K3 vs Fuji X-E2 on Photography Blog?

**Eric Auer** · 02-01-2014, 11:01 PM

Originally posted by jhux1972

Nice pic of the pup! I'd have about 4 cameras on hand and 4 on pre-order if I had the $! Actually I haven't bought a camera since my Sony DSC-H1 bridge camera in 2006 but when I pulled it out recently to take some Senior pictures of my son I knew it was time for an upgrade. Not that it didn't do an OK job, but when I did an impromptu shoot with my girls I really found myself wanting more performance. Plus my sister's wedding is coming up and I want to try my hand at getting some good shots which is the reason for the iso inquiries.
Here are some keepers I got with my old Sony:
CottonMill Edited - a set on Flickr

Great framing, Flat colors. (sorry for being blunt)

jhux1972 · 02-01-2014, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by Corto-PA

Great framing, Flat colors. (sorry for being blunt)

Thanks. And agreed. I can deal with blunt

dansamy · 02-01-2014, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by Corto-PA

Great framing, Flat colors. (sorry for being blunt)

Ok, since I've not got a clue about PP. Can't you tweak colors in software?

DSims · 02-01-2014, 11:17 PM

Originally posted by jhux1972

I'd like to think that the test shots they did with the K3 are slightly out of focus or the lens they used is a dud? Or is the fuji actually that incredible at high iso? Check out the 2 links and especially look at the little ELSEVIER logo at the top of the red Photoshop CS2 For Photographers book.

I downloaded the ISO 6400 RAW samples you mentioned. The best I can tell from the EXIF, the Pentax photos were taken with the DA18-55 kit lens. The Fuji photos definitely were taken with the 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens. The Fuji lens is much better than Pentax kit lens. For goodness sake, it's a $700 lens! The Pentax is closer to a $100 lens (technically less, in it's current kit form). While the Pentax is better than most other competitor's kit lenses, it's no match for the best 18-55 lens I've ever seen.

If you're only going to use the lens that comes with the camera, the Fuji X-E2 (or even X-E1) will give you much better results, because Fuji's the only consumer-priced camera company that gives you the proper balance from the start (that is, the lens should usually cost roughly as much or more than the camera body).

If you go with Pentax, you need to look at the DA18-135 WR as the minimum starting point for the lens. You probably want to go better eventually, but pairing it with a K-50 or K-5 IIs is a reasonable place to start.

Last edited by DSims; 02-01-2014 at 11:30 PM.

**Eric Auer** · 02-01-2014, 11:27 PM

Originally posted by dansamy

Ok, since I've not got a clue about PP. Can't you tweak colors in software?

We all do it.

I suggest you google some, As I could otherwise talk about it for a year.

But...What PP software do you use?

jhux1972 · 02-01-2014, 11:44 PM

Originally posted by DSims

I downloaded the ISO 6400 RAW samples you mentioned. The best I can tell from the EXIF, the Pentax photos were taken with the DA18-55 kit lens. The Fuji photos definitely were taken with the 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens. The Fuji lens is much better than Pentax kit lens. For goodness sake, it's a $700 lens! The Pentax is closer to a $100 lens (technically less, in it's current kit form). While the Pentax is better than most other competitor's kit lenses, it's no match for the best 18-55 lens I've ever seen.

If you're only going to use the lens that comes with the camera, the Fuji X-E2 (or even X-E1) will give you much better results, because Fuji's the only consumer-priced camera company that gives you the proper balance from the start (that is, the lens should usually cost roughly as much or more than the camera body).

If you go with Pentax, you need to look at the DA18-135 WR as the minimum starting point for the lens. You probably want to go better eventually, but pairing it with a K-50 or K-5 IIs is a reasonable place to start.

Yep I just downloaded it and opened it in Photoshop. It's showing the lens is the 18-135 and it was shot at 18mm.

dansamy · 02-01-2014, 11:45 PM

Honestly, at this point, I'm not really. I have downloaded the trial of LR5 & I'm trying to like it. I have the Pentax one. I have Gimp. I bought PSE, but I haven't installed it yet. My problem is, since I don't know much about these programs, I want a "simple" mode. One where the program asks me what I want to do to the picture and makes guided editing suggestions. Training wheels if you please.

DSims · 02-02-2014, 12:02 AM

Originally posted by dansamy

Honestly, at this point, I'm not really. I have downloaded the trial of LR5 & I'm trying to like it. I have the Pentax one. I have Gimp. I bought PSE, but I haven't installed it yet. My problem is, since I don't know much about these programs, I want a "simple" mode. One where the program asks me what I want to do to the picture and makes guided editing suggestions. Training wheels if you please.

Download Capture One Pro (60 day trial) and try it.

Here's why I recommend it: Besides being (arguably) the top image editor, It has high quality camera profiles. And you can start right off without worrying about setting up a library. Just browse to the folder with the files in it.

Then you go to the Adjustments menu and select Auto Adjust. You have a good image to start with, and you can play with it from there.

Of course you'll still want to go through a normal learning process later, but you can get good results right away. I think it's the best product out there for most image editing (but neither it nor anything else replaces Photoshop for the most elaborate work).

tuco · 02-02-2014, 12:11 AM

If you looking at noise at ISO 6400+, the lens doesn't make a difference.

dansamy · 02-02-2014, 12:18 AM

Originally posted by DSims

(but neither it nor anything else replaces Photoshop for the most elaborate work).

I think that's part of my problem. I don't WANT to do elaborate work. A couple quick and simple buttons to say adjust this. Help fix red eye. And be done with it.

DSims · 02-02-2014, 12:51 AM

Originally posted by dansamy

I think that's part of my problem. I don't WANT to do elaborate work. A couple quick and simple buttons to say adjust this. Help fix red eye. And be done with it.

That's what I figured. It may be a little harder than the ideal, but you can come close.

The point with Capture One is you can just do the simplest adjustments, and if you're happy with it, save it and be done. That's why I originally chose it over Lightroom - you don't have to fine tune it just to get results as good or better than the original JPEG from the camera.

Any time you spend editing an image should go toward improving it, not simply getting it back to par!

**Rondec** · 02-02-2014, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by dansamy

Honestly, at this point, I'm not really. I have downloaded the trial of LR5 & I'm trying to like it. I have the Pentax one. I have Gimp. I bought PSE, but I haven't installed it yet. My problem is, since I don't know much about these programs, I want a "simple" mode. One where the program asks me what I want to do to the picture and makes guided editing suggestions. Training wheels if you please.

The big thing with lightroom is that you need to have "presets" that you like. If you have some, then you can get decent results with one or two clicks. I do recommend Scott Kelby's lightroom book for a pretty easy way to learn features that are in the program. Same actually with elements, although I only use elements if I need to do a big clone job.

dansamy · 02-02-2014, 04:20 AM

Somebody else made a really good point that I'm gonna try. I'm gonna start by editing the camera's jpeg files. And after I've learned more, move on to the RAW files.

**EssJayEff** · 02-02-2014, 07:09 AM

Originally posted by dansamy

Somebody else made a really good point that I'm gonna try. I'm gonna start by editing the camera's jpeg files. And after I've learned more, move on to the RAW files.

Is this advisable? There's more to work with using the RAW file. JPEGs are already altered, plus you're more likely to introduce JPEG artifacts. Working with RAW from the start seems like better advice.

**Mikesul** · 02-02-2014, 07:11 AM

Originally posted by EssJayEff

Is this advisable? There's more to work with using the RAW file. JPEGs are already altered, plus you're more likely to introduce JPEG artifacts. Working with RAW from the start seems like better advice.

I agree, leave the JPG alone. Edit the RAW, use the camera JPG to compare your work as you learn. You will soon see the benefit of working with RAW.

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02-01-2014, 11:01 PM	#16
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by jhux1972 Nice pic of the pup! I'd have about 4 cameras on hand and 4 on pre-order if I had the $! Actually I haven't bought a camera since my Sony DSC-H1 bridge camera in 2006 but when I pulled it out recently to take some Senior pictures of my son I knew it was time for an upgrade. Not that it didn't do an OK job, but when I did an impromptu shoot with my girls I really found myself wanting more performance. Plus my sister's wedding is coming up and I want to try my hand at getting some good shots which is the reason for the iso inquiries. Here are some keepers I got with my old Sony: CottonMill Edited - a set on Flickr Great framing, Flat colors. (sorry for being blunt)

02-01-2014, 11:10 PM	#17
jhux1972 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 11 Original Poster	Originally posted by Corto-PA Great framing, Flat colors. (sorry for being blunt) Thanks. And agreed. I can deal with blunt

02-01-2014, 11:16 PM	#18
dansamy Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,450	Originally posted by Corto-PA Great framing, Flat colors. (sorry for being blunt) Ok, since I've not got a clue about PP. Can't you tweak colors in software?

02-01-2014, 11:17 PM	#19
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by jhux1972 I'd like to think that the test shots they did with the K3 are slightly out of focus or the lens they used is a dud? Or is the fuji actually that incredible at high iso? Check out the 2 links and especially look at the little ELSEVIER logo at the top of the red Photoshop CS2 For Photographers book. I downloaded the ISO 6400 RAW samples you mentioned. The best I can tell from the EXIF, the Pentax photos were taken with the DA18-55 kit lens. The Fuji photos definitely were taken with the 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens. The Fuji lens is much better than Pentax kit lens. For goodness sake, it's a $700 lens! The Pentax is closer to a $100 lens (technically less, in it's current kit form). While the Pentax is better than most other competitor's kit lenses, it's no match for the best 18-55 lens I've ever seen. If you're only going to use the lens that comes with the camera, the Fuji X-E2 (or even X-E1) will give you much better results, because Fuji's the only consumer-priced camera company that gives you the proper balance from the start (that is, the lens should usually cost roughly as much or more than the camera body). If you go with Pentax, you need to look at the DA18-135 WR as the minimum starting point for the lens. You probably want to go better eventually, but pairing it with a K-50 or K-5 IIs is a reasonable place to start. Last edited by DSims; 02-01-2014 at 11:30 PM.

02-01-2014, 11:27 PM	#20
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by dansamy Ok, since I've not got a clue about PP. Can't you tweak colors in software? We all do it. I suggest you google some, As I could otherwise talk about it for a year. But...What PP software do you use?

02-01-2014, 11:44 PM	#21
jhux1972 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 11 Original Poster	Originally posted by DSims I downloaded the ISO 6400 RAW samples you mentioned. The best I can tell from the EXIF, the Pentax photos were taken with the DA18-55 kit lens. The Fuji photos definitely were taken with the 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens. The Fuji lens is much better than Pentax kit lens. For goodness sake, it's a $700 lens! The Pentax is closer to a $100 lens (technically less, in it's current kit form). While the Pentax is better than most other competitor's kit lenses, it's no match for the best 18-55 lens I've ever seen. If you're only going to use the lens that comes with the camera, the Fuji X-E2 (or even X-E1) will give you much better results, because Fuji's the only consumer-priced camera company that gives you the proper balance from the start (that is, the lens should usually cost roughly as much or more than the camera body). If you go with Pentax, you need to look at the DA18-135 WR as the minimum starting point for the lens. You probably want to go better eventually, but pairing it with a K-50 or K-5 IIs is a reasonable place to start. Yep I just downloaded it and opened it in Photoshop. It's showing the lens is the 18-135 and it was shot at 18mm.

02-01-2014, 11:45 PM	#22
dansamy Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,450	Honestly, at this point, I'm not really. I have downloaded the trial of LR5 & I'm trying to like it. I have the Pentax one. I have Gimp. I bought PSE, but I haven't installed it yet. My problem is, since I don't know much about these programs, I want a "simple" mode. One where the program asks me what I want to do to the picture and makes guided editing suggestions. Training wheels if you please.

02-02-2014, 12:02 AM	#23
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by dansamy Honestly, at this point, I'm not really. I have downloaded the trial of LR5 & I'm trying to like it. I have the Pentax one. I have Gimp. I bought PSE, but I haven't installed it yet. My problem is, since I don't know much about these programs, I want a "simple" mode. One where the program asks me what I want to do to the picture and makes guided editing suggestions. Training wheels if you please. Download Capture One Pro (60 day trial) and try it. Here's why I recommend it: Besides being (arguably) the top image editor, It has high quality camera profiles. And you can start right off without worrying about setting up a library. Just browse to the folder with the files in it. Then you go to the Adjustments menu and select Auto Adjust. You have a good image to start with, and you can play with it from there. Of course you'll still want to go through a normal learning process later, but you can get good results right away. I think it's the best product out there for most image editing (but neither it nor anything else replaces Photoshop for the most elaborate work).

02-02-2014, 12:11 AM	#24
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,022	If you looking at noise at ISO 6400+, the lens doesn't make a difference.

02-02-2014, 12:18 AM	#25
dansamy Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,450	Originally posted by DSims (but neither it nor anything else replaces Photoshop for the most elaborate work). I think that's part of my problem. I don't WANT to do elaborate work. A couple quick and simple buttons to say adjust this. Help fix red eye. And be done with it.

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02-02-2014, 12:51 AM	#26
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by dansamy I think that's part of my problem. I don't WANT to do elaborate work. A couple quick and simple buttons to say adjust this. Help fix red eye. And be done with it. That's what I figured. It may be a little harder than the ideal, but you can come close. The point with Capture One is you can just do the simplest adjustments, and if you're happy with it, save it and be done. That's why I originally chose it over Lightroom - you don't have to fine tune it just to get results as good or better than the original JPEG from the camera. Any time you spend editing an image should go toward improving it, not simply getting it back to par!

02-02-2014, 04:14 AM	#27
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	Originally posted by dansamy Honestly, at this point, I'm not really. I have downloaded the trial of LR5 & I'm trying to like it. I have the Pentax one. I have Gimp. I bought PSE, but I haven't installed it yet. My problem is, since I don't know much about these programs, I want a "simple" mode. One where the program asks me what I want to do to the picture and makes guided editing suggestions. Training wheels if you please. The big thing with lightroom is that you need to have "presets" that you like. If you have some, then you can get decent results with one or two clicks. I do recommend Scott Kelby's lightroom book for a pretty easy way to learn features that are in the program. Same actually with elements, although I only use elements if I need to do a big clone job.

02-02-2014, 04:20 AM	#28
dansamy Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,450	Somebody else made a really good point that I'm gonna try. I'm gonna start by editing the camera's jpeg files. And after I've learned more, move on to the RAW files.

02-02-2014, 07:09 AM	#29
EssJayEff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: near Saxapahaw, NC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 966	Originally posted by dansamy Somebody else made a really good point that I'm gonna try. I'm gonna start by editing the camera's jpeg files. And after I've learned more, move on to the RAW files. Is this advisable? There's more to work with using the RAW file. JPEGs are already altered, plus you're more likely to introduce JPEG artifacts. Working with RAW from the start seems like better advice.

02-02-2014, 07:11 AM	#30
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by EssJayEff Is this advisable? There's more to work with using the RAW file. JPEGs are already altered, plus you're more likely to introduce JPEG artifacts. Working with RAW from the start seems like better advice. I agree, leave the JPG alone. Edit the RAW, use the camera JPG to compare your work as you learn. You will soon see the benefit of working with RAW.