Brian Dunn wrote:
Software upgrade ideas for the DS/DL series:
1) Allow us to select which four things we want on the function menu. For
example, I'd like to replace flash mode with metering mode.
Good idea.
2) At first I was suggesting a custom function to choose between fast and
"good enough" v.s. slow and accurate auto focus. Slightly different idea:
For the regular auto focus mode, if you are holding the shutter button half
way, then have it take its time and acquire accurate auto focus. If you are
holding the button all the way down, assume you are in a hurry, so trip the
shutter as soon as the focus is "good enough". Maybe make that a custom
function option. The difference between this and continuous is that in this
mode, it doesn't fire until it's close to focused. To be even more clever,
take aperture into account if known, and fire when within depth of field...
The speed advantage and the accuracy disadvantage of the Rebel are
unrelated. The Rebel is faster at focusing because of how it drives the
lenses, not because of the poor accuracy of the sensor. In-lens stepper
motors are going to be quicker in marginal situations because they move
the lens a set amount as instructed, rather than using negative feedback
as screwdriver lenses do. The latter method tends to overshoot unless
the motor can brake quickly (As powerful AF motors can). What pentax
needs to do (And is rumoured to be doing) is introduce USM lenses or put
in big honking AF motors a la Nikon F5/F6's.
3) Using the aperture ring in P or A mode: Currently it seems that the camera
does not stop down the aperture during exposure. In M mode, you can press
the AEL button to have the camera stop down and take a meter reading. It'd
be nice if A and P modes would use this function: In A or P mode, when you
press the shutter, the camera stops down the aperture, takes a meter reading,
then immediately flips up the mirror and takes an exposure. The camera could
also take into account whether dedicated flash is used when selecting a
shutter speed.
Would be nice, ain't gonna happen.
Brian
-Adam
