Originally posted by MrB1 Returning to the original point (and ignoring the raw/JPEG discussion):- I don't know the workings of the K-3iii but, if it is similar to a KP, a good starting point for JPEG images might be to set the "Natural" Custom Image, with Saturation, Contrast and Fine Sharpening all changed to +1. To help protect highlights and shadows, I usually use the D-Range settings, with ISO no less than 200. If you haven't yet done so, learn how to use the Histogram, which will help you decide whether any exposure compensation (+ or -) might be needed to improve the image. Hopefully, this post might encourage some K-3iii users to suggest other camera settings for your JPEGs.
Philip
The idea behind the"Natural" category is no enhancement of any parameters, with the possible exception of sharpening. Some Pentax models, especially flagship models, have been shown to have very conservative settings of sharpening, so lab test results indicate softness of JPEG images from the camera, and often these findings are with the camera at default settings, that being the "Bright" category, where its default sharpening level is already up by +1. A few models have been shown to have excessive sharpening set, resulting in smearing of fine detail. A couple of lab reports indicated setting up "Fine Sharpening" resolved this issue. In my case, this is something I have been using with every model I have acquired over numerous years anyway.
Therefore, if one follows the advice in the above post, that is, selecting the "Natural" category" then increasing contrast, and color saturation, as well as sharpening aspects, one is then simply making the "Natural" setting resemble the default settings in the "Bright" category. Maybe if dong this with this particular model results in a more pleasing natural result, because this model's sensor natively produces images of a more subdued nature, then this adjustment for the "Natural" category for THIS model might be appropriate. If this is so, then adding the same increases in the "Bright" category, over its own default settings should be in order.
I have found my KP (I have two) produce very well-balanced JPEG images. "Natural" is very natural, and "Bright" is more punchy, but unlike other previous models, not all that oversaturated, making switching to "Natural" possibly less needed for people shots. However, just how saturated or contrasty is also a matter of taste, but keep in mind, increasing contrast and also increasing highlight and shadow protection are sort of self cancelling. Those two protection settings also reduce contrast.
There seems to be some confusion regarding these settings and shooting RAW files. My impressions have been, whatever the Custom Image category selected, or settings within their menus, are for JPEG images out of the camera ONLY, and do not pertain to or affect RAW files. Also, that depending on which RAW processing software is used, these in-camera settings could be optionally used as part of the RAW processing, or not used at all.
---------- Post added 05-21-22 at 08:59 PM ----------
Originally posted by reh321 Is this where having several “user modes” set up in advance comes in??
I have not done it, but sounds like a good idea!
Last edited by mikesbike; 05-21-2022 at 09:18 PM.