Pentax K-30 settings

jido · 01-04-2013, 10:11 AM

I just received my K-30. SRS rocks.

I have both a 18-55mm and a 18-135mm lens, and trying to determine if the latter is worth it.

From what I read on this forum it is a great lens but since I don't use a dSLR that much I am not sure about keeping it yet.

I am impressed with the camera. Definitely better than a £300 Canon. I don't mind the lack of top LCD.

Anyway, back to business. I am thinking of using the following settings, what do you say?

Raw/Fx - optical preview
AF/AE-L - auto exposure lock
NR - off (or auto)
ISO AUTO - 100-800
File format - Raw
Sound effects - off
Electronic level - on
Live view AF autozoom - on
Live view Focus peaking - off
Instant review - off
Auto power off - 5 min
Dust removal - shutdown action

What is the best setting for noise reduction? Is "auto" better? I'd rather not do in-camera NR, but I don't want heavy post-processing either.

Thanks for your advice.

loco · 01-04-2013, 10:56 AM

I would turn off NR if you are processing in RAW.

I really think you can go higher with the Auto ISO unless you just hate any sort of noise at all. I have mine set at 100-4000.

jido · 01-04-2013, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by loco

I would turn off NR if you are processing in RAW.

I really think you can go higher with the Auto ISO unless you just hate any sort of noise at all. I have mine set at 100-4000.

Great, I will be testing higher ISO settings. Thanks for the advice on NR.

**Just1MoreDave** · 01-04-2013, 01:22 PM

What do you use for processing RAW and what are its noise removal capabilities? The other Pentax software allows you to apply noise reduction to a RAW file, using the same settings as you'd get in camera. I don't know what the software that comes with the K-30 allows. I would try taking some high-ISO shots, say from 800 to the maximum, as a test. Then see how your software of choice does at noise removal. You will then know where noise starts and where to limit Auto ISO. For a long time I was just afraid of anything above 800, but after learning to process high ISO shots, it's not so bad, and that's on the K-7. Your camera should be better.

It would probably take me a month to get used to having instant review off. I at least like to look at the histogram to make sure it's pretty close to the right exposure.

vladimiroltean · 01-04-2013, 02:20 PM

You might also set "using aperture ring" to permitted and then explore the many manual lenses in K mount.

jido · 01-04-2013, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by kcobain1992

You might also set "using aperture ring" to permitted and then explore the many manual lenses in K mount.

I didn't see this setting yet.

I attached a M42 135mm (200mm) prime, and found I don't get anti shake -- is that normal?

vladimiroltean · 01-04-2013, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by jido

I didn't see this setting yet.

I attached a M42 135mm (200mm) prime, and found I don't get anti shake -- is that normal?

You must be talking about the 1.5 crop factor. Forget about that nonsense, a 135mm lens is still 135mm no matter what body it stays on, it's just that it's a little cropped.
When powering up the camera, you should be asked to input the focal length (135mm). The SR may be deactivated because the camera is in timer or remote control mode.

jido · 01-04-2013, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by kcobain1992

You must be talking about the 1.5 crop factor. Forget about that nonsense, a 135mm lens is still 135mm no matter what body it stays on, it's just that it's a little cropped.
When powering up the camera, you should be asked to input the focal length (135mm). The SR may be deactivated because the camera is in timer or remote control mode.

Well the field of view is that of a 200mm lens on a FF camera. But you're right, it is still a 135mm lens.

I don't get asked for the focal length when I turn the camera on and there is no aperture ring enabled option anywhere. Anti shake is grayed out in the settings, it is not just a question of delay timer.

Other suggestions?

vladimiroltean · 01-04-2013, 03:29 PM

They are related. You first have to set the aperture ring option. I don't have the K-30, but it should be somewhere in the Custom settings, just look for it.

jido · 01-04-2013, 03:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kcobain1992

They are related. You first have to set the aperture ring option. I don't have the K-30, but it should be somewhere in the Custom settings, just look for it.

I finally found the "C" menu where you can enable aperture ring! Everything is working now :-)

Thanks!

**ramseybuckeye** · 01-06-2013, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by jido

I just received my K-30. SRS rocks.

I have both a 18-55mm and a 18-135mm lens, and trying to determine if the latter is worth it. I was skeptical on the 18-135 but it was a good deal with the K-30. I love the lens, something in the manufacturing process must have changed since those early bad reviews from a couple years ago.

Live view Focus peaking - off

Thanks for your advice.

If you need the money sell the 18-135, if you need a great lens sell the 18-55.

Live view focus peaking is one of the best features on the camera. I use live view when using a tripod and it allows you to be very accurate, shows you your DOF, and makes it easy for focusing manual focus lenses (which has been hard for me in the past).

jido · 01-07-2013, 04:57 AM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

If you need the money sell the 18-135, if you need a great lens sell the 18-55.

Live view focus peaking is one of the best features on the camera. I use live view when using a tripod and it allows you to be very accurate, shows you your DOF, and makes it easy for focusing manual focus lenses (which has been hard for me in the past).

I guess I don't know how to use focus peaking. I saw that I needed to put my eye on the viewfinder, which I don't want when I am using Live View.

I do have trouble with focusing using manual lenses, how does live view focus peaking help with it? Is it different from turning Live View off?

tztaco · 06-25-2013, 02:33 PM

How do I turn my RAW off on my Pentax K-30? The RAW +/- icon keeps reappearing on the lower
left of my LCD after every shot. I have read the Manual - but obviously missed the solution.
ANY HELP?

Thanks

Tigerpelle · 06-26-2013, 04:11 AM

Tzaco,

Even if you only shot JPEG the camera allows you to save the latest shot also in RAW by using the +/- button.

tztaco · 06-26-2013, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by Tigerpelle

Tzaco,

Even if you only shot JPEG the camera allows you to save the latest shot also in RAW by using the +/- button.

Thanks very much and also for taking the time to answer.
Steve (aka TZTACO)

01-04-2013, 10:11 AM	#1
jido Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 127	Pentax K-30 settings I just received my K-30. SRS rocks. I have both a 18-55mm and a 18-135mm lens, and trying to determine if the latter is worth it. From what I read on this forum it is a great lens but since I don't use a dSLR that much I am not sure about keeping it yet. I am impressed with the camera. Definitely better than a £300 Canon. I don't mind the lack of top LCD. Anyway, back to business. I am thinking of using the following settings, what do you say? Raw/Fx - optical preview AF/AE-L - auto exposure lock NR - off (or auto) ISO AUTO - 100-800 File format - Raw Sound effects - off Electronic level - on Live view AF autozoom - on Live view Focus peaking - off Instant review - off Auto power off - 5 min Dust removal - shutdown action What is the best setting for noise reduction? Is "auto" better? I'd rather not do in-camera NR, but I don't want heavy post-processing either. Thanks for your advice.

06-25-2013, 02:33 PM	#13
tztaco Inactive Account Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 2	K-30 RAW +/- icon on LCD How do I turn my RAW off on my Pentax K-30? The RAW +/- icon keeps reappearing on the lower left of my LCD after every shot. I have read the Manual - but obviously missed the solution. ANY HELP? Thanks

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01-04-2013, 10:56 AM	#2
loco Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,846	I would turn off NR if you are processing in RAW. I really think you can go higher with the Auto ISO unless you just hate any sort of noise at all. I have mine set at 100-4000.

01-04-2013, 11:01 AM	#3
jido Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 127 Original Poster	Originally posted by loco I would turn off NR if you are processing in RAW. I really think you can go higher with the Auto ISO unless you just hate any sort of noise at all. I have mine set at 100-4000. Great, I will be testing higher ISO settings. Thanks for the advice on NR.

01-04-2013, 01:22 PM	#4
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	What do you use for processing RAW and what are its noise removal capabilities? The other Pentax software allows you to apply noise reduction to a RAW file, using the same settings as you'd get in camera. I don't know what the software that comes with the K-30 allows. I would try taking some high-ISO shots, say from 800 to the maximum, as a test. Then see how your software of choice does at noise removal. You will then know where noise starts and where to limit Auto ISO. For a long time I was just afraid of anything above 800, but after learning to process high ISO shots, it's not so bad, and that's on the K-7. Your camera should be better. It would probably take me a month to get used to having instant review off. I at least like to look at the histogram to make sure it's pretty close to the right exposure.

01-04-2013, 02:20 PM	#5
vladimiroltean Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bucharest, Romania Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,465	You might also set "using aperture ring" to permitted and then explore the many manual lenses in K mount.

01-04-2013, 02:54 PM	#6
jido Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 127 Original Poster	Originally posted by kcobain1992 You might also set "using aperture ring" to permitted and then explore the many manual lenses in K mount. I didn't see this setting yet. I attached a M42 135mm (200mm) prime, and found I don't get anti shake -- is that normal?

01-04-2013, 02:57 PM	#7
vladimiroltean Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bucharest, Romania Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,465	Originally posted by jido I didn't see this setting yet. I attached a M42 135mm (200mm) prime, and found I don't get anti shake -- is that normal? You must be talking about the 1.5 crop factor. Forget about that nonsense, a 135mm lens is still 135mm no matter what body it stays on, it's just that it's a little cropped. When powering up the camera, you should be asked to input the focal length (135mm). The SR may be deactivated because the camera is in timer or remote control mode.

01-04-2013, 03:22 PM	#8
jido Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 127 Original Poster	Originally posted by kcobain1992 You must be talking about the 1.5 crop factor. Forget about that nonsense, a 135mm lens is still 135mm no matter what body it stays on, it's just that it's a little cropped. When powering up the camera, you should be asked to input the focal length (135mm). The SR may be deactivated because the camera is in timer or remote control mode. Well the field of view is that of a 200mm lens on a FF camera. But you're right, it is still a 135mm lens. I don't get asked for the focal length when I turn the camera on and there is no aperture ring enabled option anywhere. Anti shake is grayed out in the settings, it is not just a question of delay timer. Other suggestions?

01-04-2013, 03:29 PM	#9
vladimiroltean Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bucharest, Romania Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,465	They are related. You first have to set the aperture ring option. I don't have the K-30, but it should be somewhere in the Custom settings, just look for it.

01-04-2013, 03:58 PM - 1 Like	#10
jido Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 127 Original Poster	Originally posted by kcobain1992 They are related. You first have to set the aperture ring option. I don't have the K-30, but it should be somewhere in the Custom settings, just look for it. I finally found the "C" menu where you can enable aperture ring! Everything is working now :-) Thanks!

01-06-2013, 09:28 AM	#11
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	Originally posted by jido I just received my K-30. SRS rocks. I have both a 18-55mm and a 18-135mm lens, and trying to determine if the latter is worth it. I was skeptical on the 18-135 but it was a good deal with the K-30. I love the lens, something in the manufacturing process must have changed since those early bad reviews from a couple years ago. Live view Focus peaking - off Thanks for your advice. If you need the money sell the 18-135, if you need a great lens sell the 18-55. Live view focus peaking is one of the best features on the camera. I use live view when using a tripod and it allows you to be very accurate, shows you your DOF, and makes it easy for focusing manual focus lenses (which has been hard for me in the past).

01-07-2013, 04:57 AM	#12
jido Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 127 Original Poster	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye If you need the money sell the 18-135, if you need a great lens sell the 18-55. Live view focus peaking is one of the best features on the camera. I use live view when using a tripod and it allows you to be very accurate, shows you your DOF, and makes it easy for focusing manual focus lenses (which has been hard for me in the past). I guess I don't know how to use focus peaking. I saw that I needed to put my eye on the viewfinder, which I don't want when I am using Live View. I do have trouble with focusing using manual lenses, how does live view focus peaking help with it? Is it different from turning Live View off?

06-26-2013, 04:11 AM	#14
Tigerpelle New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Uppsala Posts: 15	Tzaco, Even if you only shot JPEG the camera allows you to save the latest shot also in RAW by using the +/- button.

06-26-2013, 12:14 PM	#15
tztaco Inactive Account Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 2	Originally posted by Tigerpelle Tzaco, Even if you only shot JPEG the camera allows you to save the latest shot also in RAW by using the +/- button. Thanks very much and also for taking the time to answer. Steve (aka TZTACO)