What am I doing wrong - Pictures attached

pakuchn · 02-05-2010, 07:12 PM

Take a look at these images.
Does this mean, I need to get a external flash or 50mm f1.4

Attached Images

JeffJS · 02-05-2010, 07:21 PM

I'm all for the use of external flash. In the second photo, your white balance is way off I'm sure. Unfortunately, no exifs attached so we cannot tell exactly what you are using. More information would probably help you get a better answer.

pakuchn · 02-05-2010, 07:36 PM

This is the LEFT picture

Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 10:33:59
Manufacturer: PENTAX
Camera model: PENTAX K-x
Exposure time, sec: 1/80
F number: 5.60
ISO speed rating: 1600
Lens focal length, mm: 55.0
Orientation: Normal
Copyright: M
File change date and time: 2010:02:05 17:31:30
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10
Metering mode: multi-segment
Exposure mode: Auto exposure
Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 82
Scene capture type: Standard
Artist: M
Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor
X Resolution: 72/1
Y Resolution: 72/1
Units: 2
SoftWare: SILKYPIX(R) Developer Studio 4.0 English 4.0.30.0
YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited
Exif version: 0221
ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr
PixelXDimension: 2848
PixelYDimension: 4288
FlashPix Version: 0100
Compression: 6
InteroperabilityVersion: 0100

pakuchn · 02-05-2010, 07:38 PM

This is the RIGHT picture
Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 18:19:08
Manufacturer: PENTAX
Camera model: PENTAX K-x
Exposure time, sec: 1/30
F number: 4.00
ISO speed rating: 1600
Lens focal length, mm: 20.0
Orientation: Normal
Copyright: M
File change date and time: 2010:02:05 20:08:48
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10
Metering mode: multi-segment
Exposure mode: Auto exposure
White balance: Auto white balance
Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 30
Scene capture type: Standard
Contrast: Hard
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Hard
Subject distance range: Macro
Artist: M
Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor
X Resolution: 72/1
Y Resolution: 72/1
Units: 2
SoftWare: PENTAX Digital Camera Utility Ver. 4.11
YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited
Exif version: 0221
ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr
Colorspace: 1
PixelXDimension: 3936
PixelYDimension: 2624
FlashPix Version: 0100
Compression: 6
InteroperabilityVersion: 0100

pakuchn · 02-05-2010, 07:40 PM

Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 10:02:17
Manufacturer: PENTAX
Camera model: PENTAX K-x
Exposure time, sec: 1/60
F number: 4.50
ISO speed rating: 400
Lens focal length, mm: 35.0
Orientation: Normal
Copyright: M
File change date and time: 2010:02:05 20:37:54
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10
Metering mode: multi-segment
Exposure mode: Auto exposure
White balance: Auto white balance
Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 52
Scene capture type: Standard
Contrast: Hard
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Hard
Artist: M
Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor
X Resolution: 72/1
Y Resolution: 72/1
Units: 2
SoftWare: PENTAX Digital Camera Utility Ver. 4.11
YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited
Exif version: 0221
ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr
Colorspace: 1
PixelXDimension: 4288
PixelYDimension: 2848
FlashPix Version: 0100
Compression: 6
InteroperabilityVersion: 0100

Raybo · 02-05-2010, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by pakuchn

Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 10:02:17
Manufacturer: PENTAX
Camera model: PENTAX K-x
Exposure time, sec: 1/60
F number: 4.50
ISO speed rating: 400
Lens focal length, mm: 35.0
Orientation: Normal
Copyright: M
File change date and time: 2010:02:05 20:37:54
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10
Metering mode: multi-segment
Exposure mode: Auto exposure
White balance: Auto white balance
Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 52
Scene capture type: Standard
Contrast: Hard
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Hard
Artist: M
Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor
X Resolution: 72/1
Y Resolution: 72/1
Units: 2
SoftWare: PENTAX Digital Camera Utility Ver. 4.11
YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited
Exif version: 0221
ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr
Colorspace: 1
PixelXDimension: 4288
PixelYDimension: 2848
FlashPix Version: 0100
Compression: 6
InteroperabilityVersion: 0100

Take a good look at the backround lighting.

Damn Brit · 02-05-2010, 07:51 PM

For the first shot, it says flash did not fire, for the second it shows AWB. I'm not sure if K-X automatically selects for flash when in AWB or if you have to set it to do so.
Regardless of that, the onboard Flash (or an external one for that matter) will give your pictures a harsh look without a diffuser.

In the second one, it doesn't say what focus point you were using but it looks like it's focused in front of the subject.

In both shots you have ISO 1600 which is giving you a long exposure. Set it to ISO 100 for flash.

Read up in the manual about Contrast, Saturation and Sharpness settings as well.

I'm moving this to Beginners Corner, the discussion will be more useful there.

Alex00 · 02-05-2010, 07:53 PM

Assuming your lens does not go below below f4, you need to higher your iso if you want to keep your expoure time fast to prevent hand shake. If you have a tripod, lower your iso and do long exposures like 1-2 seconds depending on the light available without overexposing.

I'm assuming you took those pictures without a tripod. Taking a shot at 1/30 requires a tripod unless you have a very stable hand.

Lastly adjust your white balance.

Alex00 · 02-05-2010, 07:55 PM

If you are using flash, lower the flash exposure to -1 so it doesn't come out too bright, put your shutter at 1/180 and iso 100. You would not need a tripod for this.

pakuchn · 02-05-2010, 07:58 PM

K-x does not have ISO 100.

:-(

pakuchn · 02-05-2010, 07:59 PM

Maybe I need to get a fast lens such as the 50MM f1.4 or Metz 48 flash.
I think the issue with "me" the end user, not the camera? Would you agree?

Alex00 · 02-05-2010, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by pakuchn

K-x does not have ISO 100.

:-(

Lowest iso available to minimize noise since you have flash on.

Alex00 · 02-05-2010, 08:05 PM

Originally posted by pakuchn

Maybe I need to get a fast lens such as the 50MM f1.4 or Metz 48 flash.
I think the issue with "me" the end user, not the camera? Would you agree?

Although 1.4 will give you few stops advantage in low light, you can take equally good pictures with your f4 if you used flash and adjust few setting with your camera properly. On the other hand in very low light situation where you do not want to use your flash then f1.4 is a must.

Damn Brit · 02-05-2010, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by pakuchn

Maybe I need to get a fast lens such as the 50MM f1.4 or Metz 48 flash.
I think the issue with "me" the end user, not the camera? Would you agree?

Another lens and a Metz 48 wouldn't have helped you here, getting the settings right would.

twitch · 02-05-2010, 08:10 PM

Aside from off WB in #2, and under exposure in #3, all three seem to have missed focus. How are you focusing? Are you using center spot and recompose?

02-05-2010, 07:12 PM	#1
pakuchn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 166	What am I doing wrong - Pictures attached Take a look at these images. Does this mean, I need to get a external flash or 50mm f1.4 Attached Images

02-05-2010, 07:40 PM	#5
pakuchn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 166 Original Poster	Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 10:02:17 Manufacturer: PENTAX Camera model: PENTAX K-x Exposure time, sec: 1/60 F number: 4.50 ISO speed rating: 400 Lens focal length, mm: 35.0 Orientation: Normal Copyright: M File change date and time: 2010:02:05 20:37:54 Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10 Metering mode: multi-segment Exposure mode: Auto exposure White balance: Auto white balance Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 52 Scene capture type: Standard Contrast: Hard Saturation: Normal Sharpness: Hard Artist: M Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor X Resolution: 72/1 Y Resolution: 72/1 Units: 2 SoftWare: PENTAX Digital Camera Utility Ver. 4.11 YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited Exif version: 0221 ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr Colorspace: 1 PixelXDimension: 4288 PixelYDimension: 2848 FlashPix Version: 0100 Compression: 6 InteroperabilityVersion: 0100 Attached Images

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02-05-2010, 07:21 PM	#2
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	I'm all for the use of external flash. In the second photo, your white balance is way off I'm sure. Unfortunately, no exifs attached so we cannot tell exactly what you are using. More information would probably help you get a better answer.

02-05-2010, 07:36 PM	#3
pakuchn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 166 Original Poster	This is the LEFT picture Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 10:33:59 Manufacturer: PENTAX Camera model: PENTAX K-x Exposure time, sec: 1/80 F number: 5.60 ISO speed rating: 1600 Lens focal length, mm: 55.0 Orientation: Normal Copyright: M File change date and time: 2010:02:05 17:31:30 Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10 Metering mode: multi-segment Exposure mode: Auto exposure Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 82 Scene capture type: Standard Artist: M Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor X Resolution: 72/1 Y Resolution: 72/1 Units: 2 SoftWare: SILKYPIX(R) Developer Studio 4.0 English 4.0.30.0 YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited Exif version: 0221 ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr PixelXDimension: 2848 PixelYDimension: 4288 FlashPix Version: 0100 Compression: 6 InteroperabilityVersion: 0100

02-05-2010, 07:38 PM	#4
pakuchn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 166 Original Poster	This is the RIGHT picture Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 18:19:08 Manufacturer: PENTAX Camera model: PENTAX K-x Exposure time, sec: 1/30 F number: 4.00 ISO speed rating: 1600 Lens focal length, mm: 20.0 Orientation: Normal Copyright: M File change date and time: 2010:02:05 20:08:48 Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10 Metering mode: multi-segment Exposure mode: Auto exposure White balance: Auto white balance Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 30 Scene capture type: Standard Contrast: Hard Saturation: Normal Sharpness: Hard Subject distance range: Macro Artist: M Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor X Resolution: 72/1 Y Resolution: 72/1 Units: 2 SoftWare: PENTAX Digital Camera Utility Ver. 4.11 YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited Exif version: 0221 ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr Colorspace: 1 PixelXDimension: 3936 PixelYDimension: 2624 FlashPix Version: 0100 Compression: 6 InteroperabilityVersion: 0100

02-05-2010, 07:49 PM	#6
Raybo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 872	Originally posted by pakuchn Date and time original image was generated: 2010:02:05 10:02:17 Manufacturer: PENTAX Camera model: PENTAX K-x Exposure time, sec: 1/60 F number: 4.50 ISO speed rating: 400 Lens focal length, mm: 35.0 Orientation: Normal Copyright: M File change date and time: 2010:02:05 20:37:54 Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode Exposure bias (APEX): 0/10 Metering mode: multi-segment Exposure mode: Auto exposure White balance: Auto white balance Focal length in 35 mm film, mm: 52 Scene capture type: Standard Contrast: Hard Saturation: Normal Sharpness: Hard Artist: M Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor X Resolution: 72/1 Y Resolution: 72/1 Units: 2 SoftWare: PENTAX Digital Camera Utility Ver. 4.11 YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited Exif version: 0221 ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr Colorspace: 1 PixelXDimension: 4288 PixelYDimension: 2848 FlashPix Version: 0100 Compression: 6 InteroperabilityVersion: 0100 Take a good look at the backround lighting.

02-05-2010, 07:51 PM	#7
Damn Brit Guest	For the first shot, it says flash did not fire, for the second it shows AWB. I'm not sure if K-X automatically selects for flash when in AWB or if you have to set it to do so. Regardless of that, the onboard Flash (or an external one for that matter) will give your pictures a harsh look without a diffuser. In the second one, it doesn't say what focus point you were using but it looks like it's focused in front of the subject. In both shots you have ISO 1600 which is giving you a long exposure. Set it to ISO 100 for flash. Read up in the manual about Contrast, Saturation and Sharpness settings as well. I'm moving this to Beginners Corner, the discussion will be more useful there.

02-05-2010, 07:53 PM	#8
Alex00 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 294	Assuming your lens does not go below below f4, you need to higher your iso if you want to keep your expoure time fast to prevent hand shake. If you have a tripod, lower your iso and do long exposures like 1-2 seconds depending on the light available without overexposing. I'm assuming you took those pictures without a tripod. Taking a shot at 1/30 requires a tripod unless you have a very stable hand. Lastly adjust your white balance.

02-05-2010, 07:55 PM	#9
Alex00 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 294	If you are using flash, lower the flash exposure to -1 so it doesn't come out too bright, put your shutter at 1/180 and iso 100. You would not need a tripod for this.

02-05-2010, 07:58 PM	#10
pakuchn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 166 Original Poster	K-x does not have ISO 100. :-(

02-05-2010, 07:59 PM	#11
pakuchn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 166 Original Poster	Maybe I need to get a fast lens such as the 50MM f1.4 or Metz 48 flash. I think the issue with "me" the end user, not the camera? Would you agree?

02-05-2010, 08:00 PM	#12
Alex00 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 294	Originally posted by pakuchn K-x does not have ISO 100. :-( Lowest iso available to minimize noise since you have flash on.

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02-05-2010, 08:05 PM	#13
Alex00 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 294	Originally posted by pakuchn Maybe I need to get a fast lens such as the 50MM f1.4 or Metz 48 flash. I think the issue with "me" the end user, not the camera? Would you agree? Although 1.4 will give you few stops advantage in low light, you can take equally good pictures with your f4 if you used flash and adjust few setting with your camera properly. On the other hand in very low light situation where you do not want to use your flash then f1.4 is a must.

02-05-2010, 08:09 PM	#14
Damn Brit Guest	Originally posted by pakuchn Maybe I need to get a fast lens such as the 50MM f1.4 or Metz 48 flash. I think the issue with "me" the end user, not the camera? Would you agree? Another lens and a Metz 48 wouldn't have helped you here, getting the settings right would.

02-05-2010, 08:10 PM	#15
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Aside from off WB in #2, and under exposure in #3, all three seem to have missed focus. How are you focusing? Are you using center spot and recompose?