Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
03-20-2013, 06:22 AM
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I haven't had the opportunity to take many photographs with it, just playing with it around the house. Unfortunately the weather here in upstate NY isn't being
very cooperative. While the equipment may be weather resistant the user isn't. :D
Anyway, coming from the Kr and having also had the K100 & 200 I am very familiar with Pentax cameras and their menu and button system.
However the k30 is different and it will take me some time to get used to the layout and modes. This AM I was playing with it with the mode selection dial in M but the OV finder was showing TAV. I was scratching my head trying to figure out why, it wasn't till I'd just about run out of options that I thought of
checking the ISO setting and low and behold I had left it on Auto ISO while playing with it last night.:o
Probably the biggest adjustment; I will have is using the two E-Dials to adjust Aperture and ISO, I find myself wanting to press a button to
switch between them. That adjustment will come in time with use.
My impression of the K30 is that this camera may be used by a beginner but it is no beginners camera. By that I mean there is so much room to grow as
a photographer. If the user wants to invest the time to really learn how to use the camera and not just take snapshots then this is the camera to begin with.
This camera has advanced features that many manufacturer's save for their higher end cameras.
I am impressed by the solid feel of the cameras construction. I actually like the different textures and find the rubberized texture on the grip very reassuring in my hand.
I don't find myself squeezing it so much which allows me to hold the camera steadier than with the Kr.
The grip is much better than the Kr but not as good as either my K100 or K200. I don't mean it's bad I like like a beefier grip better. The height of the grip
is good considering it's lack of width. The grip is nothing like Canon and Nikon has on their entry and mid level camera's. Their grips are both low and not beefy (small)
and it's the main reason I won't purchase them. They just aren't comfortable in my hand.
While there are several substantial differences between the Kr and K30 like two E-dials, User modes, ability to save lens fine tuning adjustments, Horizon and
Vertical indicators, the one I am most excited about is the ability to make custom white balance adjustments and save them.
With the Kr you could do a custom white balance using a white card (like the K30) but in the K30 you can save additional user settings which was impossible with
the Kr. I'm also glad to see the display of Kelvin when adjusting WB.
I have no doubt that the photographs coming out of this camera will be stunning if the user can harness and use it's awesome capabilities. I look forward to the challenge
and will be showing some of those shots when the weather breaks.
I am again excited about photography and this camera is the reason. I just had to tell somebody and you all are that somebody. :)
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
03-01-2013, 01:45 PM
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Forum: Sold Items
05-01-2011, 06:08 AM
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John, a Sunday morning bump for you! Ron J.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-20-2010, 08:13 AM
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Would you please stop calling these places?
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
08-16-2010, 10:40 AM
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I'm finding that I'm becoming more picky about how comfortable a bag is to lug around over how much it will hold. One problem with the slingshot is that it's limited to one shoulder. If that shoulder gets tired oh well. Tough it out. The Kata 3n1 solves that as it can sling on either side or backpack. And if you want to go from one to the other, you can put it on as a sling, cross the other strap and buckle it to distribute the weight on both shoulders, then unstrap to have the convenience of a sling for access again. I really want to get one but need to wait until my budget frees up a bit :(.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
08-16-2010, 10:47 AM
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I've ended up with the Tamrac Velocity 10x, sling but I can pack either multiple DSLRs or my 645 or the 645 plus a DSLR. It does not have the fancy side access, and that is my main issue with it, but moving the dividers around inside to get at the equipment below seems to work.
If I were not fairly tall (over 6'3") I'd probably opt for one of the smaller versions, especially for the K-x, but the 10x fit my back just right as a sling with the waist strap in place. One other nit, it does not work well as a shoulder bag, as the pad will not move around on the strap to a point were it is comfortable. I'd buy a separate pad if I were to use it in that way. However, it is also quite large to carry under an arm any way.
I don't have a store nearby to try the Kata, but I like their waist packs. That might be a great option.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
08-16-2010, 10:58 AM
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Looking at photos of the lowepro 302 AW I can tell you the 3n1-30 is appreciably larger. It truly is backpack sized, but if you want something that will take everything you currently have with room to grow, it is going to have to be the 3n1-30. If you are considering a big lens like a 150-500, the 3n1-30 should be able to accommodate it attached to a body. For reference, when I had my 3n1-30 (have since returned to a backpack, sling didn't work for me), it could swallow the k20d with grip and 50-135mm with the hood extended.
The other positives of the 3n1 are dual straps so you can set it up to be slung over either shoulder, and if the weight gets to be too much, or you know you won't need quick access for the time being you can change it to backpack style. Finally, it is cheaper (though both can be had under $100 on ebay). Though I haven't owned a lowepro pack, from having looked at them in-store many times I would have to say the Kata bag has better overall build as well, the interior is quite modular, it is well padded and its also yellow inside making it easy to find everything.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
08-16-2010, 01:01 PM
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If you want a sling, you might also consider the LowePro Classified Slings, 100 and 200. They are designed better than the Slingshot series in my opinion. It is hard to beat the Kata 3N1 for its dual strap setup, however.
I think it is better to size a bag for what you normally carry, and add accessory lens cases for longer lenses when needed. Having a separate lens case for your large heavy lens means you can get the lens off of the bag to leave it somewhere when not needed, but still leave them protected. I think the 150-500mm will also come with a case that will work at no extra cost.
Thank you
Russell
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-19-2010, 01:45 PM
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That's a hard decision. The point is, I think, you are going to get the 77mm Ltd. anyway. So buying the Samyang does not seem to make much sense to me.
I would, in this situation, go for the 50/1.4 - even if it is a bit wide for close portraits. It will be very useful, even after you got the 77mm. Something which you can't say about the Samyang.
In the "worst" case, you could add a 1.4x tc to the 50 and would have app. a 70/2 with some added portrait-softness for free. If you get a good 1.4x tc, it will still be useful for other lenses in the future.
Ben
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-19-2010, 12:51 PM
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You'll probably have the most fun with the 85.
And yes--the write-ups on that lens are excellent. Optically, it's been rated as better than the Nikon.
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Forum: Site Suggestions and Help
05-05-2010, 10:40 PM
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PentaxForums.com Feature Tutorial #1 (Finding Threads) Over the course of the following weeks, I will be posting a small series of tutorial threads outlining the main features of our forum software here on PentaxForums.com. Many of these features have been tailored for exclusive use with our site, and as they are quite numerous, I'm not sure every member is aware of their existence. After reading these handy guides, you might just happen to rediscover our site! If this tutorial was helpful to you, please let me know by leaving a comment via the reputation system- just click the icon beside my username or the [Add to Reputation] link directly above this text! Viewing The Latest
Tip #1 - Log in when browsing the site rather than browsing as a guest! Only logged-in members have access to enhanced search and filtering features.
Tip #2 - Use RSS. We have a global forum RSS feed found at https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/external.php! In addition, each individual forum also has its individual feed, and you can also mix&match by combining the forum IDs the the external.php URL. For more individual RSS links, see our site map here: PentaxForums.com Site Map.
Tip #3 - Use the 'newest posts' and 'today's posts' features. This is the number one way of finding and posting in the threads want! In fact, this feature is so useful that links two it are found in not one, not two, but three places on every forum page, and also in the User CP. Refer to the screenshots on information how to access these features. Attachment 61530 Attachment 61531 Attachment 61532
Tip #4 - Use the 'unread threads', 'my threads', and 'my participated threads' features. Want to help answer unanswered questions? Remember posting in a thread, but lost the URL? Have no fear! These links will come to the rescue. They are found in the forum and search dropdowns, respectively, and pictured above.
Tip #5 - Subscribe to your favorite threads. Want to get email notices about your threads, or have a centralized place to track them? Simply click the green check mark at the top of each thread. You will then be able to choose how you'd like to be notified of updated to the thread. You can also opt to auto-subscribe to all threads in which you've posted- see your options page (second panel) for that.
To view a listing of subscribed threads (or forums, which can be subscribed to from the forum tools dropdown pictured in the next post), visit your user CP (link pictured above). Attachment 61533 Attachment 61534 |