K30 in Tungsten light test

**robwill** · 07-12-2012, 04:40 PM - **3 Likes**

I am working on a few test shots to see how the K30 focuses in tungsten light.
Having had a K-r I was curious to see if the K30 is any better.
While I don't have a fast lens yet, I did experience the problem on my K-r even with the kit lens.
These shots were made using a single 40 watt bulb in a lamp positioned about 3 feet behind the camera.
The K30 was on a tripod and the 2 second self timer was used.
The playing cards are 3 inches apart.
The images were shot in RAW and exported using Lightroom 4 with no adjustments being made.

The first set were taken with the focus point being approx on the center of the queen.
ISO 1600

ISO 3200

The second set were focused on the joker.
ISO 1600

ISO 3200

Focus point was on the Joker.
ISO 6400

ISO 12800

So far I am not seeing any focus issues in tungsten light at all.

Last edited by robwill; 07-12-2012 at 05:03 PM. Reason: added additional high iso shots

Zafar Iqbal · 07-12-2012, 04:57 PM

Looks good so far - show moar pics!

JinDesu · 07-12-2012, 05:48 PM

Very nice test by the way. It seems you were using the 18-135 at 135mm, which is a good idea, and you can still see that the front and rear cards are out of focus.

To perfectly confirm this, I would look for a fast prime (FA 50 F1.4, 1.7) to get that minute depth of field.

**robwill** · 07-12-2012, 07:29 PM

Ok, I just had to post process the 12,800 a little to see how the noise would clean up.
I did not spend much time on it, but I like what I see.
Plenty of detail still there even at this high an ISO.
For example in the rock near the Joker and even the texture of the card itself.

deadwolfbones · 07-12-2012, 10:22 PM - **1 Like**

I've experienced pretty much the same results under artificial light. My copy is dead on, every time, with every lens (including fast primes like the 43/1.9 and 31/1.8). Ditto in natural light.

Things are looking promising.

goldenarrow · 07-12-2012, 10:50 PM

Thanks for this test. Very nice pics.

JinDesu · 07-13-2012, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

I've experienced pretty much the same results under artificial light. My copy is dead on, every time, with every lens (including fast primes like the 43/1.9 and 31/1.8). Ditto in natural light.

Things are looking promising.

Good to know you have one and you tested with fast primes!

everydaylife · 07-13-2012, 03:48 AM

I recently got a K30 and the first thing I did was try my favorite lens the 77ltd wide open and the autofocus was spot on. No adjustment needed.

loco · 07-13-2012, 05:29 AM

I am real impressed by these high ISO shots, Robert! That 12800 shot is astounding! I can't believe you can still see that much detail in the Joker card. I am more convinced than ever to get the K-30. All that's left is to go to a store and feel one in my hands, just to make sure.

Can you comment on how the K-30 feels in hand compared to the K-r? Thanks so much!

SteveB · 07-13-2012, 06:52 AM

How's it do with your card test in the dark with the assist light helping out + flash?

szmatefy · 02-26-2013, 05:51 AM

Unfortunately with my Tamron 28-75/2.8 I had to adjust the AF to -6 to have proper focusing. Now results are stunning...

07-12-2012, 04:40 PM - 3 Likes	#1
robwill Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Durham, North Carolina Posts: 121	K30 in Tungsten light test I am working on a few test shots to see how the K30 focuses in tungsten light. Having had a K-r I was curious to see if the K30 is any better. While I don't have a fast lens yet, I did experience the problem on my K-r even with the kit lens. These shots were made using a single 40 watt bulb in a lamp positioned about 3 feet behind the camera. The K30 was on a tripod and the 2 second self timer was used. The playing cards are 3 inches apart. The images were shot in RAW and exported using Lightroom 4 with no adjustments being made. The first set were taken with the focus point being approx on the center of the queen. ISO 1600 ISO 3200 The second set were focused on the joker. ISO 1600 ISO 3200 Focus point was on the Joker. ISO 6400 ISO 12800 So far I am not seeing any focus issues in tungsten light at all. Last edited by robwill; 07-12-2012 at 05:03 PM. Reason: added additional high iso shots

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07-12-2012, 04:57 PM	#2
Zafar Iqbal Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	Looks good so far - show moar pics!

07-12-2012, 05:48 PM	#3
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Very nice test by the way. It seems you were using the 18-135 at 135mm, which is a good idea, and you can still see that the front and rear cards are out of focus. To perfectly confirm this, I would look for a fast prime (FA 50 F1.4, 1.7) to get that minute depth of field.

07-12-2012, 07:29 PM	#4
robwill Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Durham, North Carolina Posts: 121 Original Poster	Ok, I just had to post process the 12,800 a little to see how the noise would clean up. I did not spend much time on it, but I like what I see. Plenty of detail still there even at this high an ISO. For example in the rock near the Joker and even the texture of the card itself.

07-12-2012, 10:22 PM - 1 Like	#5
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	I've experienced pretty much the same results under artificial light. My copy is dead on, every time, with every lens (including fast primes like the 43/1.9 and 31/1.8). Ditto in natural light. Things are looking promising.

07-12-2012, 10:50 PM	#6
goldenarrow Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago Suburbs. Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	Thanks for this test. Very nice pics.

07-13-2012, 01:38 AM	#7
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by deadwolfbones I've experienced pretty much the same results under artificial light. My copy is dead on, every time, with every lens (including fast primes like the 43/1.9 and 31/1.8). Ditto in natural light. Things are looking promising. Good to know you have one and you tested with fast primes!

07-13-2012, 03:48 AM	#8
everydaylife Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 268	I recently got a K30 and the first thing I did was try my favorite lens the 77ltd wide open and the autofocus was spot on. No adjustment needed.

07-13-2012, 05:29 AM	#9
loco Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,846	I am real impressed by these high ISO shots, Robert! That 12800 shot is astounding! I can't believe you can still see that much detail in the Joker card. I am more convinced than ever to get the K-30. All that's left is to go to a store and feel one in my hands, just to make sure. Can you comment on how the K-30 feels in hand compared to the K-r? Thanks so much!

07-13-2012, 06:52 AM	#10
SteveB Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: U.K. Posts: 685	How's it do with your card test in the dark with the assist light helping out + flash?

02-26-2013, 05:51 AM	#11
szmatefy Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 77	Unfortunately with my Tamron 28-75/2.8 I had to adjust the AF to -6 to have proper focusing. Now results are stunning...