Focus Problem? WHAT focus problem??!

alwaysmichellerene · 12-09-2013, 12:10 AM - **1 Like**

Took my brand new silver edition K-3 out for a spin on the beach today with my fav girl to photograph… put simply, this camera rocks my world!!! It was pretty dark, so shot at iso 800-- clarity that makes me want to cry!! Did I miss focus on a few? Sure. I always do! Was I disappointed to find grain & noise when I had to bring up underexposed shots a bit? NO!!! Was shooting at iso 800 even any kind of an issue?? Double NO!!

Moving from a k-30 to this fine beast is nothing but pure pleasure!

A couple of shots:

Crop to show focus, clarity & detail:

**i_trax** · 12-09-2013, 12:53 AM

great shots!
yes totally agree.......

hks_kansei · 12-09-2013, 04:41 AM

Looks fine to me, also, I can see you in the second shots :P

Love her hair, very pretty girl.

Na Horuk · 12-09-2013, 05:42 AM

Really great shots - the beautiful model and the great framing. Thanks for sharing. This ought to alleviate some fears

bass3587 · 12-09-2013, 07:28 AM

Nailed it!

**sholtzma** · 12-09-2013, 08:52 AM

My only question is how well the K-3 does at higher ISOs. Take a few in low light at ISO 3200, 6400, and 12,800. Make sure the camera is rock steady, say, on a tripod, to ensure sharpness. Stationary target is fine, so that a long shutter speed will work. Examine the RAWs for, especially, noise. Whatever the noise, and there will be some, how well does it clean up in PP (say, Lightroom)? And does it clean up as easily as the K-5iis?

By the way, I expect this project done by tomorrow morning, 8:00am, or you're in big trouble.

alwaysmichellerene · 12-09-2013, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by sholtzma

My only question is how well the K-3 does at higher ISOs. Take a few in low light at ISO 3200, 6400, and 12,800. Make sure the camera is rock steady, say, on a tripod, to ensure sharpness. Stationary target is fine, so that a long shutter speed will work. Examine the RAWs for, especially, noise. Whatever the noise, and there will be some, how well does it clean up in PP (say, Lightroom)? And does it clean up as easily as the K-5iis?

By the way, I expect this project done by tomorrow morning, 8:00am, or you're in big trouble.

You go right ahead and do that! LOL. I can't think of a time when I would ever NEED to take shots at anything above 1600… and the ones I have taken at that iso so far have been amazing. I'm not worried about high iso noise. I'm just not. For me it's a tool for artistry, not a tool for taking shots of focus test charts.

narual · 12-09-2013, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by alwaysmichellerene

I can't think of a time when I would ever NEED to take shots at anything above 1600

Photographing a rock concert with no flash allowed and godawful lighting, trying to maintain a decent depth of field, and minimal blur as they're moving around the stage (or even just moving their hands on their instruments)?

**sholtzma** · 12-09-2013, 11:47 AM

I understand. YOU don't need to take any high ISO shots, given your photography. But quite a few of us do need that capability. It is the main reason I got the K-5. I don't want to take any steps backwards in the K-3.

Now, get to work on that project I assigned you....

klkitchens · 12-09-2013, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by narual

Photographing a rock concert with no flash allowed and godawful lighting, trying to maintain a decent depth of field, and minimal blur as they're moving around the stage (or even just moving their hands on their instruments)?

See this thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/244940-sharpness-k-3-totally-sucks.html

Pioneer · 12-09-2013, 12:40 PM

Very nice shots, and I am very glad that you are happy with your new Pentax. I do not want to be a wet blanket, but I have to ask as I am a little confused. What is it about those shots that your K-30 couldn't have done just as well?

Beautiful subject BTW.

alcstudios · 12-09-2013, 12:52 PM

I don't see a focus issue with my K3 either, this is Shadow.. our yard panther.

alwaysmichellerene · 12-09-2013, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by Pioneer

Very nice shots, and I am very glad that you are happy with your new Pentax. I do not want to be a wet blanket, but I have to ask as I am a little confused. What is it about those shots that your K-30 couldn't have done just as well?

Beautiful subject BTW.

Clarity & detail. With my k-30, a 100% crop would result in grain & loss of detail at this iso.

narual · 12-09-2013, 01:32 PM

Originally posted by klkitchens

See this thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/244940-sharpness-k-3-totally-sucks.html

I was quoting Michelle's comment that she couldn't think of a time when you'd need an ISO higher than 1600. Your link was at ISO 9000. If you'd taken it at 1600, you'd have had to slow the shutter speed down to… what, like 1/4 second to get the same exposure? Or is my math completely off?

Maybe Michelle never needs to take anything with an ISO over 1600, but many people do.

This was the first thread I'd seen even mentioning anything about a K3 focus problem… since I wussed out and didn't buy one I haven't been paying much attention.

alwaysmichellerene · 12-09-2013, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by narual

I was quoting Michelle's comment that she couldn't think of a time when you'd need an ISO higher than 1600. Your link was at ISO 9000. If you'd taken it at 1600, you'd have had to slow the shutter speed down to… what, like 1/4 second to get the same exposure? Or is my math completely off?

Maybe Michelle never needs to take anything with an ISO over 1600, but many people do.

This was the first thread I'd seen even mentioning anything about a K3 focus problem… since I wussed out and didn't buy one I haven't been paying much attention.

Okay, let me clarify. I can't think of a situation where *I* would need to use a setting higher than 1600 (without a flash).

And if I did, it would probably be a moody portrait where a little grain would only add to the look anyway. Not photographing unlit midnight boxing matches any time soon… With my k-30, I can get great, sharp shots at 100-400 iso, but the camera also tends to underexpose & 800+ shots missed focus a lot. Bringing up exposure was always problematic for me, causing grain & loss of detail.

12-09-2013, 12:10 AM - 1 Like	#1
alwaysmichellerene Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Western Washington Photos: Albums Posts: 135	Focus Problem? WHAT focus problem??! Took my brand new silver edition K-3 out for a spin on the beach today with my fav girl to photograph… put simply, this camera rocks my world!!! It was pretty dark, so shot at iso 800-- clarity that makes me want to cry!! Did I miss focus on a few? Sure. I always do! Was I disappointed to find grain & noise when I had to bring up underexposed shots a bit? NO!!! Was shooting at iso 800 even any kind of an issue?? Double NO!! Moving from a k-30 to this fine beast is nothing but pure pleasure! A couple of shots: Crop to show focus, clarity & detail:

12-09-2013, 12:52 PM	#12
alcstudios Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 146	I don't see a focus issue with my K3 either, this is Shadow.. our yard panther. Attached Images

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12-09-2013, 12:53 AM	#2
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	great shots! yes totally agree.......

12-09-2013, 04:41 AM	#3
hks_kansei Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 834	Looks fine to me, also, I can see you in the second shots :P Love her hair, very pretty girl.

12-09-2013, 05:42 AM	#4
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Really great shots - the beautiful model and the great framing. Thanks for sharing. This ought to alleviate some fears

12-09-2013, 07:28 AM	#5
bass3587 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 517	Nailed it!

12-09-2013, 08:52 AM	#6
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043	My only question is how well the K-3 does at higher ISOs. Take a few in low light at ISO 3200, 6400, and 12,800. Make sure the camera is rock steady, say, on a tripod, to ensure sharpness. Stationary target is fine, so that a long shutter speed will work. Examine the RAWs for, especially, noise. Whatever the noise, and there will be some, how well does it clean up in PP (say, Lightroom)? And does it clean up as easily as the K-5iis? By the way, I expect this project done by tomorrow morning, 8:00am, or you're in big trouble.

12-09-2013, 09:09 AM	#7
alwaysmichellerene Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Western Washington Photos: Albums Posts: 135 Original Poster	Originally posted by sholtzma My only question is how well the K-3 does at higher ISOs. Take a few in low light at ISO 3200, 6400, and 12,800. Make sure the camera is rock steady, say, on a tripod, to ensure sharpness. Stationary target is fine, so that a long shutter speed will work. Examine the RAWs for, especially, noise. Whatever the noise, and there will be some, how well does it clean up in PP (say, Lightroom)? And does it clean up as easily as the K-5iis? By the way, I expect this project done by tomorrow morning, 8:00am, or you're in big trouble. You go right ahead and do that! LOL. I can't think of a time when I would ever NEED to take shots at anything above 1600… and the ones I have taken at that iso so far have been amazing. I'm not worried about high iso noise. I'm just not. For me it's a tool for artistry, not a tool for taking shots of focus test charts.

12-09-2013, 11:40 AM	#8
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Originally posted by alwaysmichellerene I can't think of a time when I would ever NEED to take shots at anything above 1600 Photographing a rock concert with no flash allowed and godawful lighting, trying to maintain a decent depth of field, and minimal blur as they're moving around the stage (or even just moving their hands on their instruments)?

12-09-2013, 11:47 AM	#9
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043	I understand. YOU don't need to take any high ISO shots, given your photography. But quite a few of us do need that capability. It is the main reason I got the K-5. I don't want to take any steps backwards in the K-3. Now, get to work on that project I assigned you....

12-09-2013, 12:12 PM	#10
klkitchens Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Allanta, GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 480	Originally posted by narual Photographing a rock concert with no flash allowed and godawful lighting, trying to maintain a decent depth of field, and minimal blur as they're moving around the stage (or even just moving their hands on their instruments)? See this thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/244940-sharpness-k-3-totally-sucks.html

12-09-2013, 12:40 PM	#11
Pioneer Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wandering the Streets Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,411	Very nice shots, and I am very glad that you are happy with your new Pentax. I do not want to be a wet blanket, but I have to ask as I am a little confused. What is it about those shots that your K-30 couldn't have done just as well? Beautiful subject BTW.

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12-09-2013, 01:30 PM	#13
alwaysmichellerene Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Western Washington Photos: Albums Posts: 135 Original Poster	Originally posted by Pioneer Very nice shots, and I am very glad that you are happy with your new Pentax. I do not want to be a wet blanket, but I have to ask as I am a little confused. What is it about those shots that your K-30 couldn't have done just as well? Beautiful subject BTW. Clarity & detail. With my k-30, a 100% crop would result in grain & loss of detail at this iso.

12-09-2013, 01:32 PM	#14
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Originally posted by klkitchens See this thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/244940-sharpness-k-3-totally-sucks.html I was quoting Michelle's comment that she couldn't think of a time when you'd need an ISO higher than 1600. Your link was at ISO 9000. If you'd taken it at 1600, you'd have had to slow the shutter speed down to… what, like 1/4 second to get the same exposure? Or is my math completely off? Maybe Michelle never needs to take anything with an ISO over 1600, but many people do. This was the first thread I'd seen even mentioning anything about a K3 focus problem… since I wussed out and didn't buy one I haven't been paying much attention.

12-09-2013, 01:44 PM	#15
alwaysmichellerene Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Western Washington Photos: Albums Posts: 135 Original Poster	Originally posted by narual I was quoting Michelle's comment that she couldn't think of a time when you'd need an ISO higher than 1600. Your link was at ISO 9000. If you'd taken it at 1600, you'd have had to slow the shutter speed down to… what, like 1/4 second to get the same exposure? Or is my math completely off? Maybe Michelle never needs to take anything with an ISO over 1600, but many people do. This was the first thread I'd seen even mentioning anything about a K3 focus problem… since I wussed out and didn't buy one I haven't been paying much attention. Okay, let me clarify. I can't think of a situation where *I* would need to use a setting higher than 1600 (without a flash). And if I did, it would probably be a moody portrait where a little grain would only add to the look anyway. Not photographing unlit midnight boxing matches any time soon… With my k-30, I can get great, sharp shots at 100-400 iso, but the camera also tends to underexpose & 800+ shots missed focus a lot. Bringing up exposure was always problematic for me, causing grain & loss of detail.