Kx - Help please

Ken T · 05-11-2010, 01:57 PM

Hi, I have a friend who knows nothing about DSLR and just bought a Kx . She loves to take pictures of flowers in her garden, and didn't satisfy with the images of her P&S, that why she ventured into the DSLR world .
The problem is when she took picture of her flowers with the Kx (in Av mode), all the images came out way under-exposed and blurry (because of low ISO and low shutter speed). She asked me how to set the camera . I don't know anything about the Kx, so I run in here to ask .

My question is - In Av mode with the aperture we want and with Auto ISO, how can we change shutter speed to suit the situation, and by that the camera auto selects the ISO for correct exposure (same as TAv of K10/20D) ?

PS. I mean with the Kx, how can we take the picture with the aperture and shutter speed we want and don't care about what ISO is ?

Sorry for my broken English, but I hope all understand my question .

Thanks in advance .

Adam · 05-11-2010, 03:02 PM

This is more of a photography question than a K-x question. If you leave ISO on auto, you should be fine. Just shoot in auto pict mode and your photos should come out OK.

There are a few articles on exposure here that you might otherwise find helpful: Photography Articles - PentaxForums.com

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/62522-exposure-shutt...rture-iso.html

gebco · 05-11-2010, 05:58 PM

In Av mode, you control the aperture, the camera controls the shutter speed. You can set the ISO to auto.

If you want to control both shutter speed and aperture, you need to use M, and there is no auto ISO option, AFAIK.

Ira · 05-11-2010, 06:18 PM

Originally posted by gebco

In Av mode, you control the aperture, the camera controls the shutter speed. You can set the ISO to auto.

If you want to control both shutter speed and aperture, you need to use M, and there is no auto ISO option, AFAIK.

As far as you know is correct.

You can't have auto ISO in full manual mode, regardless of the camera.

JeffJS · 05-11-2010, 06:29 PM

Originally posted by Ira

As far as you know is correct.

You can't have auto ISO in full manual mode, regardless of the camera.

Nor would you want it. There's no point in shooting Full manual if there is some other *variable* floating around.

FWIW, I've found (regardless of camera) my best flower shots are done by concentrating on getting the shadows right. You'll never see details in a flower (or any other object) unless you can master that. I Typically fix ISO at 100, shoot Av to pick my DOF and let the shutter speed float. When that fails me, I switch to full manual. Depending on the lens, I may even use Catch in focus to help remove camera shake from the equation. I also rely somewhat on post processing to get it looking right (to me).

EvilPentaxUser · 05-11-2010, 07:37 PM

read the manual, on page 98 (mine is a PDF from pentaximaging.com) it tells about using it. press the EV and turn the wheel to increase the exposure, at least 2/3 EV if needed, check picture, pros take a lot of shots just for 1 usuable picture. always check the manual for help, I checked the index to find AV information.

dragonfly · 05-11-2010, 10:07 PM

Consider using bracketing mode. That will give you more variation in your shots and will let you know how much you need to compensate.

It's possible that your problem is a result of using the wrong metering mode. Spot/full metering can change your exposure, and the conditions change quickly depending on the shot.

Also, your friend may be trying to take pictures that are difficult for any camera to pull off, especially in full-noon sunlight.

Ken T · 05-11-2010, 11:57 PM

Thanks for all the answers my Pentaxian friends . So in Av mode, the only way we can change shutter speed is to change ISO right? Then is there a faster way to change ISO like by ... while pushing the Green button and turning the wheel, or we still have to use the 4-way controller ?

**Just1MoreDave** · 05-12-2010, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by Ken T

Hi, I have a friend who knows nothing about DSLR and just bought a Kx . She loves to take pictures of flowers in her garden, and didn't satisfy with the images of her P&S, that why she ventured into the DSLR world .
The problem is when she took picture of her flowers with the Kx (in Av mode), all the images came out way under-exposed and blurry (because of low ISO and low shutter speed). She asked me how to set the camera . I don't know anything about the Kx, so I run in here to ask .

My question is - In Av mode with the aperture we want and with Auto ISO, how can we change shutter speed to suit the situation, and by that the camera auto selects the ISO for correct exposure (same as TAv of K10/20D) ?

PS. I mean with the Kx, how can we take the picture with the aperture and shutter speed we want and don't care about what ISO is ?

Sorry for my broken English, but I hope all understand my question .

Thanks in advance .

Did anyone read this?

Originally posted by Ken T

Thanks for all the answers my Pentaxian friends . So in Av mode, the only way we can change shutter speed is to change ISO right? Then is there a faster way to change ISO like by ... while pushing the Green button and turning the wheel, or we still have to use the 4-way controller ?

In Av mode, changing the Ev (button to the left of the green button) changes shutter speed. You can have Auto ISO in Av mode, like you said above. That combination should work OK.

I don't see an uncomplicated way to duplicate TAv mode. I'd suggest the scene mode with the flower picture on it if your friend hasn't tried it yet. I was looking at P mode, and that might work. It would be better if you could select a Program Line on the K-x but I think you can't.

Ken T · 05-12-2010, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

Did anyone read this?

In Av mode, changing the Ev (button to the left of the green button) changes shutter speed. You can have Auto ISO in Av mode, like you said above. That combination should work OK.

I don't see an uncomplicated way to duplicate TAv mode. I'd suggest the scene mode with the flower picture on it if your friend hasn't tried it yet. I was looking at P mode, and that might work. It would be better if you could select a Program Line on the K-x but I think you can't.

Hi Dave, thanks a lot .

Is that button the EV Compensation Button ? And would you explain more how to duplicate TAv mode in the Kx for me please .

05-11-2010, 01:57 PM	#1
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	Kx - Help please Hi, I have a friend who knows nothing about DSLR and just bought a Kx . She loves to take pictures of flowers in her garden, and didn't satisfy with the images of her P&S, that why she ventured into the DSLR world . The problem is when she took picture of her flowers with the Kx (in Av mode), all the images came out way under-exposed and blurry (because of low ISO and low shutter speed). She asked me how to set the camera . I don't know anything about the Kx, so I run in here to ask . My question is - In Av mode with the aperture we want and with Auto ISO, how can we change shutter speed to suit the situation, and by that the camera auto selects the ISO for correct exposure (same as TAv of K10/20D) ? PS. I mean with the Kx, how can we take the picture with the aperture and shutter speed we want and don't care about what ISO is ? Sorry for my broken English, but I hope all understand my question . Thanks in advance .

05-11-2010, 03:02 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	This is more of a photography question than a K-x question. If you leave ISO on auto, you should be fine. Just shoot in auto pict mode and your photos should come out OK. There are a few articles on exposure here that you might otherwise find helpful: Photography Articles - PentaxForums.com https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/62522-exposure-shutt...rture-iso.html 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:

05-11-2010, 05:58 PM	#3
gebco Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Winnipeg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 329	In Av mode, you control the aperture, the camera controls the shutter speed. You can set the ISO to auto. If you want to control both shutter speed and aperture, you need to use M, and there is no auto ISO option, AFAIK.

05-11-2010, 06:18 PM	#4
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by gebco In Av mode, you control the aperture, the camera controls the shutter speed. You can set the ISO to auto. If you want to control both shutter speed and aperture, you need to use M, and there is no auto ISO option, AFAIK. As far as you know is correct. You can't have auto ISO in full manual mode, regardless of the camera.

05-11-2010, 06:29 PM	#5
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by Ira As far as you know is correct. You can't have auto ISO in full manual mode, regardless of the camera. Nor would you want it. There's no point in shooting Full manual if there is some other variable floating around. FWIW, I've found (regardless of camera) my best flower shots are done by concentrating on getting the shadows right. You'll never see details in a flower (or any other object) unless you can master that. I Typically fix ISO at 100, shoot Av to pick my DOF and let the shutter speed float. When that fails me, I switch to full manual. Depending on the lens, I may even use Catch in focus to help remove camera shake from the equation. I also rely somewhat on post processing to get it looking right (to me).

05-11-2010, 07:37 PM	#6
EvilPentaxUser Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: kentucky Posts: 71	read the manual, on page 98 (mine is a PDF from pentaximaging.com) it tells about using it. press the EV and turn the wheel to increase the exposure, at least 2/3 EV if needed, check picture, pros take a lot of shots just for 1 usuable picture. always check the manual for help, I checked the index to find AV information.

05-11-2010, 10:07 PM	#7
dragonfly Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: on the wall Photos: Gallery Posts: 715	Consider using bracketing mode. That will give you more variation in your shots and will let you know how much you need to compensate. It's possible that your problem is a result of using the wrong metering mode. Spot/full metering can change your exposure, and the conditions change quickly depending on the shot. Also, your friend may be trying to take pictures that are difficult for any camera to pull off, especially in full-noon sunlight.

05-11-2010, 11:57 PM	#8
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536 Original Poster	Thanks for all the answers my Pentaxian friends . So in Av mode, the only way we can change shutter speed is to change ISO right? Then is there a faster way to change ISO like by ... while pushing the Green button and turning the wheel, or we still have to use the 4-way controller ?

05-12-2010, 09:06 AM	#9
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by Ken T Hi, I have a friend who knows nothing about DSLR and just bought a Kx . She loves to take pictures of flowers in her garden, and didn't satisfy with the images of her P&S, that why she ventured into the DSLR world . The problem is when she took picture of her flowers with the Kx (in Av mode), all the images came out way under-exposed and blurry (because of low ISO and low shutter speed). She asked me how to set the camera . I don't know anything about the Kx, so I run in here to ask . My question is - In Av mode with the aperture we want and with Auto ISO, how can we change shutter speed to suit the situation, and by that the camera auto selects the ISO for correct exposure (same as TAv of K10/20D) ? PS. I mean with the Kx, how can we take the picture with the aperture and shutter speed we want and don't care about what ISO is ? Sorry for my broken English, but I hope all understand my question . Thanks in advance . Did anyone read this? Originally posted by Ken T Thanks for all the answers my Pentaxian friends . So in Av mode, the only way we can change shutter speed is to change ISO right? Then is there a faster way to change ISO like by ... while pushing the Green button and turning the wheel, or we still have to use the 4-way controller ? In Av mode, changing the Ev (button to the left of the green button) changes shutter speed. You can have Auto ISO in Av mode, like you said above. That combination should work OK. I don't see an uncomplicated way to duplicate TAv mode. I'd suggest the scene mode with the flower picture on it if your friend hasn't tried it yet. I was looking at P mode, and that might work. It would be better if you could select a Program Line on the K-x but I think you can't.

05-12-2010, 01:21 PM	#10
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536 Original Poster	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave Did anyone read this? In Av mode, changing the Ev (button to the left of the green button) changes shutter speed. You can have Auto ISO in Av mode, like you said above. That combination should work OK. I don't see an uncomplicated way to duplicate TAv mode. I'd suggest the scene mode with the flower picture on it if your friend hasn't tried it yet. I was looking at P mode, and that might work. It would be better if you could select a Program Line on the K-x but I think you can't. Hi Dave, thanks a lot . Is that button the EV Compensation Button ? And would you explain more how to duplicate TAv mode in the Kx for me please .