Pentax K5 at ISO 80 produces unnatural looking highlights

biz-engineer · 12-13-2015, 02:25 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Or just bracket. One push of the button, done.

Yes, and I bracket on top of spot metering to correct for lens aperture error, it's even better, the exposure is right straight out of the camera. Also, I carry a Cokin P series ND grad filters kit which helps to relax the constraint of dynamic range of sunsets. Having to install gradual ND filters is cumbersome but they are relatively cheap for the benefit they bring. For the best results, one could use the ISO80 of the K-5 and a 2 stops or 3 stops ND grad filter. ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387434-REG/Cokin_CH250_Graduated_Neutr...ty_Filter.html ) . $57 is way cheaper than a FF camera...for gaining up to 3 stops of DR.

Last edited by biz-engineer; 12-13-2015 at 02:54 AM.

**Digitalis** · 12-13-2015, 03:12 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by admanat

I was under the impression that extended ISO 80 provided maximum image quality, but there was something unnatural about the images, especially the highlights.

If you're shooting JPEG and already using D-range extension in conjunction with ISO 80 then there are going to be things that are bound to look off, especially if you have highlight correction turned on.

I think just about all the regular posters on PF shoot RAW (.DNG) - and for good reason.

Pentax K5IIs- Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DC - ISO 80 1/15th f/11

biz-engineer · 12-13-2015, 03:43 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

If you're shooting JPEG and already using D-range extension in conjunction with ISO 80 then there are going to be things that are bound to look off, especially if you have highlight correction turned on.

Can't be using ISO80 with high light correction ON, it's going to be ISO160.

**Digitalis** · 12-13-2015, 04:16 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Can't be using ISO80 with high light correction ON, it's going to be ISO160.

The fact that I only barely remembered that tells you how much I use that feature...

BrianR · 12-16-2015, 06:45 AM

Originally posted by admanat

I don't have a single image to give an example of what I say by 'compressed highlight look', and even if I did at web display size it will not be objective enough..

You can link to full size images hosted elsewhere or you can post web sized jpegs + 100% crops of the highlight areas.

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12-13-2015, 02:25 AM	#16
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Originally posted by normhead Or just bracket. One push of the button, done. Yes, and I bracket on top of spot metering to correct for lens aperture error, it's even better, the exposure is right straight out of the camera. Also, I carry a Cokin P series ND grad filters kit which helps to relax the constraint of dynamic range of sunsets. Having to install gradual ND filters is cumbersome but they are relatively cheap for the benefit they bring. For the best results, one could use the ISO80 of the K-5 and a 2 stops or 3 stops ND grad filter. ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387434-REG/Cokin_CH250_Graduated_Neutr...ty_Filter.html ) . $57 is way cheaper than a FF camera...for gaining up to 3 stops of DR. Last edited by biz-engineer; 12-13-2015 at 02:54 AM.

12-13-2015, 03:12 AM - 1 Like	#17
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by admanat I was under the impression that extended ISO 80 provided maximum image quality, but there was something unnatural about the images, especially the highlights. If you're shooting JPEG and already using D-range extension in conjunction with ISO 80 then there are going to be things that are bound to look off, especially if you have highlight correction turned on. I think just about all the regular posters on PF shoot RAW (.DNG) - and for good reason. Pentax K5IIs- Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DC - ISO 80 1/15th f/11

12-13-2015, 03:43 AM	#18
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Originally posted by Digitalis If you're shooting JPEG and already using D-range extension in conjunction with ISO 80 then there are going to be things that are bound to look off, especially if you have highlight correction turned on. Can't be using ISO80 with high light correction ON, it's going to be ISO160.

12-13-2015, 04:16 AM	#19
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by biz-engineer Can't be using ISO80 with high light correction ON, it's going to be ISO160. The fact that I only barely remembered that tells you how much I use that feature...

12-16-2015, 06:45 AM	#20
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Originally posted by admanat I don't have a single image to give an example of what I say by 'compressed highlight look', and even if I did at web display size it will not be objective enough.. You can link to full size images hosted elsewhere or you can post web sized jpegs + 100% crops of the highlight areas.