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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-12-2014, 06:12 AM
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I bought a K100d when they 1st released. My 1st DSLR after many Pentax SLR systems starting in 1973.
A few great years of shooting and then I thought it would be good to upgrade so I bought a K-x.
All the specs indicated it would be a better camera and I would be happy.
Unfortunately I sold my K100.
I was never happy with the K-x. The results were not pleasing to the eye like the K100.
Colors were dull, photos were soft, a disappointment to say the least.
After a couple of years, hundreds of tests with various settings, lens tests, focus tests and just plain
being disappointed I found a K100d with a 1000 shutter count. Bought it, sold the K-x and I'm happy again
with great color, sharp pictures and overall very good results.
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
05-26-2011, 02:22 AM
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I'm sure your wife will be happy with her X90. I have used Pentax SLR--DSLR systems for 35+ years. Bought an X90 last year just to have an inexpensive kick around camera with plenty of power to spare.
See attached link. You mentioned that your wife is in the learning stage. The classes offered at LVS are very good for the beginner as well as many of us who have been playing with photography for many years. I'd recommend The Photo Basics series. I took them a few years ago and really helped me understand my K100d and K-x much better. Not limited to DSLRs though. Any camera that you can control. X90 is a good one for this.
LVS Online Classes - Classroom List for Web Design, Internet, and Computer Courses |
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Forum: Photo Critique
05-03-2011, 03:11 AM
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I've never used a GorillaPod so don't know much about them. I have a couple of tripods and honestly don't use them very often. Got a MonoPod a couple years ago and use that most of the time when needing a bit more stability. It's more compact, easier to use quickly and does the job I want.
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Forum: Photo Critique
05-02-2011, 03:34 AM
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Hi balunz,
Although it is best to have a tripod when shooting an HDR if I were to adhere to that rule I would have exactly zero HDR photos taken. With careful hand held shots then processing via Photomatix, which has an align by feature option, I have been able to capture some nice HDR scenes.
So to your photo, I like it. It has some good contrasts and looks interesting. Probably would have been just another "blah" shot if not processed in IR and HDR. So continue to do the best with what you have available at the time rather than wait for perfection.
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
04-26-2011, 03:08 AM
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Having two batteries not holding a charge would seem unlikely. The other possible problems are the charger, charger use and the camera itself. I would start to suspect that the charger is not fully charging the batteries. Do you have access to another charger to test for this?
If the camera was loading the circuit to a point of draining the battery in a matter of minutes the battery should be very warm to hot immediately after discharge. Check for this condition. If you put a charged battery in, turn the camera on, let it discharge, take the battery out. Is it hot? Probably not--so go back to the charger.
I find the X90 charger to be a little mis-leading. The charging LED is on solid Green when charging then turns off when fully charged. Make sure you are getting the battery fully charged and not thinking the Green LED on is an indicator of Go--we got a full charge.
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
04-23-2011, 12:26 AM
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Instead of pushing for a separate forum how about just using this one to get discussions going that you want. It's not like it is over used. Months can go by with only a few posts.
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
04-21-2011, 12:16 AM
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Ah--the endless debate over DSLR, Point and Shoot, Bridge cameras. Too big, Don't fit in my pocket, doesn't do this and does do that. I especially like the negative comments from those who have not owned an X90 or similar brand.
I look at cameras much the same as I look at my shop tools. Cameras are a tool and no one tool does everything perfect or even very well. They all have their good points as well as limitations.
I have spent thousands of dollars over the years on 5 SLR/DSLR systems and endless lenses,
filters, flashes and other stuff.
And a few hundred dollars on compact cameras like the X90 or smaller ones. Have been very happy to have the little tools along when the 20 pound bag of tools wasn't desired as I have taken some awesome shots that I would have never gotten had I decided the compact tools were not perfect and hence not worth owning.
Anyway--enough said--just my thoughts on the debate.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-07-2011, 03:41 AM
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Your Kx experience is similar to mine. Had a K100d which was a great camera. My 1st DSLR after three Pentax film SLR systems over a span of 35 years. Decided to upgrade to the Kx and keep the K100d for a backup etc. As it turned out the k100d became a shelf queen right beside my film systems that I was always going to get back to using.
Determined that I would not be looking back so finally decided to sell all the old shelf queens.
I'd advise to sell the K100 while it has some good value yet.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-01-2011, 04:05 AM
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My recommendation would be the same as hcc. The DA18-250 is my main lens. I started with the DA18-55 plus Sigma 28-80 and 70-300 lenses left over from my ZX-7 film body. Always swapping out lenses for the shot at hand. Which eventually leads to dust on the sensor. Got the Pentax 18-250 when they came out and it has very seldom been off the camera. Added a Pentax DA 11-17 for wide angle fun. Has maybe been used a half dozen times.
Have kept the Sigmas around primarily for their macro capability. Basically the lenses other than the 18-250 are ballast in the camera bag. Mostly there for weight as they don't get used much.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-13-2011, 05:51 AM
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Heralu,
It's not just you as the Kx has some of the fault. The Kx Auto WB performs better than my K100d but is not perfect. I do find that switching to Tungsten indoors as Jeff advised helps quite a bit. Same applies in other environments. Outdoors and cloudy, sunshine etc. Try setting it for the environment and it becomes less "You". I seldom rely on Auto anymore.
Next step is to shoot RAW. Very easy to adjust WB settings in the Pentax software if you made a wrong selection or Auto didn't do the job you wanted.
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
02-12-2011, 02:04 AM
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Jacqueline,
A new post in the DSLR forum that has some more ideas for diffusers. There is a simple one there for a pop up flash using milk jug material that may work for you. Check it out
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
02-02-2011, 04:08 AM
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Very nice work here. The double exposure with sunset then stars is a really great technique.
The picture frame effect from the inside looking out is also done very well.
Both B&W and Color options work as photos on their own. For telling your story I'd go with
the color photos.
Reason in my mind is that in the Grapes days when the Great Plains were populated it was in a world without color. When people were there the photos were all B&W.
Fast forward 80 years to a world with color. The now desolate plains are in color.
Just my thoughts---Good Luck
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
01-19-2011, 07:36 AM
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Captured this couple at Joshua Tree Natl. Park a few years ago.
Just soaking up the view.
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
01-13-2011, 02:49 PM
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Winterstar,
Added a photo today. Testing out the auto bracketing for doing an HDR.
Auto bracket shots with the X90 are slow when compared to the K-x.
Not a negative just an observation.
I did have the X90 on a monopod but should have used a tripod.
Alignment is OK only due to the Photomatix HDR software align option.
Lesson is if you use auto bracket for HDR use a tripod. Auto bracket for the
sake of auto bracket of course works fine hand held.
Larry
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
01-11-2011, 03:55 AM
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Winterstar,
Here are a few pics per your request. A couple of qualifications here.
1) I have not done any serious photo work with the X90 yet. Have just been testing some of the functions and how does it work. So no great art here.
2) The pics are significantly reduced so if you enlarge they will get blurry quickly.
The pics of the woods and the crow were to test the optical zoom. These where shot from my truck window over my shoulder. Caught a bit of the window frame in the wide angle and the zoomed in should have been done with at least my monopod. It was -10F that day and getting out of my warm truck to use the monopod was just not that important. Very difficult to hold the camera steady at 600mm zoom. The results do show that the anti-shake does a good job. I believe it would have been sharper if the camera was steady vs. hand held.
The pic of the white horse in the white snow was to test the white balance. Shot this using the Sun and Snow setting. I am happy with the results.
The wide pic is testing the in camera panoramic function. Did this in my shop just to test. Again, just too darn cold outside to go hunting for a good pano setting.
I didn't have the white balance set correctly so it is a bit yellow and excuse the mess. But just testing the pano capability.
I have a few test pics in the Post regarding a flash diffuser for the X90. These were done with the white balance set to flash and some comparisons to my K-x.
The X90 without diffuser actually did a better job than the K-x. The K-x flash is too strong in these tests. I could have compensated for this but the tests were to see what the two cameras did with the same default settings.
Hope this helps with your hunt---Larry
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
01-09-2011, 05:24 AM
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Winterstar,
I would advise that you give the X90 some serious consideration. It can be said I am a bit biased towards Pentax as I have had numorous Pentax SLR systems starting in 1973. I currently have a K-x and recently bought a X90 for purposes of having an inexpensive kick around camera when I don't want to tote $2000 worth of equipment around.
Why did I land on the X90 when the experts say the Panasonics are better?
1) In my opinion the performance difference is minimal and may be measurable in a lab setup. But for general use and capturing good photos the X90 does a nice job.
2) Having the menus and controls being very close to the K-x operation makes the X90 operation very intuitive. The reverse would be true for you if you start with a X90 and upgrade to a K-x as you mentioned.
3) Value for the dollar. I bought the X90, 4GB card, tripod, other extras from Asavings on EBay for $260. Add an extra $100 or more for a Panasonic.
I do like the Panasonics. My first digital was a FZ2. The only function some Panasonics have that had me considering them was being able to shoot in RAW format.
When it came to the final decision my top 3 reasons for the X90 won out over the Panasonic.
Happy Hunting---Larry
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
01-07-2011, 03:38 AM
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Jacqueline,
Tested out the film cannister diffuser. As in the previous test there was a more noticeable difference with the K-x and some difference with the X90.
I'd say the film cannister method is worth some more work.
Don't cut the slot too wide as the can will be floppy on the flash.
Give it a whirl and post some results. Your tests may have better results than the minimal tests I have run.
Good luck--Larry
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
01-05-2011, 03:34 AM
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I like the ideas that the other posts had using the film cannister. I'm heading to the camera shop to get a couple to try out. Just threw some away last week as I have been selling off my Pentax film systems. Will see if the results are similar between the K-x and X90 with that option.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-05-2011, 03:20 AM
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Kacee,
I have experienced the same problems with rechargables when I got a K100d a few years ago. My best day was when I bought non-rechargable Lithium Ion batteries and gave all my rechargables and chargers away.
I got about 1500 shots per set in the K100d and now have a K-x and get about the same.
No doubt the eneloops and a top of the line charger are great but I figure I'll get about 10,000shots on throw away batteries that I never have to worry about for the cost of eneloops and a great charger.
Not having to be concerned about if I have charged batteries available is more important to me than saving a few bucks over years of use. If I were shooting 10,000 shots a month my priorities would be different.
Just my opinion---Larry
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
01-04-2011, 02:51 AM
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Photo of the X90 with the diffuser attached via a velcro patch. Seems to work OK.
Fairly stable, attaches and detaches easily.
Other photo is a compare of the X90 and K-x with and without the diffuser.
More noticable results on the K-x as the K-x without the diffuser is really washed out. Notice the shadows on the ceiling from the handlebars. With the diffuser it is almost gone with the K-x and are lighter with the X90.
In both cases the whites are not blown out when using the diffuser.
I'm not sure why the results are not better with the X90. Will need to do some further testing. But for now this is what we get.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
12-27-2010, 12:48 AM
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Violini,
Looks like I'll find a Dollar Store. Was at the grocery store the other day and they were $9 a pair for the CR2 batteries.
The ZX-7 has a Sigma 28-80 Macro zoom. Would sell for $50. Replied to your private message.
Thanks---Larry
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Forum: Photo Critique
12-26-2010, 06:53 AM
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Hi,
Like Rupert, I use the Sto-Fen Omni Bounce on my AF360. I used it on a K100d and now have a K-x. Have avoided using the flash unless absolutely necessary as results have been predictably less than desirable. Got rid of shadows but colors were harsh. I usually shoot in AV mode at f8. So in preparation for taking Christmas photos I wanted to figure this out and it was really easy. This may sound like a "dah--why didn't you do this before".
I set the white balance from Auto (AWB) to Flash.
Took 50+ flash shots of kids, grandkids, others and all came out very nice. Ist time I've ever been happy with using the flash.
So to summarize--get a diffuser and get off Auto.
Good luck--Larry
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
12-26-2010, 06:31 AM
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Jacqueline,
The Light Scoop looks like an interesting product also. For the money I'm still going to give the diffuser a whirl. The hot shoe part for the Canon costs more than I'd want to spend for this purpose.
Had an idea for this that is on the cheap for at least the testing part. Instead of adapting a hot shoe part to the X90 to mount the diffuser I'm going to use a velcro patch. You can get velcro strips with good adhesive already applied. May not be extremely stable but one will get a sense of what the end results will be.
May be able to come across a junk SLR body that one can take a hot shoe off of for use on the X90 after testing. If the velcro patch holds it stable enough it may be OK for the long term.
Anyway, just thoughts for now---larry
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-26-2010, 05:59 AM
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Hi,
My 1st DSLR was the K100d with the 18-55mm kit lens as you have. A nice setup but I was always changing lenses to the 28-80 and 70-300 film SLR lenses I had. Not a grab and shoot situation and exposed to getting dust on the sensor.
I purchased a Pentax 18-250 lens and have been very happy with it. Good all around lens for me as I like the wide angle capabilities for landscapes yet able to zoom in on the grandkids quickly. There is the Tamron version of this and their new release which is a 18-270. You'll spend upwards to $500 for these.
Although I have not used the Sigma or Tamron 18-200 zooms, I have feedback from users that they are respectable lenses for most of us. And you'll pay a lot less on the used market.
There are some folks that regard these "all purpose" lenses as not so good as they are not perfect and they are correct in that notion. But I believe for most of us that just want a good walk around and versitile lens they all will do the job that is acceptable for the money invested and the convenience.
As far as where to buy. I have bought from Amazon as you have tried but also do business with Ebay. Lots to choose form there and some good buys on used items.
Happy Hunting--Larry
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
12-25-2010, 08:08 AM
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