Prospective Pentax user requests advice on low light dance photo setup

ebouwens · 11-14-2013, 12:15 PM

Hello,

I'm a Fuji x and micro4/3 user who has been not able to find the low light fast movement performance I need from the cameras I otherwise love. I'm interested in photographing low light dance performance without flash and confusing / near no light club dance photography with or without flash, but as inobtrusively as possible.

I am considering a move to the new K-3 with a fast fixed lens. Any input from Pentax forum members would be greatly appreciated.

**Kerrowdown** · 11-14-2013, 01:35 PM

Welcome to forum, it's not an easy subject, but with fast prime lenses and higher ISO speeds that K-3 offers it should be do able.

Jean Poitiers · 11-15-2013, 12:09 AM

Welcome to PF and bonjour from France ... enjoy the forum and I only have a K-5 at the moment, thus cannot say for the K-3, but it is better in many areas, AF, etc. ... plus a lot will depend upon the lens used ... Salut, J

ebouwens · 11-15-2013, 04:12 AM

Thank you for a warm welcome. Jean, I just returned from Provence where I biked for 9 days-- beautiful!

With the low light dance work, I currently can get enough light in using a Fuji X sensor and a 35 f1.4 lens at ISO 6400, but I can't get any adequate autofocus from the Fuji X line. From Olympus using a 25 f 1/4 Zeiss, I can get enough light, but the autofocus is less helpful than zone focusing using manual focus.

What I'm wondering is , do either of you have experience using the Pentax K series in low light, and how well does it latch on in difficult conditions? I'm considering renting one for a weekend and giving it a try, perhaps with a 31 mm FA 1.8.

Thanks again for the welcome. I'm looking forward to giving this beautiful camera a whirl.

bdery · 11-15-2013, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by ebouwens

What I'm wondering is , do either of you have experience using the Pentax K series in low light, and how well does it latch on in difficult conditions? I'm considering renting one for a weekend and giving it a try, perhaps with a 31 mm FA 1.8.

The K-5 ii and K-3 have the best low-light sensitivity on the market. That means that they can operate their AF in conditions where other cameras won't be able to. So this is clearly a perk for your intented purpose. What's more, even though AF is not as quick in low light (obviously) it's still more than ok. I believe the K-3 would serve you well for your intended purpose.

ebouwens · 11-15-2013, 10:14 AM

Very helpful. Thank you for your comments.

11-14-2013, 12:15 PM	#1
ebouwens New Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 3	Prospective Pentax user requests advice on low light dance photo setup Hello, I'm a Fuji x and micro4/3 user who has been not able to find the low light fast movement performance I need from the cameras I otherwise love. I'm interested in photographing low light dance performance without flash and confusing / near no light club dance photography with or without flash, but as inobtrusively as possible. I am considering a move to the new K-3 with a fast fixed lens. Any input from Pentax forum members would be greatly appreciated.

11-15-2013, 04:12 AM	#4
ebouwens New Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Hello, bonjour! /Low light dance discussion Thank you for a warm welcome. Jean, I just returned from Provence where I biked for 9 days-- beautiful! With the low light dance work, I currently can get enough light in using a Fuji X sensor and a 35 f1.4 lens at ISO 6400, but I can't get any adequate autofocus from the Fuji X line. From Olympus using a 25 f 1/4 Zeiss, I can get enough light, but the autofocus is less helpful than zone focusing using manual focus. What I'm wondering is , do either of you have experience using the Pentax K series in low light, and how well does it latch on in difficult conditions? I'm considering renting one for a weekend and giving it a try, perhaps with a 31 mm FA 1.8. Thanks again for the welcome. I'm looking forward to giving this beautiful camera a whirl.

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11-14-2013, 01:35 PM	#2
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	Welcome to forum, it's not an easy subject, but with fast prime lenses and higher ISO speeds that K-3 offers it should be do able.

11-15-2013, 12:09 AM	#3
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Welcome to PF and *bonjour* from France ... enjoy the forum and I only have a K-5 at the moment, thus cannot say for the K-3, but it is better in many areas, AF, etc. ... plus a lot will depend upon the lens used ... *Salut*, J

11-15-2013, 09:53 AM	#5
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by ebouwens What I'm wondering is , do either of you have experience using the Pentax K series in low light, and how well does it latch on in difficult conditions? I'm considering renting one for a weekend and giving it a try, perhaps with a 31 mm FA 1.8. The K-5 ii and K-3 have the best low-light sensitivity on the market. That means that they can operate their AF in conditions where other cameras won't be able to. So this is clearly a perk for your intented purpose. What's more, even though AF is not as quick in low light (obviously) it's still more than ok. I believe the K-3 would serve you well for your intended purpose.

11-15-2013, 10:14 AM	#6
ebouwens New Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Very helpful. Thank you for your comments.