Should I give up on my Samsung GX-10 DSLR?

samsungNEWB · 01-23-2013, 11:42 PM

Thanks Ben. I will keep on battlin'. You're probably right... the colors on that landscape Gibby posted are amazing.

Ponosby Britt · 01-24-2013, 12:42 AM

In 2008, I had just gotten my K-10 when I made the attached, walking through Pike Place Market. I got lucky with exposure which was an overcast sky (Seattle) and open shade. The camera auto exposure will nail that every time. I did however, have a Tamron 28-75 (skipped buying the kit lens) open at 2.8 so hand holding the camera worked at 1/60 with SR on at ISO 100.

Later, I bought and read Bryan Petersen's book "Understanding Exposure" until I understood it and I haven't shot anything but manual exposure since. You've gotten good advice, to take lots of photos. If you invest your time to learn a few principles, you'll reduce your frustration and put yourself in control and you'll make the photos that you see.

Nick Siebers · 01-29-2013, 07:26 PM

Originally posted by samsungNEWB

Thanks Ben. I will keep on battlin'. You're probably right... the colors on that landscape Gibby posted are amazing.

Just a mistake I have made - are you set to spot metering? I had some trip photos partially ruined when I or (more likely) my wife accidentally reset my metering from center-weighted to spot. Exposures all over the place, long shutter speeds for no good reason. Might be worth a check!

GoneToTheDogs · 01-29-2013, 08:44 PM

Another thing to consider is to use your on-board flash with a DIY diffuser (e.g.- a clear 35mm film canister w/a slot cut-out to slip over the flash head) to use as a fill so you can decrease your shutter speed.
You should be able to control the intensity of the flash from your menu. A little experimenting should produce a good result.
If you google "DIY flash diffuser" you'll find other ways to reduce the harshness of a direct flash.

civiletti · 02-14-2013, 02:06 PM

I like my GX-10. If you don't need super-high iso, super-fast autofocus, or the ultimate in detail, it's a fine camera. I second the recommendatio of the Tamron 17-50/2.8 [or the Sigma].

ddharriman · 02-14-2013, 03:30 PM

Hello samsungNEWB

To the main question you pose: “Should I give up on my Samsung GX-10 DSLR?”, the answer is simple (and in the line with the colleagues before me) – NO!

If I was in your shoes, I would get a solution for inside photos… with your camera an low light I would advise you to get a flash or a an alternative solution on how to use your in camera flash.

For the in camera flash I would advise something like the “Lightscoop” (http://www.lightscoop.com).
I have it, and let me say, in rooms up to 4 x 4 meters high it delivers what it says.

For an out of the camera flash, you can decide for a full modern one or something like the amazing good old fashion Pentax AF280T (there is one for 45 USD’s for sale in this forum now). I have it and it’s great.

And let me say, with this solution (specially an external flash), you will get great sharp photos of your kid (or other inside events) using the kit lens.

Extra advice: before buying an external flash and independent of what the one you buy (if you decide to go that road), I do advise you to read very carefully Neilvan Niekerk’ website about flash photography techniques (http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/).

Best regards,

sebberry · 02-16-2013, 02:04 PM

I've taken some great indoor shots with my K10 and I have taken some really poor shots with my K-5. It's all how you use it.

Many years later and I still take bad shots even with my K-5 and 50-135. Hang in there and just try to have some fun with it

Tippon · 02-25-2013, 05:00 PM

I've got a K-x, and I've found that any shutter speed below 1/20 handheld needs flash. I set the flash to it's lowest setting, and that's enough for me to shoot handheld without the flash being overpowering

MJ43 · 12-15-2014, 01:38 PM

On a similar line my GX10 has been parked for a few years. I could never get an in-focus shot using auto focus or manual focus. Finally I tried manual focus - but deliberately mis-focused the shot a small step at a time. The test being a picture of a number plate. Image always looked okish but never crisp, kept doing this until the number plate was sharp (had to zoom in on the rear screen preview to see it). The result being that for best result I have to mis-focus. I just stumbled across the software to allow you into the debug menu where I am hoping I can offset for the mis-focus and finally get the camera taking photos as I think it should. That is an experiment to be tried this Christmas.

civiletti · 12-16-2014, 12:29 AM

Originally posted by MJ43

On a similar line my GX10 has been parked for a few years. I could never get an in-focus shot using auto focus or manual focus. Finally I tried manual focus - but deliberately mis-focused the shot a small step at a time. The test being a picture of a number plate. Image always looked okish but never crisp, kept doing this until the number plate was sharp (had to zoom in on the rear screen preview to see it). The result being that for best result I have to mis-focus. I just stumbled across the software to allow you into the debug menu where I am hoping I can offset for the mis-focus and finally get the camera taking photos as I think it should. That is an experiment to be tried this Christmas.

If manual focus is off, the focusing screen is likely not correctly in place. Did you buy it new? Perhaps someone did not install the screen properly.

**Kerrowdown** · 12-16-2014, 03:08 AM

Originally posted by samsungNEWB

Should I give up on my Samsung GX-10 DSLR?

I would give it a little more time and practice with the camera, as it's capable of producing great imagery.

Here's a few of mine from the Pentax (K10D) version.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/2287...ub-angus-2.jpg
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/2308...highland-light.

Also have a look at this thread, it might inspire you to try again.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/242738-k10d-club.html

Na Horuk · 12-16-2014, 06:06 AM

This thread is from 01-23-2013. I hope the OP is happy now, maybe with a new camera, but I doubt this thread will help further

Focus calibration is important, though. There are many threads about it, how to set up a focus chart, etc.

**Kerrowdown** · 12-16-2014, 06:58 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

This thread is from 01-23-2013

Aye but we're just so much slower here in the Highlands, slower than everybody else, in fact so slow I didn't even notice the thread dates.

MJ43 · 12-30-2014, 01:56 AM

Originally posted by civiletti

If manual focus is off, the focusing screen is likely not correctly in place. Did you buy it new? Perhaps someone did not install the screen properly.

Camera was new when I bought it in May 2007. It has sat in a cupboard for many years unloved until a few weeks ago when I dug it out after finding out about the debug software (which I have yet to try). But in the mean time I have upgraded the firmware from 1.0 to 1.3 and now need some good weather (light) to go and try it again.

**i_trax** · 12-30-2014, 05:20 AM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Aye but we're just so much slower here in the Highlands, slower than everybody else, in fact so slow I didn't even notice the thread dates.

and I thought that you could

not be more relax and slow than in Australia.....

12-16-2014, 03:08 AM	#26
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	Originally posted by samsungNEWB Should I give up on my Samsung GX-10 DSLR? I would give it a little more time and practice with the camera, as it's capable of producing great imagery. Here's a few of mine from the Pentax (K10D) version. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/2287...ub-angus-2.jpg https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/2308...highland-light. Also have a look at this thread, it might inspire you to try again. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/242738-k10d-club.html Last edited by Kerrowdown; 12-16-2014 at 03:17 AM.

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01-23-2013, 11:42 PM	#16
samsungNEWB New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Thanks Ben. I will keep on battlin'. You're probably right... the colors on that landscape Gibby posted are amazing.

01-24-2013, 12:42 AM	#17
Ponosby Britt Closed Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 227	In 2008, I had just gotten my K-10 when I made the attached, walking through Pike Place Market. I got lucky with exposure which was an overcast sky (Seattle) and open shade. The camera auto exposure will nail that every time. I did however, have a Tamron 28-75 (skipped buying the kit lens) open at 2.8 so hand holding the camera worked at 1/60 with SR on at ISO 100. Later, I bought and read Bryan Petersen's book "Understanding Exposure" until I understood it and I haven't shot anything but manual exposure since. You've gotten good advice, to take lots of photos. If you invest your time to learn a few principles, you'll reduce your frustration and put yourself in control and you'll make the photos that you see.

01-29-2013, 07:26 PM	#18
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	Originally posted by samsungNEWB Thanks Ben. I will keep on battlin'. You're probably right... the colors on that landscape Gibby posted are amazing. Just a mistake I have made - are you set to spot metering? I had some trip photos partially ruined when I or (more likely) my wife accidentally reset my metering from center-weighted to spot. Exposures all over the place, long shutter speeds for no good reason. Might be worth a check!

01-29-2013, 08:44 PM	#19
GoneToTheDogs Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Reading, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 148	Another thing to consider is to use your on-board flash with a DIY diffuser (e.g.- a clear 35mm film canister w/a slot cut-out to slip over the flash head) to use as a fill so you can decrease your shutter speed. You should be able to control the intensity of the flash from your menu. A little experimenting should produce a good result. If you google "DIY flash diffuser" you'll find other ways to reduce the harshness of a direct flash.

02-14-2013, 02:06 PM	#20
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	I like my GX-10. If you don't need super-high iso, super-fast autofocus, or the ultimate in detail, it's a fine camera. I second the recommendatio of the Tamron 17-50/2.8 [or the Sigma].

02-14-2013, 03:30 PM	#21
ddharriman Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 345	Hello samsungNEWB To the main question you pose: “Should I give up on my Samsung GX-10 DSLR?”, the answer is simple (and in the line with the colleagues before me) – NO! If I was in your shoes, I would get a solution for inside photos… with your camera an low light I would advise you to get a flash or a an alternative solution on how to use your in camera flash. For the in camera flash I would advise something like the “Lightscoop” (http://www.lightscoop.com). I have it, and let me say, in rooms up to 4 x 4 meters high it delivers what it says. For an out of the camera flash, you can decide for a full modern one or something like the amazing good old fashion Pentax AF280T (there is one for 45 USD’s for sale in this forum now). I have it and it’s great. And let me say, with this solution (specially an external flash), you will get great sharp photos of your kid (or other inside events) using the kit lens. Extra advice: before buying an external flash and independent of what the one you buy (if you decide to go that road), I do advise you to read very carefully Neilvan Niekerk’ website about flash photography techniques (http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/). Best regards,

02-16-2013, 02:04 PM	#22
sebberry Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Frozen white North Photos: Albums Posts: 1,135	I've taken some great indoor shots with my K10 and I have taken some really poor shots with my K-5. It's all how you use it. Many years later and I still take bad shots even with my K-5 and 50-135. Hang in there and just try to have some fun with it

02-25-2013, 05:00 PM	#23
Tippon Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 92	I've got a K-x, and I've found that any shutter speed below 1/20 handheld needs flash. I set the flash to it's lowest setting, and that's enough for me to shoot handheld without the flash being overpowering

12-15-2014, 01:38 PM	#24
MJ43 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 97	On a similar line my GX10 has been parked for a few years. I could never get an in-focus shot using auto focus or manual focus. Finally I tried manual focus - but deliberately mis-focused the shot a small step at a time. The test being a picture of a number plate. Image always looked okish but never crisp, kept doing this until the number plate was sharp (had to zoom in on the rear screen preview to see it). The result being that for best result I have to mis-focus. I just stumbled across the software to allow you into the debug menu where I am hoping I can offset for the mis-focus and finally get the camera taking photos as I think it should. That is an experiment to be tried this Christmas.

12-16-2014, 12:29 AM	#25
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	Originally posted by MJ43 On a similar line my GX10 has been parked for a few years. I could never get an in-focus shot using auto focus or manual focus. Finally I tried manual focus - but deliberately mis-focused the shot a small step at a time. The test being a picture of a number plate. Image always looked okish but never crisp, kept doing this until the number plate was sharp (had to zoom in on the rear screen preview to see it). The result being that for best result I have to mis-focus. I just stumbled across the software to allow you into the debug menu where I am hoping I can offset for the mis-focus and finally get the camera taking photos as I think it should. That is an experiment to be tried this Christmas. If manual focus is off, the focusing screen is likely not correctly in place. Did you buy it new? Perhaps someone did not install the screen properly.

12-16-2014, 06:06 AM	#27
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	This thread is from 01-23-2013. I hope the OP is happy now, maybe with a new camera, but I doubt this thread will help further Focus calibration is important, though. There are many threads about it, how to set up a focus chart, etc.

12-16-2014, 06:58 AM	#28
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	Originally posted by Na Horuk This thread is from 01-23-2013 Aye but we're just so much slower here in the Highlands, slower than everybody else, in fact so slow I didn't even notice the thread dates.

12-30-2014, 01:56 AM	#29
MJ43 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 97	Originally posted by civiletti If manual focus is off, the focusing screen is likely not correctly in place. Did you buy it new? Perhaps someone did not install the screen properly. Camera was new when I bought it in May 2007. It has sat in a cupboard for many years unloved until a few weeks ago when I dug it out after finding out about the debug software (which I have yet to try). But in the mean time I have upgraded the firmware from 1.0 to 1.3 and now need some good weather (light) to go and try it again.

12-30-2014, 05:20 AM	#30
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Originally posted by Kerrowdown Aye but we're just so much slower here in the Highlands, slower than everybody else, in fact so slow I didn't even notice the thread dates. and I thought that you could not be more relax and slow than in Australia.....