When you get your new camera, I always recommend what some test reviews have, and what I have done for years with my Pentax DSLRs: Go to the Custom Image menus and adjust sharpening to fine-sharpening. This will improve fine detail in your images. You access via the "info" button to bring up the quick-link screen. Custom Image is the first section. Hit the "ok" button to display its categories. The first is "Bright" which the camera is set on by default for normal shooting. Hit the "info" button again to open its menu. The image palette settings are displayed, and you will see at the bottom, Sharpening is up by +1 in this category by default, which is normal. When in this screen, the 4 buttons around "ok" are for navigation. Scroll down to the "S" and using your rear thumb dial, put an "F" by the "S" to implement Fine Sharpening. You're done here, so hit "ok" and you'll be back to all categories. You can move over to the next one, "Natural", and adjust it the same way. Its sharpening is set to center by default. If you wish, you can increase it also to +1 using your right button, before most importantly putting the "F" with the "S". The rest of the palette- contrast, color, saturation, etc. will remain the same and will be different from "Bright" even though maybe not shown as different. So hit "ok" again, then move to the left to put the camera back on "Bright". Now just shut off the camera which will exit the quick-links screen, or follow prompts.
If you've had experience with old MF compact 35mm cameras, you'll adapt to handling the KP very quickly. Despite similarities in handling, however, it is a far more capable instrument, with many more useful features and a very advanced control set. As with all current Pentax DSLR models, this includes the exclusive Pentax Hyper System. To have the full system available, both a thumb and a front finger control dial are necessary, which all current Pentax DSLRs have. The system was originated way back in the mid-1990's. I bought my Pentax PZ-1p in 1997, replacing a Pentax flagship model from 1989. I then discovered the new operating system and was amazed at its efficiency.
Hyper Program: If operating in Program mode (P), and you find the camera has set a different aperture or shutter speed than one you'd rather have, just use one of those dials to select what you want- simple as that! Lighting permitting, you will have it instantly. the first click will freeze the current setting, subsequent clicks will alter the setting. The camera will be instantly shifted into Av or Tv mode without your having to first adjust the mode dial, then make your selection. It will stay put until you change it, or hit the green button, returning operation to full program, or turn off the camera.
Hyper Manual: When in Manual mode (M), the green button can be used to instantly set a meter-centered exposure, instead of the usual twirling of dials to set aperture and shutter speed. This is an especially fast way of taking spot meter readings at various points within a scene. If a different aperture or shutter speed is preferred, you can hit the AE-L button first (unless it is programmed to be used as a back AF button) and your meter-centered exposure setting will be preserved as either the aperture setting or shutter speed will automatically follow along as you adjust the other.
This system is certainly the fastest-operating, most efficient control system available in any DSLR out there. I think you'll be impressed. I am also wondering which lens or lenses you will be using?
I also recommend just shooting JPEGs for a time while you acclimate yourself to the camera's controls and functions. Its JPEG engine is exceptionally good as well. Very fine, sharp images with a very good lens.
Congrats on your forthcoming new camera, and welcome to Pentax and Pentax Forums!
Last edited by mikesbike; 01-30-2018 at 04:56 PM.
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