Two K7 questions

1.What are the actual improvements in live view mode with the K7 over the K20D?
For example, will we be able to check depth of field?

2. Has any one read any review yet which appraises the new 77 point metering system?

I cannot help but feel that it is this second point which for me is potentially the most significant improvement, coupled with the improved autofocus system.

Neil

I don't think any production models have hit the streets yet so you may have to wait a while for an answer to these, and many other questions we have.

77 point metering system I think you may have that confused with the 77 weather seals

Nope. It's an 11 x 7 all-new matrix metering system. Check out the Pentax web sites Clarky
Matt

Thanks Matt, I knew I should have checked first but it just didn't sound right to me, I will go away now

I'm wondering if the metering with older lenses is more acurate, I don't really care about the 77 metering zones to behonest, i'll probable only use one

Isn't the metering of older lenses all to do with the focus screen in the K10D/K20D?. I believe they are using new larger screens in the K-7 so maybe it will be better.

The *ist-DS and the *ist-D had correct metering to my knowledge. The newer camera's sometimes had some problems with metering.

Partly the problems are caused by the fact that Pentax crippled the KAF2 mount so that the camera does not know at which aperture the lens it when attached. They removed a lever from the mount to save cost.
That is why they introduced stop down metering in the cameras so the camera briefly stops down and then performs the measurements. I don't know why this worked better on the *ist-D and *ist-DS though.

If you use the focus screen from either of these cameras in the newer body they supposedly meter much better with older lenses.

All the Pentax cameras will perform stop down metering if a lens is attached that does not have an automatic diaphragm, but all cameras from the Spotmatic F onwards (not SP1000) and all bayonet mount ones meter at full aperture with the appropraite lenses.

Stop down metering is not something that has been introduced, it has always been available. Current DSLRs meter at full aperture with lenses that have electronic contacts.

Not in my experience.

What would have been great is if the K-7 had the full KAF2 mount. Sadly, Pentax are sticking with the crippled version.

I think I might not have accurately expressed myself.
My question regarding step down should be...
" can you adjust the aperture in live view and see the effect in real time?"

Actually, If I heard him correctly, according to Chris at SRS, the answer is yes.

Neil

Thanks for the correction John.