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**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-11-2019, 09:09 AM

I just bought a used KP via the forums, here, and am looking for recommendations on what settings to use for the camera. For reference, I am coming from the K-5, so lots has changed in the interim!

Adam · 10-11-2019, 09:13 AM

Here's a solid starting point:
Pentax KP Review - Recommended Settings | PentaxForums.com Reviews

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-11-2019, 09:14 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Here's a solid starting point:
Pentax KP Review - Recommended Settings | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Thanks!

ChristianRock · 10-11-2019, 10:18 AM

Do you shoot RAW or jpeg?

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-11-2019, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

Do you shoot RAW or jpeg?

Adobe RAW.

**mikesbike** · 10-13-2019, 01:25 PM - **1 Like**

There are shared uses with some buttons compared with the K-5, which is so to reduce size and weight. Some people, for example, prefer the AE-L button set as a back-focus button instead. However, I use AE-L fairly often, so I get along fine with the shutter button half-press for AF. One circumstance where I use AE-L is when using the green button in the Hyper Manual mode. After using the green button to get an instant metered exposure, and then wanting to adjust to get a preferred aperture or shutter speed, I first hit AE-L, then when I set my preference (either aperture or shutter speed) the other will automatically follow along to preserve the metered exposure value. Quite efficient and time-saving.

**bkpix** · 10-13-2019, 04:36 PM - **1 Like**

One of the charms and challenges of the KP (and it's similar here to the K-1, but more so) is how very customizable the controls are.

It took me about six months to settle into a group of settings; posting them would probably be about as useful as posting my clothing sizes.

I will say, though, that having five separate user (U1-U5) slots on the mode dial is very useful! I have mine set up for my favorite P mode settings; shooting BW; shooting HDR; and two setups for shooting long lens photos.

**Wingincamera** · 10-14-2019, 02:41 PM

You might take a look at this guy's post. Lots of good information there.
Pentax KP experience... 3 weeks and 3500 clicks later - PentaxForums.com

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-14-2019, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by Wingincamera

You might take a look at this guy's post. Lots of good information there.
Pentax KP experience... 3 weeks and 3500 clicks later - PentaxForums.com

Thanks!

StarTroop · 10-15-2019, 07:09 PM

I don't know if you had this option on the K5, but I really recommend to change EV steps to 1/2, and ISO steps to match EV steps (both settings are on the first page of the custom menu, I believe). Maybe it doesn't matter if you only shoot with digital lenses in auto-exposure modes, but when using manual lenses I like my camera's EV steps to match the half-steps typically found on a physical aperture ring, plus you don't really need the granularity of 1/3 steps, which just wastes time IMO.

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-16-2019, 10:54 AM

I received the KP last night and the number of options is really overwhelming!

**Mikesul** · 10-16-2019, 11:36 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Archimedes the Dog

I received the KP last night and the number of options is really overwhelming!

You will get acquainted soon enough by using the camera. You will be grateful for most of those options in time.

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-17-2019, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by Mikesul

You will get acquainted soon enough by using the camera. You will be grateful for most of those options in time.

I pretty much turned everything optional to "off" and will try turning them on one at a time, but still there are a huge number of settings to customize! Fortunately, it's a clear evolution of the K-5's menus and settings.

**Mikesul** · 10-17-2019, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by Archimedes the Dog

I pretty much turned everything optional to "off" and will try turning them on one at a time, but still there are a huge number of settings to customize! Fortunately, it's a clear evolution of the K-5's menus.

That sounds like a good plan.

edri · 10-31-2019, 11:20 PM

A topic to mark for any KP owner.

10-11-2019, 09:09 AM	#1
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146	KP Recommended settings I just bought a used KP via the forums, here, and am looking for recommendations on what settings to use for the camera. For reference, I am coming from the K-5, so lots has changed in the interim!

10-11-2019, 09:13 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Here's a solid starting point: Pentax KP Review - Recommended Settings \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-11-2019, 09:14 AM	#3
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Here's a solid starting point: Pentax KP Review - Recommended Settings \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Thanks!

10-11-2019, 10:18 AM	#4
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	Do you shoot RAW or jpeg?

10-11-2019, 10:31 AM	#5
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChristianRock Do you shoot RAW or jpeg? Adobe RAW.

10-13-2019, 01:25 PM - 1 Like	#6
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,564	There are shared uses with some buttons compared with the K-5, which is so to reduce size and weight. Some people, for example, prefer the AE-L button set as a back-focus button instead. However, I use AE-L fairly often, so I get along fine with the shutter button half-press for AF. One circumstance where I use AE-L is when using the green button in the Hyper Manual mode. After using the green button to get an instant metered exposure, and then wanting to adjust to get a preferred aperture or shutter speed, I first hit AE-L, then when I set my preference (either aperture or shutter speed) the other will automatically follow along to preserve the metered exposure value. Quite efficient and time-saving.

10-13-2019, 04:36 PM - 1 Like	#7
bkpix Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Creswell, Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 570	One of the charms and challenges of the KP (and it's similar here to the K-1, but more so) is how very customizable the controls are. It took me about six months to settle into a group of settings; posting them would probably be about as useful as posting my clothing sizes. I will say, though, that having five separate user (U1-U5) slots on the mode dial is very useful! I have mine set up for my favorite P mode settings; shooting BW; shooting HDR; and two setups for shooting long lens photos.

10-14-2019, 02:41 PM	#8
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	You might take a look at this guy's post. Lots of good information there. Pentax KP experience... 3 weeks and 3500 clicks later - PentaxForums.com

10-14-2019, 02:46 PM	#9
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146 Original Poster	Originally posted by Wingincamera You might take a look at this guy's post. Lots of good information there. Pentax KP experience... 3 weeks and 3500 clicks later - PentaxForums.com Thanks!

10-15-2019, 07:09 PM	#10
StarTroop Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 175	I don't know if you had this option on the K5, but I really recommend to change EV steps to 1/2, and ISO steps to match EV steps (both settings are on the first page of the custom menu, I believe). Maybe it doesn't matter if you only shoot with digital lenses in auto-exposure modes, but when using manual lenses I like my camera's EV steps to match the half-steps typically found on a physical aperture ring, plus you don't really need the granularity of 1/3 steps, which just wastes time IMO.

10-16-2019, 10:54 AM	#11
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146 Original Poster	I received the KP last night and the number of options is really overwhelming!

10-16-2019, 11:36 AM - 1 Like	#12
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by Archimedes the Dog I received the KP last night and the number of options is really overwhelming! You will get acquainted soon enough by using the camera. You will be grateful for most of those options in time.

10-17-2019, 11:56 AM	#13
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mikesul You will get acquainted soon enough by using the camera. You will be grateful for most of those options in time. I pretty much turned everything optional to "off" and will try turning them on one at a time, but still there are a huge number of settings to customize! Fortunately, it's a clear evolution of the K-5's menus and settings.

10-17-2019, 11:57 AM	#14
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by Archimedes the Dog I pretty much turned everything optional to "off" and will try turning them on one at a time, but still there are a huge number of settings to customize! Fortunately, it's a clear evolution of the K-5's menus. That sounds like a good plan.

10-31-2019, 11:20 PM	#15
edri Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: walking in the air Posts: 1,315	A topic to mark for any KP owner.

KP Recommended settings

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