Originally posted by Dairylander 1. One of the two kids is out of focus, despite only being 6 inches to a foot farther away form the camera than the other kid.
This is a depth of field (DoF) problem. Depth of field is defined as the area that is acceptably sharp, in focus. The lower the f-number (f2.8 is a low number, for example. f1.4 even moreseo), the more shallow the DoF is. So if you use Av mode and choose f8, the DoF will be wider and there is a bigger chance both subjects will be in focus. This also affects the background blur - lower number means more blur, makes things more unrecognizable. Don't go too high, though, as that will cause the sharpness to drop due to diffraction. Basically, above f8 things can get fuzzy. Stay under f14, I'd say.
Originally posted by Dairylander 2. Pics are blurry due to kids not sitting perfectly still and my reluctance to use the flash.
Problem here is shutter speed
or hand-holding technique. I would recommend you start with that. Practice holding the camera perfectly still and pressing the shutter button very gently. Also, hold the shutter button half pressed, so that the SR has time to activate (you will notice a little icon appear). SR minimizes the blur caused by holding the camera. But this will only stop the vibrations/blur on the lens and camera. If the subject is moving, running, then you will need a faster shutter speed to "freeze" the action. 1/250 should be enough, but it depends. A running dog or a moving car can require more. Tv mode is the one that gives you control over the shutter.
The problem is that a high f-number and a fast shutter speed would require a lot of light. This is why flash is used. Your alternative is ISO. You can increase the ISO number (sensor sensitivity), which will let you take bright photos even at f14 and 1/250, but higher ISO numbers cause digital noise in the photo. You can play with the NR (noise reduction) settings, but NR tends to lose some detail.
And now you learned the three pillars of photography that cause all the technical problems! Aperture, shutter speed, film sensitivity! Increasing them solves some problems, but introduces others! Its a balancing act.
Does the K-x have TAv mode? I think the current lineup (as well as K-50 and K-5) have TAv mode. This lets you choose the aperture and shutter speed, and the camera then adjusts the ISO to keep the photo bright enough. I think the K-x is missing this mode, so I would recommend you choose Av mode and just keep an eye on the shutter speed (the number should be 1/160 or faster, like 1/1000) and ISO. You can also choose auto-ISO, an ISO range where the camera will adjust ISO.
Another trick is to select the "landscape" mode. This mode is good because it keeps a relatively high aperture, but adjusts it according to brightness.
Finally, you can use AF.C and burst mode, take photos, then delete all the ones that are not sharp, so they dont take up all your hard disk memory. Burst mode can help with moving subjects, it increases the chances of catching the right moment.
One more thing - the K-50 is on s
ale for a really good price right now. It is a better camera than the K-x, has lower noise at high ISO, and it has TAv mode. And it also is WR, so if you use a WR lens you don't have to worry about drizzle or rainfall much. Its a noticeable upgrade over the K-x, probably has faster AF as well. Its about the same size, though, so its still compact.
Here is a quick stat comparison if you are interested. Not trying to sell you anything, and technology doesn't make a person a better photographer, but it can help with certain problems.
Originally posted by Dairylander The action option doesn't seem to give me much depth of field.
Yeah, because it focuses on a very high shutter speed, and it sacrifices DoF to get it. Still, if you choose ISO 1600, it should be okay. But your probably don't need such high shutter speed, unless your kids are really running around.
Last edited by Na Horuk; 06-14-2015 at 07:55 AM.