KP screen resolution

ncallender · 12-30-2020, 08:24 AM

Hi all, I recently got a KP and while I think I love it, I have been having issues trying to fine tune my lenses. PDAF just isn't there yet. I'm coming from a K3ii. One thing I noticed is that when I review the images on the lcd screen they just don't ever seem sharp. Like, way less sharp than my K3ii which didn't have the best screen either. And I don't think it is entirely an lcd thing either. The image just looks bad. When I get it on a computer the images tend to look way sharper. This is true for both raw and jpg. Has anyone else experienced this?

stevebrot · 12-30-2020, 08:38 AM

The K-3II has about the same resolution rear LCD as the KP. Do you have a screen protector attached? If you find the LCD inadequate for reviewing your fine tuning attempts, your computer monitor might be an alternative.

Steve

* 1037K dots on a 3.2" vs. 921K dots on the KP's 3" monitor

MJKoski · 12-30-2020, 08:43 AM - **1 Like**

Well, what you see on camera screen is related to JPG settings in camera. You can adjust sharpness in the picture profile to make images appear sharper when viewing them from the LCD.

But if the images appear blurred and misfocused, put the setup on tripod and use manual focus to see that everything works okay. Then switch to AF and see if you need fine tuning.

ncallender · 12-30-2020, 08:52 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Good to know the jpg settings make a difference and I'll try that. No screen protector. I did buy this used from Japan so it's always a bit of a puzzle to make sure it's not defective.

Btw, is there a way to set up the preview screen to jump directly from full image to 100%? I realized that with the default settings I have no idea what 100% is and am probably zooming in way too much.

**mikesbike** · 12-30-2020, 09:09 AM

You can go to Custom Image menus to adjust sharpness. The normal "Bright" category has sharpness up by one notch as default. You could increase that by one more if you wish, but be sure to implement "Fine Sharpening" in either case, by using the thumb dial.

I have 2 KP bodies and many lenses, bought new here in the US. No problems. Wonderful camera.

**Just1MoreDave** · 12-30-2020, 09:27 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ncallender

...
Btw, is there a way to set up the preview screen to jump directly from full image to 100%? I realized that with the default settings I have no idea what 100% is and am probably zooming in way too much.

On my K-5 IIs, it's called Quick Zoom. Go to the menu, playback tab, should be right there, you can choose a magnification level. Then when you review the image, one click on the edial goes right to that magnification. I remember reading that 8x approximates 100% so that's what I use.

ncallender · 12-30-2020, 11:31 AM

Fantastic! That's what I was looking for. I think I need to do a full calibration of all my most used lenses and give it one more shot. So far I am loving the jpg output which I find much better than K3ii at higher ISOs. Now just to get consistently sharp results and I think this will be a winner!

stevebrot · 12-30-2020, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by ncallender

Btw, is there a way to set up the preview screen to jump directly from full image to 100%?

One click on the zoom should take you to 100% in preview or playback modes.

Steve

**Apet-Sure** · 12-30-2020, 12:58 PM

Originally posted by ncallender

I think I need to do a full calibration of all my most used lenses and give it one more shot.

If the images look sharp on your computer monitor without any post-processing, then your camera is capturing sharp images in its current setup. (It may be that your lenses need calibrating, but this is often a last resort after all the other options have been addressed.) With the situation as you describe it, if I'm understanding correctly, I'm more inclined to suspect a problem with the LCD. These can be susceptible to heat (and cold?) damage.

I have adjusted fine sharpening in the Custom Images profiles (Bright, Natural, etc.) on my KP based on recommendations here on PF. But, before doing so, the images looked fine on the LCD.

Thagomizer · 12-30-2020, 01:55 PM

Do the menus and function icons look clear on your LCD? Is it just images that look unclear?

ncallender · 12-30-2020, 02:20 PM

The function icons look clear enough. I did a little math and 100% would be 5.1x which is close enough to 5.6x which is a preset. Pentax would have been wise to just include 100% in the quick zoom list.

But I have been going to 11x and 16x to compare and that seems to be the problem. I don't think this lcd is as good as the K3ii either and collects oils very easily which are hard to get off and affect the image quite a bit more. But in reality, not a big deal now that I know about it. I love the articulating part! Very useful!

I'm pretty sure this camera in particular is severely front focusing with PDAF so I think it will be returned for another copy. Thanks all!

**mikesbike** · 12-30-2020, 04:07 PM

Originally posted by ncallender

So far I am loving the jpg output which I find much better than K3ii at higher ISOs.

Yes, the KP's in-camera processing engine is exceptional. Very fine imaging right out of the camera, this is one versatile, well-made, well-designed little beast!

**Apet-Sure** · 12-31-2020, 06:40 AM

Completely agree ^^^^^!

ncallender · 01-23-2021, 10:19 AM

So to wrap this one up. I returned the KP. It came used with a different focusing screen in it which had some scratches on it. And most of my lenses needed major AF fine tuning and the lcd screen just annoyed me. The seller sent me a replacement KP and this one I think is a keeper. It came with a standard focusing screen and little fine tuning was needed and the kicker is that the lcd screen actually is much clearer!!! Yeah, I know that's crazy. I had tried to peel off any type of screen protector but couldn't find one. So, my theory and only a theory is that the previous owner just messed with it or maybe used a spray of some kind. In replacing the focusing screen they probably scratched it and knocked the af out. And I'm pretty sure they added some type of protector over the lcd. All's well that ends well. I got a great deal on the thing and it will be a forever camera to keep with th DA limiteds. A match that couldn't be any better.

stevebrot · 01-23-2021, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by ncallender

So to wrap this one up. I returned the KP. It came used with a different focusing screen in it which had some scratches on it. And most of my lenses needed major AF fine tuning and the lcd screen just annoyed me. The seller sent me a replacement KP and this one I think is a keeper. It came with a standard focusing screen and little fine tuning was needed and the kicker is that the lcd screen actually is much clearer!!! Yeah, I know that's crazy. I had tried to peel off any type of screen protector but couldn't find one. So, my theory and only a theory is that the previous owner just messed with it or maybe used a spray of some kind. In replacing the focusing screen they probably scratched it and knocked the af out. And I'm pretty sure they added some type of protector over the lcd. All's well that ends well. I got a great deal on the thing and it will be a forever camera to keep with th DA limiteds. A match that couldn't be any better.

I'm glad you got a camera that is less messed up. FWIW, the PDAF detector used with the optical viewfinder is located at the bottom of the mirror box and gets its image from a secondary mirror on the back of the main mirror (the main mirror is partially silvered). The focus screen is not in the light path.

Steve

12-30-2020, 08:24 AM	#1
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128	KP screen resolution Hi all, I recently got a KP and while I think I love it, I have been having issues trying to fine tune my lenses. PDAF just isn't there yet. I'm coming from a K3ii. One thing I noticed is that when I review the images on the lcd screen they just don't ever seem sharp. Like, way less sharp than my K3ii which didn't have the best screen either. And I don't think it is entirely an lcd thing either. The image just looks bad. When I get it on a computer the images tend to look way sharper. This is true for both raw and jpg. Has anyone else experienced this?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
KP vs K-70 - to KP or not to KP, that is the question	OldChE	Pentax DSLR Discussion	28	11-02-2019 05:29 AM
Shutterbug Magazine disappointed in KP resolution	ckbboy	Pentax KP	7	09-26-2017 04:57 AM
Screen resolution vs perceptual Mega Pixels	Tiki	General Photography	3	03-01-2017 11:43 AM
Pentax K-x,K-r,K-5 screen resolution...TOP SECRET	Edgar_in_Indy	Pentax DSLR Discussion	21	12-15-2011 01:16 PM
New year resolution Vs camera resolution	Tripod	General Talk	1	01-04-2009 05:10 AM

12-30-2020, 08:38 AM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The K-3II has about the same resolution rear LCD as the KP. Do you have a screen protector attached? If you find the LCD inadequate for reviewing your fine tuning attempts, your computer monitor might be an alternative. Steve * 1037K dots on a 3.2" vs. 921K dots on the KP's 3" monitor

12-30-2020, 08:43 AM - 1 Like	#3
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	Well, what you see on camera screen is related to JPG settings in camera. You can adjust sharpness in the picture profile to make images appear sharper when viewing them from the LCD. But if the images appear blurred and misfocused, put the setup on tripod and use manual focus to see that everything works okay. Then switch to AF and see if you need fine tuning.

12-30-2020, 08:52 AM	#4
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128 Original Poster	Thanks for the feedback. Good to know the jpg settings make a difference and I'll try that. No screen protector. I did buy this used from Japan so it's always a bit of a puzzle to make sure it's not defective. Btw, is there a way to set up the preview screen to jump directly from full image to 100%? I realized that with the default settings I have no idea what 100% is and am probably zooming in way too much.

12-30-2020, 09:09 AM	#5
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	You can go to Custom Image menus to adjust sharpness. The normal "Bright" category has sharpness up by one notch as default. You could increase that by one more if you wish, but be sure to implement "Fine Sharpening" in either case, by using the thumb dial. I have 2 KP bodies and many lenses, bought new here in the US. No problems. Wonderful camera.

12-30-2020, 09:27 AM - 1 Like	#6
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by ncallender ... Btw, is there a way to set up the preview screen to jump directly from full image to 100%? I realized that with the default settings I have no idea what 100% is and am probably zooming in way too much. On my K-5 IIs, it's called Quick Zoom. Go to the menu, playback tab, should be right there, you can choose a magnification level. Then when you review the image, one click on the edial goes right to that magnification. I remember reading that 8x approximates 100% so that's what I use.

12-30-2020, 11:31 AM	#7
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128 Original Poster	Fantastic! That's what I was looking for. I think I need to do a full calibration of all my most used lenses and give it one more shot. So far I am loving the jpg output which I find much better than K3ii at higher ISOs. Now just to get consistently sharp results and I think this will be a winner!

12-30-2020, 11:33 AM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by ncallender Btw, is there a way to set up the preview screen to jump directly from full image to 100%? One click on the zoom should take you to 100% in preview or playback modes. Steve

12-30-2020, 12:58 PM	#9
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,872	Originally posted by ncallender I think I need to do a full calibration of all my most used lenses and give it one more shot. If the images look sharp on your computer monitor without any post-processing, then your camera is capturing sharp images in its current setup. (It may be that your lenses need calibrating, but this is often a last resort after all the other options have been addressed.) With the situation as you describe it, if I'm understanding correctly, I'm more inclined to suspect a problem with the LCD. These can be susceptible to heat (and cold?) damage. I have adjusted fine sharpening in the Custom Images profiles (Bright, Natural, etc.) on my KP based on recommendations here on PF. But, before doing so, the images looked fine on the LCD.

12-30-2020, 01:55 PM	#10
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068	Do the menus and function icons look clear on your LCD? Is it just images that look unclear?

12-30-2020, 02:20 PM	#11
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128 Original Poster	The function icons look clear enough. I did a little math and 100% would be 5.1x which is close enough to 5.6x which is a preset. Pentax would have been wise to just include 100% in the quick zoom list. But I have been going to 11x and 16x to compare and that seems to be the problem. I don't think this lcd is as good as the K3ii either and collects oils very easily which are hard to get off and affect the image quite a bit more. But in reality, not a big deal now that I know about it. I love the articulating part! Very useful! I'm pretty sure this camera in particular is severely front focusing with PDAF so I think it will be returned for another copy. Thanks all!

12-30-2020, 04:07 PM	#12
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	Originally posted by ncallender So far I am loving the jpg output which I find much better than K3ii at higher ISOs. Yes, the KP's in-camera processing engine is exceptional. Very fine imaging right out of the camera, this is one versatile, well-made, well-designed little beast!

12-31-2020, 06:40 AM	#13
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,872	Completely agree ^^^^^!

01-23-2021, 10:19 AM	#14
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128 Original Poster	So to wrap this one up. I returned the KP. It came used with a different focusing screen in it which had some scratches on it. And most of my lenses needed major AF fine tuning and the lcd screen just annoyed me. The seller sent me a replacement KP and this one I think is a keeper. It came with a standard focusing screen and little fine tuning was needed and the kicker is that the lcd screen actually is much clearer!!! Yeah, I know that's crazy. I had tried to peel off any type of screen protector but couldn't find one. So, my theory and only a theory is that the previous owner just messed with it or maybe used a spray of some kind. In replacing the focusing screen they probably scratched it and knocked the af out. And I'm pretty sure they added some type of protector over the lcd. All's well that ends well. I got a great deal on the thing and it will be a forever camera to keep with th DA limiteds. A match that couldn't be any better.

01-23-2021, 02:10 PM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by ncallender So to wrap this one up. I returned the KP. It came used with a different focusing screen in it which had some scratches on it. And most of my lenses needed major AF fine tuning and the lcd screen just annoyed me. The seller sent me a replacement KP and this one I think is a keeper. It came with a standard focusing screen and little fine tuning was needed and the kicker is that the lcd screen actually is much clearer!!! Yeah, I know that's crazy. I had tried to peel off any type of screen protector but couldn't find one. So, my theory and only a theory is that the previous owner just messed with it or maybe used a spray of some kind. In replacing the focusing screen they probably scratched it and knocked the af out. And I'm pretty sure they added some type of protector over the lcd. All's well that ends well. I got a great deal on the thing and it will be a forever camera to keep with th DA limiteds. A match that couldn't be any better. I'm glad you got a camera that is less messed up. FWIW, the PDAF detector used with the optical viewfinder is located at the bottom of the mirror box and gets its image from a secondary mirror on the back of the main mirror (the main mirror is partially silvered). The focus screen is not in the light path. Steve