Hardcore studies of photography technology

 

We love photographing. And we love researching our photographic tools. And sharing our findings.

 

 

Low light focus accuracy with the Pentax K-5 camera – White Paper –

This paper studies the performance of the Pentax K-5 digital SLR camera phase detect autofocus system in the presence of low and very low luminance levels. The study was inspired by the vast number of complaints that the camera systematically misses focus in low light, particularly low tungsten light. The author has reasons to believe that his findings apply to almost all shipping K-5 cameras until the present date. The results therefore can be used to estimate the region of light values where the K-5's AF system works as advertized. And where it doesn't. Cameras from other vendors may show a similar behavior (I've seen corresponding reports).

(2011, Feb 23) more...

 

Shutter induced blur with the Pentax K-5 camera – White Paper –

This paper studies the impact of the shutter on image sharpness. The operation of a mechanical shutter is known to have a negative impact on image sharpness for all single lens reflex (SLR) cameras and more generally, for all cameras with a focal plane shutter which include range finder and mirrorless system cameras. This is old wisdom. However, the exact magnitude of the effect and the question if it is significant in day to day usage is not very well understood. This paper studies this effect in detail for the Pentax K-5 digital SLR camera.

(2010, Dec 1) more...

 

 

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