Respect for 'fessing.

Well, I really don't want to switch. There's a lot I like about Pentax, always have.

That's precisely why I'll be so disappointed if, after nearly 7 years since buying my first dSLR, they still can't deliver the one thing I want most of all.

Anyway, no point worrying now until it comes out and the reviewers do their thing. It'll be very good, I have no doubt. But whether it's good enough in the way I want, only time will tell.

I can't agree there. If the AF turns out to be no improvement, or even if no substantial improvement, I'll be moving to Nikon.

I don't care about more pixels, less AA, video, electronic levels (fixed or otherwise), 8.6 fps, five BEELION metering points, FLU or any of that stuff.

Quicker, more accurate AF, with tracking, is the one thing I've been waiting a long time for. If they still haven't provided it, I don't think I have the patience to await yet another generation.

It really does redefine 'pessimism', unless I'm missing something somewhere.

Could you post a link to where they say this?

I've read their 'first impressions' review and the only thing I can see that comes close to this is at the end, where they say

"Camera performance is generally very snappy, though we were hoping that the new AF system would be faster."

Hear hear!

I'm definitely one of the ones that need convincing - it's the only reason I haven't pre-ordered at SRS already

I know you're a lot more tolerant of Pentax imperfections than I am, John, and to each his own. I'd just point out that:

a) The alleged precision is 0.5 degree. On the LCD it's 0.5 degrees per bar; in the VF it's 1 degree per bar. The error on mine is about 1.5 degrees which with a clear horizon, is very obvious indeed.

b) The auto-horizon correction feature is tied to the electronic level - if one's out, so is the other. Pentax must have invested considerable resources in building, and supposedly testing, the link between the electronic level readout and moving the sensor to achieve the automatic horizon control. It would be a cracking feature if it was reliable (I'd just leave it on most of the time to save a bit of faffing in post) - IMO it's a case of spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar.

c) Mobile phones have had the calibration option built in for ages.

As I say, to each his own priorities and workarounds. I just hope Pentax read the myriad complaints on the US forum at the time, and sorted it for the K-3. Apols for going off topic.

Personally, I loathe and despise the workaround mentality. For so many reasons that I'd get myself all into a lather if I tried to articulate them all.

I'll note just two:

- I've paid money, why should I have to compensate for a failing that isn't mine?

- Customers who are content to work around issues, rather than complain vociferously about them, lull manufacturers into thinking that it's not important to sort them out.

If they implement a feature, it should work.

Ah well, at risk of going off topic... a wonky electronic level was a very well documented problem with the original K-5. There are several threads about it on the US forum, and it boils down to some people being lucky with theirs and others not.

In my case the first K-5 I had went back because of it (and one or two other minor problems), and when I collected the replacement, I tried three in the shop straight out of the boxes until I found one that was properly level when the camera was level. Then I tested it again when I got it home, and it was still ok, and then again a few days later and it wasn't.

It's easy enough to check, even if the surface you put it on isn't level. Just measure the lean, then turn it round thru 180 degrees, and obviously it should indicate the same amount of lean in the other direction.

I gave up using it. But what it needs is a calibration menu item - put it on a known horizontal surface, hit "calibrate", and it re-zeros it.

Just so long as they had room for an electronic level that works this time round.

If it's as rubbish in the K-3 as it is in the K-5, you all better duck, since my toys will be emerging from my pram at warp factor 8.

How's the level in the K5-II by the way?