "Sun-sized body" sensor to be equivalent to a 1 pixel shift on the K-3II sensor (sort of, anyway!)

Excellent! So finally everyone can ditch Lightroom and get stuck in to PDCU

Except PDCU doesn't come with 'all' PENTAX DSLRs.....

As this didn't get any response from the other forum, I'll try it here:-

In follow up to this information from kh... :-

"The shutter stays open throughout. The four shots are taken using electronic shutter method with the sensor being shuffled about in-between each readout. As long as nothing in the image moves it will work. Presumably there will be some shutter speed limitations."

I put forward this suggestion:-

"If that is the case, I was just pondering that to move the sensor 1 pixel might take only a tiny fraction of the time of the set shutter speed. I was then thinking (hoping!), if that is the case, some guideline of shutter speed appropriate for lens focal length might permit even hand-held super-res. shots in suitable light?"

Any ideas here?

Cheers.
Philip

A bit difficult to answer when the camera isn't even released and no-one actually owns one.

But I would think the answer to be 'no'. Certainly SR can't be used at the same time. It would make sense that a tripod mounted camera would be recommended when choosing the PS feature.

Your shutter time value would be replicated 4 times, so the electronic shutter would only save you a small proportion of the time the sensor was exposed.

No one is going to stop you hand holding if you really want too, but assuming shutter speed is now x4 in total duration, and only one pixel of sensor shift then the result are very likely to be rubbish when handheld.

Where is the firmware for other capable hardware? The original k-3 at least should receive this given it's essentially the same hardware.