[pschlute]

Is the P mode jpeg, or just the green mode?

File setting JPEG/RAW/RAW+ is independent of exposure mode

[Rondec]

The green mode does allow for RAW shooting on a K-1, but it doesn't allow you to choose many of the settings that are useful to have access to as you shoot. I would choose Program (P) mode to start with. This will allow for more modification of settings as you go along and you can shoot RAW images as well.

[TerryL]

File setting JPEG/RAW/RAW+ is independent of exposure mode

Everything just clicked. I set my camera to JPEG and Program mode. Ready to shoot, today! Thank you Peter and Mike for sticking withe me through this.
Terry

---------- Post added 02-07-18 at 05:48 AM ----------

The AUTO setting is mainly for having others take photos with your camera, since they usually have no clue as to how to use it, and might accidentally nudge a dial or button, which could ruin their results.

If you shoot in "P" Program mode, the camera automatically still does set your aperture and your shutter speed, and if you also have ISO sensitivity on AUTO ISO, it will adjust that also, and provide a correct exposure, according to its meter-reading of the lighting properties of the scene. "P" also allows you full access to making whatever adjustments you should wish to make. It is the most advanced fully automatic mode, over the AUTO mode.

In "P" mode, you also have immediate access to the exclusive Pentax Hyper System- not found in other brands. When you would rather have a different aperture or shutter speed than what the camera has selected, just use the thumb or finger dial to go ahead and choose what you want- simple as that! You have then shifted the camera into Av or Tv mode without having to first change the mode dial and then make your selection. The first click freezes the current setting, while subsequent clicks effectuate change. This is a very fast-operating, efficient control of your camera to meet your immediate photographic needs. What you select will stay put if lighting permits, or you turn off the camera, or use a touch of the green button to restore full Program operation. This is referred to as the Pentax Hyper Program mode.

When using the "M" Manual mode, the green button can be used to instantly set both aperture and shutter speed to the meter's center-point for "correct " exposure. This allows you to take fast meter readings of parts of your scene and determine these settings for yourself. Great for spot metering quickly. If you decide to keep the exposure the camera has set when using the green button, but would rather have a different aperture or shutter speed, first hit the AE-L button to freeze that exposure, then when you change either the aperture or the shutter speed, the other will follow along to preserve that exposure. This operational system is referred to as the Pentax Hyper Manual mode. Very fast and efficient compared to twirling the thumb and finger dials to set aperture and shutter speed to get your meter reading.

It is important that you optimize your camera's sharpening setting. The K-1 is probably similar to other current Pentax models, so you access the Custom Image menus via the "info" button, which will open up the quick links to various settings instead of having to scroll through many pages via the menu button. The first section is Custom Image, so hit "ok" to open all categories. In this case, the 4 buttons surrounding "ok" become navigating buttons. Your camera is set on the first category by default, which is "Bright". Hit "info" again to open it. Now scroll down to "S" at the bottom. By default it will likely be up by +1 from mid-point. But the K-1 is known as being set conservatively for sharpening. I recommend increasing to +2. Then, very important- using your thumb dial, put an "F" by the "S" to set Fine Sharpening, which will provide better fine detail in your images. Now hit "ok" to return to all categories. Move to the next- "Natural" and hit "info" to open it. Sharpening here will probably be at mid-point, but I recommend "S" settings to be the same as you've done in "Bright" including Fine Sharpening. Then hit "ok" and then move your camera setting back to being on "Bright", which is great for all-around shooting. Now you are done, so just turn off the camera, which will exit the screen.

There's nothing wrong at all with just shooting JPEG images, at least for a while until you become thoroughly familiarized with the K-1. You will get very fine imaging with this setup. Your D-FA 15-30mm is a very fine lens, indeed!

Everything just clicked. I have it all set up. Thank you for sticking with my through this.
Terry

[TerryL]

Yes, the exposure mode selected does not relate to whether you've chosen RAW or JPEG imaging. "P" is a full-program automatic exposure mode, but with all options open, including the Pentax Hyper operation, as explained above. You may not find much reference to Hyper operation in the manual, as in recent years Pentax has not been making this feature clear in their manuals. Apparently they assume everyone knows of it by now- an unwise assumption! Just as I describe, it is very easy to use, in fact this feature makes the camera even easier to use and to make the adjustments you wish.

The only deficiency for JPEGs with the K-1 from what I see, is the K-1's in-camera sharpening is set on the low side. By following my above instructions step-by-step regarding that issue, your JPEG quality should be great! If you should have trouble in doing the setup, I'm sure a member of your family could help if they see my instructions. I am sure, once you get the hang of it, and see how easy using this camera is, you will love it!

The camera and its exposure modes are highly programmable with many options, as Aslyfox indicates, but if you are like me, you probably won't bother to make use of changing any pre-sets of these exposure modes. And yes, their usability does change when using some older Pentax lenses. But it seems this will not be an issue in your case at this time, since you are using current lens models.

Hi Mike,
I'm shooting jpeg, now. The K-1 jpegs are pretty good. Good color. Thank you for your help.
Terry