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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
01-15-2024, 10:28 AM
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I have owned the K-3iii for 2.5 years and smile every time I pick the camera up. Ergonomics and build quality are excellent, with superb image quality (I shoot DNG RAW).
Everything is superior to my previous K-3. A full run down of the K-3iii capabilities are shown in the Kobie contribution to this thread. Regarding AF performance for action, I have a very high keeper rate from cars moving at motorway speeds, birds in flight, to athletes (I photograph for my local athletics club). The missed focus shots have been down to my error, not the camera. For action photography I have been using the D FA HD 150-450mm f4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Lens, HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR Lens and DA HD 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens, which have all performed very well with the K-3iii. Apart from action photography, this camera is a superb all-round performer, with excellent IBIS and a dynamic range to match the best top-end cameras. Battery life has been very good and I have not experienced overheating. I trust this is useful.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-01-2024, 05:04 AM
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I also have the D-FA 150-450mm and K-3iii combination, which I often use with a ball head, along with a good value and robust Calumet CK7108 monopod. One technique to make the ball head more stable is to set the ball head to one shoulder (not into the deep grooves) and rotate the monopod as required.
Before investing in a teleconverter, try the 1.3 and 1.7 crop settings on the camera, which give excellent results by retaining the full file size in RAW. The file size is reduced, when processed into JPEG or TIFF. The zoom ring on my lens is fine - let's hope yours frees up with some use. I trust this is helpful.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
12-24-2023, 03:55 AM
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I know that from a purist's perspective that is recommended that all post processing should be conducted in 16bit on RAW files, before saving the output in typically TIFF or JPG format.
For years I have been using Photoshop Elements and processing DNG RAW files in 8 bit from my Pentax cameras (currently K-3iii). To compliment this I have been using the Elements Plus plug-in that greatly enhances the Elements capabilities with a host of additional scripts from the full blown Photoshop.
I also occasionally use the Nik suite of software. RAW images can be processed in Photoshop Elements in 16 Bit, but this limits funcionality, disabling the use of layers and 'smart functions'.
I have found this combination very successful and never suffered any significant artifacts (if at all) in my images. I regularly enter images in club competitions and have recently gained the CPAGB accreditation (Credit - Photographic Affiliation Of Great Britain). I am of the opinion I would need to 'process the image to death' with this setup to get noticable artifacts.
Also competitions require submissions in the less onerous sRGB, JPG format.
My summary is that 16bit processing is not essential to obtain good quality images.
It will interesting to hear the views of others on this topic.
Update
Out of interest, I contacted the renowned American photographers and authors Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski, to see what their opinions were on 16bit processing.
Matt was not particularly bothered regarding using 16bit processing or colour space, as long as his workflow produced the result he was after. His main concern was the creative image content to give the result he desired.
Scott mentioned that he occasionally processes in 16bit, but mainly in 8bit.
The landscape photographer and author Robin Whalley appears to be more of a 16bit fan, presumably on the basis of the amount of processing he does in the sky areas.
For my own workflow, I have the option in landscapes of either adjusting selections in 16bit in Photoshop Elements, or using Nik software.
I trust this update is useful.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
12-22-2023, 02:31 AM
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Kobie,
Many thanks for the Image Sync information.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
12-23-2023, 04:57 AM
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It's a real shame the Image Sync app does not have the functionality to zoom in 100% to aid precise focussing (including astro use). I assume this is limited by the K-3iii operation, when zooming in with LV, fine tuning the focus can only be done manually with the lens, not by tapping the monitor screen. Otherwise, Image Sync is a good app.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
11-16-2023, 01:42 PM
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When photographing birds, the hit rate on focussing on the bird's eyes fortunately seems high. Maybe I have a good technique, or do other K-3iii users have the same experience. Although eye focussing is meant to be limited to human eyes, active with focus settings on a zone, is there also a tendency for the algorithm to pick up bird and animal eyes. I have attached a few examples where the head of the bird is in a different plane to the body. For these examples, focus settings are typically AF Select or Expanded AF(S), with a typical aperture of f6.3 on the 150-450mm lens.
Interested to hear your views on this.
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Forum: Winners' Showcase
12-08-2023, 01:57 AM
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I would like to nominate this photo
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Forum: General Photography
11-22-2023, 10:42 AM
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I saw a Youtube article recently that resonated with me. It was on the theme 'are cameras getting too smart'. This was mainly aimed at the latest generation of mirrorless cameras, where the camera does everything for you, but in a rather soulless fashion. Emphasis is based on specifications rather than the quality of the image making experience. Are these cameras with EVF and silent shutter operation making the photographer's relationship with the camera more remote and diluting the fun of image making.
A significant aspect of photography is the challenge of learning techniques and getting satisfaction of mastering the craft. I have been a Pentax DSLR user for about 9 years and currently own the K-3iii. I smile every time I pick this camera up as it is an absolute pleasure to use - superb ergonomics, excellent OVR to main contact with the subject, feedback from the shutter operation, excellent AF performance, IBIS as good as mirrorless cameras, superb image quality and a host of innovation. I believe Pentax cameras are designed by photographers for photographers and models hit the right balance of performance and photographer interaction. I am not 'mirrorless bashing' for the sake of it - some amazing technology is on show, and if that suits you, fine. I go back to my initial thoughts - are these cameras taking the challenge out of photography and making it a bit sterile.
Food for thought and looking forward to the thoughts of others.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
09-22-2023, 06:05 AM
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I have played with the Type 3 astro function on my K-3iii a couple of times in the past, with mixed success regarding the function registering images. However, I tried it out again a couple of days ago, from my back garden, and it seemed very stable and recorded every attempt. I suspect recent firmware updates have improved the function, along with me using a much more stable tripod, rather than a 'travel' tripod. I took images of a clear sky and also with some foreground interest to see how the tracking compared and was pleasantly surprised from the results. The lens was the
DA 35mm F2.4 AL Lens, set at f2.8, with an exposure period of 30s. Please find attached a couple of samples.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
06-29-2023, 03:38 AM
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Kobie,
Many thanks for the helpful video on the focus hold and focus sensitivity in AF-C for the K-3iii. Having a quick trial of the focus hold function, it appears that the focus hold duration for a given setting (low/medium/high) is consistent across all the focus sensitivity settings (1-5), which is good to know.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-28-2023, 07:01 AM
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For those keen on action photography with the K-3iii, have you noticed any difference in camera performance/image sharpness for the following scenarios:
Use of SR At High Shutter Speed
A comparison of using Shake Reduction on and off at high shutter speeds, say in excess of 1/1000s, when tracking flying birds or fast moving objects.
Personally, I normally leave the SR on and found the images excellent.
This may be difficult to answer, but does anyone know if the SR is automatically shut off beyond a given shutter speed?
Use of SR in Panning Mode
A comparison of image sharpness using the Shake Reduction off, on, and in Panning Mode, when panning moving objects at various speeds.
Looking forward to your replies.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-16-2023, 04:46 AM
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I totally agree with StigVidar, tracking fast moving objects with the AF.C in Auto area is poor DSLR technique. I have achieved excellent results Select or Expanded Area AF points, with the subject moving in X,Y & Z planes.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
02-18-2023, 10:10 AM
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For birds in flight, I normally use my exceptional Pentax 150-450mm lens (my HD 55-300mm lens is also good).
I suggest the following settings ( I have my K-3iii set up for back button focus).
Focus setting - AF-C.
1st frame in action - focus priority.
AF Mode - Expanded area AF(M), to give a good chance of retaining tracking.
Operating mode - TAv, with shutter speed at least 1/2500s, aperture typically f7.1.
If shooting against the sky you will probably need your EV set at at least +1 to correctly expose the bird.
Exposure metering at centre weighted.
Hope you have an excellent day.
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
01-08-2023, 09:59 AM
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A study session with coloured gels.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
01-15-2023, 02:10 AM
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Why not consider the O-RC1 remote control, which is far more flexible to use than a cable release. Some have experienced short battery life with these units, but mine has been reliable for 5 years (used infrequently). I believe they are rated at 30,000 shots.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
01-13-2023, 10:49 AM
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I very rarely use Live View on the K-3iii, as the OVR performance is so good. I am seeking out advice from experienced LV users on best AF and camera settings, mainly for action photography. Considerations include AF accuracy and consistency, tracking performance for medium and fast moving subjects (in X,Y and Z planes). Also it would be good to hear of performance limitations in LV mode.
Similarly, how is experience building on performance when using electronic shutter mode for stationary and medium/fast moving subjects?
Looking forward to your replies.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
12-10-2022, 11:11 AM
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I have been conducting a set of AF tests with my SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL lens set at f2.8 on the K-3iii, with model (my reluctant wife) 1m away. I ran through all AF active area settings and in every case the eye focus was precise. I use the standard rather than the detailed information display. For me the proof of the pudding is in the viewing, which proved consistent eye detection, which I am very happy with.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
12-09-2022, 01:40 AM
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Kypfer, I quite agree that I try and fill the native frame where possible, but if required the camera crop function is a very useful asset as the the image quality is as good as the native frame, also with the benefit of maintaining the aperture setting.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
12-06-2022, 09:55 AM
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For Kypfer, recent firmware updates to the K-3iii offer crop factors of 1.3 and 1.7. With my 150-450mm f4.5-5.6 ED DC AW D-FA HD, this gives a reach around 900mm and 1150mm respectively (with no effect on aperture). Hence offering the enhancement of the reach of your 70-200mm lens plus 2x teleconverter. I find for these crops, the RAW file size remains the same, but the JPEG files are around two thirds and half the size of the normal frame equivalent, respectively.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
11-22-2022, 11:15 AM
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Please find below a comprehensive comparison between mechanical and electronic shutter performance for wildlife and sports. DSLRs seem to be still very much in the frame.
You Tube
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4faXXpIt9gU?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
11-19-2022, 02:47 AM
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From MTF reviews, optically my HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR Lens and the PLM version appear to be very close and are very good lenses. I use my 55-300mm lens as an excellent travel lens, in combination with my everyday go to lens, the outstanding HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR. I invested in the 150-450mm lens specifically for wildlife and sport, which gives the advantages of:
Extra resolution of fine detail.
Edge to edge sharpness at all f nos.
Superb sharpness at half a stop above maximum aperture, allowing lower ISO shooting.
Excellent subject tracking.
As an aside, a number of comments in this thread relate to the price of the K-3iii.
When a selection of the following Pentax features are taken into account, it is quite a camera:
Excellent ergonomics, OVF and build quality.
Pixel shift.
Excellent astro tracking (approx. £350 for a mechanical tracker for other cameras)
A 1.3x crop function (equivalent to a £350 teleconverter)
Phase detection AF being at least as fast and better at subject isolation in mixed backgrounds than mirrorless cameras.
No rolling shutter effect, compared to mirrorless (except for the most expensive models).
A silent electronic shutter can be utilised in LV mode.
Even the latest model Pentax lenses are still good value compared to some other manufacturers.
Personally, I am very happy with the K-3iii.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
11-18-2022, 03:06 AM
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Sebberry, please find a link below (MS OneDrive) to some sample shots from my HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Lens with the K-3iii.
I hope the resolution is better than posting the images directly onto the Pentax Forum. In my opinion this lens is top-notch, with optical performance as good as a very good prime lens.
Microsoft OneDrive - Access files anywhere. Create docs with free Office Online. |
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
11-17-2022, 01:11 PM
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I can add my penny's worth of experience of the K-3iii AF (compared to my K-3), with screw and other lenses.
Screw lenses
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR Lens: Regarding shots of oncoming cars at motorway speed, with the K-3, I needed f8 for sufficient depth of field for a good hit rate. With the K-3iii, any aperture is good. Excellent eye focus lock-on to birds in flight.
DA 35mm F2.4 AL Lens: Very fast focusing with the K-3, blazingly fast with the K-3iii.
Tamron AF90mm f2.8 macro 1:1: This is a great macro lens from the film era. AF latch on with the K-3 sometimes a little hesitant. Faster AF and excellent lock-on with the K-3iii.
DC drive lenses
Fairly fast AF with consistent lock-on with the K-3, fast AF with the K-3iii and excellent hit rate for oncoming motorway cars.
HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Lens: very fast and consistent AF lock-on with the K-3, almost instant lock-on with the K-3iii and eye tracks birds in flight with ease.
I trust this is useful.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
10-23-2022, 07:44 AM
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Below I have shown a link to a rather complex and labour-intensive means of digital noise reduction, which appears to be superior to any free-standing proprietary noise reduction software.
You Tube
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lT03APtzrdo?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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It looks like you need a lot of patience for this approach, but it appears worth it if you are after the optimum results.
Interested to see what your thoughts are.
An interesting start of the process is to use the noise reduction feature on your camera supplied RAW converter (Digital Camera Utility 5 for Pentax), then output the result as a TIFF file and work on this. As PEF and DNG files contains more information than a TIFF file, I would have thought it is preferable to continue working with the original RAW file. This is speculation, but I would expect this is where shooting in DNG is an advantage when using Lightroom or Photoshop for further noise reduction, as they are all Adobe products and should link hand-in-glove.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
10-31-2021, 09:46 AM
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Now that I have owned a K-3iii for 3 months, I thought I had better try out the pixel shift comparison myself, using the excellent HD DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens.
I am sure if I posted the before and after images, the web resolution would be insufficient to show a resolution difference. However, processing both RAW images in exactly the same way and zooming in tightly on the computer monitor, the increase in resolution is evident in the fine detail, which is impressive.
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