|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
08-29-2009, 11:43 PM
|
| |
| |
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
08-29-2009, 11:12 PM
|
| |
My widest is the kit DA-L 18-55.
What would I have to spend to go wider or fisheye?
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
08-29-2009, 09:39 PM
|
| |
Ok, thanks for pointing this out! Yeah, I am shooting in PEF mode. The files are sized between 9mb and 11mb, depending on how much dark/light space there is in them. I was going by the "estimate", and was wondering why it seemed so low.
No laptop... we are packing light. As in, carry-on baggage only. But I like the DVD idea! I will keep that it mind if I end up burning though card space faster than I figure.
I will try... She really gets annoyed when I take more than a few shots of HER at a time. I tend to get lost clicking away, and she say it feels like someone staring at her intensely with no communication, and it creeps her out. She has new found respect for models.
|
|
Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
08-29-2009, 12:01 PM
|
| |
Ok, so the wife and I will be going on vacation soon.
3 weeks: a week in Paris, a week and a half in the
countryside of France, and 4 days in Switzerland.
currently I have a total of 15gb of SD cards:
1x1gb
1x2gb
3x4gb
This equals approximately 885 RAW files or 3453 jpg's
I am currently shooting almost entirely in RAW, and I like
it, mostly because of the exposure safety net and white
balance control. I would hate to catch the photo of a lifetime,
only to be ruined by a exposure/white balance mistake
This is not going to be a "photography vacation", as my
wife gets annoyed when I experience entire locations
through my viewfinder, but I have been really passionate
about photography recently, and am excited to have my
new k2000 with me.
Now obviously it's impossible for you to guess how many
pictures I am going to take, so what I am looking for is your
personal vacation experiences.
How many photos per week do you tend to take while on vacation?
If you normally shoot raw, did you switch to JPG at any point?
Did you end up buying more memory locally?
Will I have any problem finding SD cards for a reasonable price in rural France?
Also, any Paris/France specific general pre-trip photography advice would be welcome.
Thanks!
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-08-2009, 09:25 AM
|
| |
and... Jesus rides by on a dinosaur.
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-06-2009, 07:55 PM
|
| |
Doh!
The m42 doesn't short the contacts... :o
Tin foil.
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-06-2009, 07:18 PM
|
| |
Ok, so I have been fooling around with "catch-in-focus" recently
on my k2000, using a Takumar screw mount lens and genuine
Pentax adapter. It was working fine for like 20 shots, and all
of a sudden stopped working. By "not working" I mean one
minute it would be doing its "not firing until in focus" thing, and
the next (without making any changes) it simply fires as soon
as I press the shutter, no matter how out-of-focus it is.
The weird thing is sometimes it started working again if I
screwed the lens in extra tight, like beyond where I normally
do, and fiddle with the M/A aperture slider switch. This does
not solve the problem consistently however.
Any idea what's up?
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
08-06-2009, 11:41 AM
|
| |
See, this is what I was wondering about. I can't help thinking that there
may be good reasons unrelated to "ego" or traditionalism for avoiding
the use of burst mode... like maybe it doesn't work
I don't suppose you can share the secret of how to do this? Perhaps a time machine? :lol:
In the wise words of Cap'n Jack Sparrow: "If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRbVR0M-d0
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
08-06-2009, 10:25 AM
|
| |
Neither do I. That's why I called it "cheating", not cheating.
What I meant is that the sort of person who avoids using
burst mode for the sole reason of their ego is probably also
going to view other technological advances (such as autofocus
and instant feedback) as cheating, and indicative of somewhat
less photographic skill.
Burst mode fires the shutter faster that "humanly" possible.
This means that before the invention of the autowinder,
something like say, sports photography, required a comparatively
large amount of skill and/or luck to get the perfect shot.
Don't you think that a veteran sport photographers were just
a little bit annoyed when autowinders allowed inexperienced
photographers to get the same quality timed shot they spent
their entire lives perfecting? Wouldn't it be tempting to call it
cheating?
One person with a calculator during a math test is cheating.
Why? Because there are rules to ensure a level playing field.
In the real world, the only "rules" are ones in our own head,
but it is still hard not to judge other peoples results in the light
of our personal value system.
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
08-06-2009, 09:03 AM
|
| |
Ok, well that's an easy one: The end justifies the means.
If my ego was concerned with "cheating", I wouldn't
be using a digital camera, or even a modern camera
in general. Technology allows amateurs like me to
(occasionally) achieve results that would only be
possible by experienced professionals a few decades
ago. For this I am grateful.
However, what I wonder is: Does a burst mode actually
improve results? What I mean is, especially with slower
shutter speeds, are you risking missing the moment because
if fell in between the burst shots? Are you any more likely to
nail that fleeting moment if you rely on instinct?
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
08-06-2009, 08:27 AM
|
| |
Ok, so now that I have graduated to a camera with usable
higher ISO (k2000) and a fast lens (Takumar 50mm 1.4),
taking pictures of people and active scenes in natural light
is suddenly a viable option.
Here is the only problem.. All the moving objects! Overwhelmed
by a flood of interesting facial expressions and body language
and ever-changing composition, I find myself in the midst of a
compelling scene, but nearly all my captures of the scene end
up having the action frozen in some awkward pose or expression
on either side of the "decisive moment", and do little or no justice
to the character of the person or scene I am shooting.
Let's say I am shooting a candid party portrait, and in an unguarded
moment someone bursts into laughter. The RIGHT timing can capture
joy and humor, the wrong moment captures an awkward contorted
face, and turns someone you know well into a stranger.
Yeah, I know, "welcome to photography". I know that the shutter
clicking at the exact perfect moment is one of the most challenging
aspects of photography, and I see myself getting better. BUT, here
is my question:
Should I be a sniper or a machine gunner?
Should I try flowing along with the chain of expressions, and hope to
develop an knack for anticipating the expression the person is ABOUT
to have on their face (because be the time you SEE the perfect expression,
it's already too late! So frustrating...), or should I switch to burst mode at
this point, and just "spray and pray"?
What works for you?
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
07-26-2009, 10:32 AM
|
| |
Ok, so inspired by a recent National Geographic article on
the vanishing darkness of our night skies, I am interested
in trying some nighttime photography, both urban and
rural.
I just got a k2000, and it will be my main camera, but I
get the impression that that non-FF DSLRs are not ideal
for nighttime photography, what with long exposure sensor
heating and noise and such...
So, my idea is to get the exposure/composition correct
with my DSLR, and then replicate the shot with my Spotmatic.
Has anyone done this?
What would be a good film to use?
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
07-12-2009, 12:11 AM
|
| |
Oh ya, oops, I forgot about curves...
Ya, I can see what you mean. Do you think that this photo is just simply over exposed? Because I don't think I would want the eyes any dimmer... Or are blown out highlights acceptable in contrasty lighting situations?
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-11-2009, 11:53 PM
|
| |
Oh, and a question I'm still unclear on... How pin-point accurate would an AF f1.4 be
in these circumstances? Would it be more precise than the "green hex" level? i.e.,
not very when this close to subject?
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-11-2009, 11:51 PM
|
| |
This is very helpful, thank you! I will experiment with these ideas tomorrow.
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
07-11-2009, 12:58 PM
|
| |
Ok, first off here is a sample picture to provide some context:
Say I want to print this shot. The original file is a RAW. Although in this jpg the
highlights on the nose are blown out, there is a LOT of information to be found in
the RAW file... here is the nose with exposure pulled down using CameraRaw:
See, there is a lot of surviving texture there.
What is my best PP option to get this texture into my final print?
Is there is good way to do this with the raw file itself, and if not,
how much of the detail is going to survive the conversion to jpg?
Do most of you dodge and burn before or after converting the RAW file?
Thanks,
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-11-2009, 12:32 PM
|
| |
Well, I am now officially a digital Pentaxian!
My new K2000 came in the mail last week, and have been in geek bliss ever since.
A few impressions:
Build/shape:
I love how solid this little thing feels. The texture reminds of the dashboard of a high quality German car. Also, there is this little finger groove near the top that feels perfect in my particular hand shape. (long skinny fingers) Yes, the grip is a bit small, but feels much more "extension-of-my-hand" than the slim pointy design of the small Nikons.
Camera Shake:
For the first few sessions, the shutter sound was quite jarring, having been shooting primarily with a Lumix LX1 for the past 3 years. Having actually viable ISO options is very nice, but I am still having issues with camera shake. I suppose I am used to the long hand-holding times I got out of the LX1 due to it's nearly mass-less shutter action.
Also, I realized that I have retained the habit of "hovering" the camera out in front of my face. I get much better results when I tuck the viewfinder into the bony corner of my nose and eyebrow.
DOF:
The ability to achieve shallow DOF (with instant feedback) was one of my primary motivations to make the DSLR leap, and with an M42 adapter and my f1.4 Super-Takumar, I now have Bokah possibility in spades.
Here is the problem: Keeping stuff in focus! I have spent years pining for a razor-thin focus plane, and now that I have it I only seem to nail the focus manually once out of, say, 6 shots. The sort of shot I am talking about is this:
Larger size here
EXIF here
Classic close portrait style, soft blurry backdrop, crisp focus on the eye. Typical and straight-forward, right? Then why did it take me like 17 shots to get 3 with a crisp looking eye? And even this shot is a slight miss... the hair in front of the eye is sharper than the eye itself.
I was using a Super-Takumar f1.4, and most every time I fired the shutter, the green hex was lit. Two questions: Am I doing something wrong, or is this just how hard to is to work with a wide open aperture? Secondly, If a had an autofocus f1.4 would things work out any better? If the center AF spot small enough to pin down the surface of the eye itself? Will it stay in focus after slight re-composition?
Here is another shot I would like to troubleshoot:
Large size here
EXIF here
50mm f1.4, 1/180 shutter- is the softness a result of the camera shake, or focus error?
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
06-28-2009, 12:14 PM
|
| |
Ok, so I am looking to buy a K2000 kit, and there is no one within a
4 hour drive that sells Pentax (Rochester NY).
So, I will be buying off the internet, obviously. I am looking for a
decent price, but I'm not sure I want to risk one of the deep-discount
retailers.
Are there any retailers that are heads above the competition when it
comes to service and speedy shipping?
(I'm thinking like Zappos is for shoes... not the cheapest, but a dream
to work with)
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
04-16-2009, 07:49 PM
|
| |
I agree. The pictures arn't half bad either ;)
|
|
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-04-2009, 11:50 AM
|
| |
Ah ha!
Thanks for pointing that out :)
|
|
Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
04-03-2009, 10:22 AM
|
| |
The thread is locked, and I haven't seen a "winners" thread...
Did I miss something?
[kurt] <--- hypocrite, who was 5 days late judging his own contest :)
|
|
Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
04-03-2009, 10:11 AM
|
| |
Alright, thanks to everyone who braved my weird theme!
Ok, the winner this time really jumped out at me: RebeccaMich "What a Wreck!!"
This is exactly what I was talking about. I mean, what is more ugly than
a car wreck? And yet, due to light and composition, it is turned into a
thing of beauty. At first, it seemed almost abstract- a study of color, with
references to stained glass and spider webs... And then I realized what
it is a picture of, and I smiled. It's clever, and interesting, and is a quiet
statement of the value of finding beauty in the most disturbing places.
Runner up is: monochrome " A Nasty Habit"
I like this photo as well, not because is a pretty per se, but because the
subject is both commonplace and unpleasant, and the photo manages
to make it both interesting and with a strong, almost vocal statement.
Great lighting and composition, and the thing that really put the picture
over the interesting edge for me was the shadowy reflection of a figures
head in the ashtray- it reminds us that someone is sanding, staring as this
ashtray contemplating the same things we are. It helps connect me to the
photograph.
Thanks everyone, and I look forward to the next contest!!!
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
03-01-2009, 08:00 PM
|
| |
Welcome to P&S contest #17. Standard rules for this contest are as follows:
Rules of entry
1. ANY camera other than a slr/dslr is eligible.
2. Entries will end on Sunday March 29th 6 pm EST time.
3. Maximum image dimensions are 800 X 800 pixels.
4. List camera BRAND, MODEL, and TITLE (if desired) with entry
5. The theme is "....and now for something completely different"
6. Maximum of 3 photos per photographer.
7. Post processing is fine.
8. Winner will set up and judge next contest.
9: Have as much fun as allowed by law in your local area.
This is an anti-cliche contest. Yes, we all know flowers are pretty and babies
are cute and sunsets are orange. Now let's show each other something new.
The idea is show us a photograph of something you have reason to believe
is a subject that has never been photographed before, at least to your
knowledge. This, being in all likelihood a shear statistical impossibility, is not
a hard and fast rule, just a general inspiration.
The kind of photo people look at and think.... huh, I never would have thought
to take a picture of THAT.
Extra points for subjects that "should" be boring or ugly, but yet somehow
are interesting and pleasing to the eye because of your mad photographic
skills.
and finally...
Rule #10: If you don't have a photograph that fits, get out there and shoot one!
|
|
Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
03-01-2009, 05:49 PM
|
| |
Hey, thanks! :D
Does this mean I get to pick the next theme?
[kurt]
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
03-01-2009, 05:41 PM
|
| |
I love how the camera dosn't even EXIST yet, and yet we already know what kind
of IQ it has.
:confused:
|
