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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
12-07-2010, 03:59 AM
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I actually did use an external mic w/deadcat, it was VERY windy out.
I would have redone it (especially due to snow) but it was 2 days before Halloween and I wanted it done.
And yeah, I'm a little sick of these motion photography, bokeh-riffic videos. they look nice, but they are a dime a dozen and frankly, other than for gathering stock footage, a waste of the camera's video ability.
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
12-05-2010, 02:12 AM
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I leave IS on while doing video. The only time you might want to turn it off is on a tripod (in the right situation the IS can do weird things when the camera is perfectly still)
Without IS, handheld is quite shaky, like a cheap flip camcorder. With it, the difference is night and day, footage is so stable.
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
12-04-2010, 04:42 PM
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The primary issue with the K-x specifically is that there are no manual video controls of any sort.
Other than that, it has all the other disadvantages of any other 720p HDSLR (no autofocus, aliasing/moire, rolling shutter) Which I consider a acceptable tradeoff for the advantages (smallish form factor, changeable lenses, good light sensitivity, DOF control)
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
12-04-2010, 04:38 PM
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It's not "true" 1080, I just scaled the 1024 footage by 25%
My reasoning is that while it's still not truly 1080, it's still retaining more pixel information than 720. I haven't had any problems with it, and I suppose it would look good on any display someone would have on their computer.
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
12-03-2010, 09:20 PM
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Hey, it's been awhile since halloween, but I figure you guys might like to see a video I made just before halloween with the K-7, a super takumar 50mm f1.4 and a nikon nikkor-h f3.5. Shot and edited in under a day total.
You Tube
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wecP-JjT9Y4?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-28-2010, 11:21 PM
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I would also keep in mind what you are going to be doing with the photos. If you're making large prints or some other application that would require a very large image, yes you need to worry about everything being sharp as a tack. But I dare say most shooters aren't going to be using their photos for large print applications. Other than maybe printing off an 8x10 for a family member, I tend to downscale my images under 4MP, usually closer to 2MP to show off. I can get away with a touch of softness Which is good because manual focusing can be hit and miss sometimes in poor lighting conditions.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
11-26-2010, 11:58 PM
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One major advantage the k-r has that I haven't seen anyone mention:
In-body image stabilization. On old lenses this is a godsend.
This is the #1 reason I chose Pentax over everyone else. I do video as well, but I have the k-7 which can have manual video control with a workaround. I do not know if the k-r has a similar workaround.
That being said, at the base level, the t2i is a superior video camera. 1080p24, 720p60, full manual control, etc. If you're serious about video that full manual control should be the pivotal point here. Unless the k-r has a workaround I don't know about.
Basically, if I had to choose between those two, I'd choose the k-r for mostly photography and maybe a short video clip or two. But for serious video, the t2i wins.
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
11-17-2010, 09:52 PM
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So, I'm looking to get my mom a new camera, hers is quite frankly, a POS. Suffers motion blur even in sunlight, horrendous shutter lag, noise, etc. I haven't looked at point and shoots for years so I have no idea.
Requirements:
I would like it to be less than $200. Refurb is ok.
Needs to be literally point and shoot. Like, she turns the camera on, points it, and presses the shutter. I know she's not going to like having to adjust any settings.
Most common use will be in moderately lit rooms, which is where the huge failing of her other camera comes in.
Would like it to run on AAs.
Pixel count doesn't matter. Doesn't need weatherproofing or anything like that.
Zoom lens not important. Her current camera has one of those pinhole lens setups.
I'm looking at the Pentax Optio E80. Doesn't have to be a pentax camera, but this one is under $100. Don't know much about it, so asking here.
Thanks.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-16-2010, 07:13 PM
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I run Pentax K-7 as my main and Sony NEX-3 as my backup.
Primary reason is that the Sony is small enough for me to shove in a coat pocket.
However, I plan to get a PK to E mount adapter and use my pentax lenses on the NEX (nearly all my lenses are old manual ones anyway) so other than the 16mm sony kit lens, I'm using the same mount on all my lenses anyway.
That could change if the rumors about a Pentax mirrorless camera turn out to be true.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-09-2010, 01:45 AM
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I don't know why people are beating up the k-7 or getting all pissy that the k-5 blows it out of the water. Pentax released a better camera. That's what camera companies do. People should be celebrating that it's a big leap and not a tiny step forward.
That said, I only got my K-7 at the beginning of May 2010, and I intend on keeping it for another generation. While I am being sorely tempted by the K-5 due to it's upgraded video mode and better high iso performance, I can't justify the cost anytime soon. My K-7 does everything I want it to do. I enjoy using it.
I've used a few different SLR's, and I've always liked photography, but the K-7 is the first camera I've owned that just.. clicked. It might be due to being a little more experienced when I got it, but when I picked up my k-7 for the first time, it was like I already knew how to use it, and it didn't feel like a toy in my hand (I upgraded to k-7 from a canon rebel- I have mostly m42 lenses)
If I do pick up a k-5, it'll either be because I suddenly get a bunch of extra money, or I find a k-5 cheap.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-31-2010, 04:47 PM
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The two ways to do it are to either break through ebay itself's security, or to run a 'bruteforce' program, which tries words to guess the passwords. Precisely why your password should never be a word or couple words put together. throw some random numbers and symbols in there.
I see this thing a lot, the three main signs are 1) the price is way too low 2) the text in the description is actually an image. this makes it harder for ebay to search and find these scam listings and 3) often they use any high rated account they can get their hands on, so sometimes you'll have the item listed on a page with totally different things. Like a camera being sold on a ebay page that deals with car parts or something.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-11-2010, 04:01 PM
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The grass is always greener on the other side.
I just switched from canon. On the canon side, people are complaining about all sorts of quality control issues. The 5d has focus issues and the AF points are all in the center. The 7d has noise issues, ghosting problems, and autofocus issues. Canon customer service is shrugging off complaints. People are accusing Canon of false advertising, some are even switching to Nikon, etc. I'm sure there are those in the Nikon pool as well with similar complaints.
I don't think there are any more (or less) issues with Pentax than there are with Canikon. I think they are just issues with the camera world in general, and it bounces back and forth between the manufacturers. I'm happy with my k-7. It's cheaper than the equivalent cameras from another brand. Sure, there are things I would like changed (the sensor for one) but I don't think I would be any more (or less) satisfied with another brand. The only major reason I see to go over to another brand is for full frame bodies, which at this time I don't really care about.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-10-2010, 10:09 PM
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Dead pixel = pixel that won't light up.
'hot' or 'stuck' pixel = a pixel that stays lit in a certain colour and won't change.
The way i test for stuck pixels: turn on live view, put camera at iso100. Point camera at something bright, lock exposure. put lens cap on, look at screen and snap a picture. If you see any obvious super bright spots of colour in the live view screen or in the photo, you have hot pixels.
Update your firmware and run pixel mapping. I had a bunch of stuck pixels in my new k-7, but then i updated the firmware and it was fine.
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
03-05-2010, 09:44 PM
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What's the firmware?
I just bought a K-7 a week ago, and it had a couple stuck red pixels, even after running pixel mapping. i was pissed.
Then i noticed the firmware is 1.00, so i updated it and ran the pixel mapping util again.
Problem solved, no more stuck pixels.
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
03-01-2010, 09:05 PM
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I do not own either cam, but I will give you my thoughts based on my reading:
Apparently the k-x has better high ISO with pictures, but the 550d has better high ISO with video.
The 550d has a mic jack, 1080p, and full manual video control.
Canon has many cheaper lenses, but Pentax is backwards compatible with all it's old lenses, and in camera shake reduction saves you the cost of buying IS lenses.
Both cameras perform admirably, even in low light. The 550d from what I hear is a better low light video performer, while the k-x is a better low light still performer.
If you're on a budget, K-X hands down. If not, and video is your PRIMARY concern, 550d is probably superior. Both will perform admirably with stills, although I lean towards the K-X, unless you need the extra megapixies for some reason.
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
02-23-2010, 03:10 AM
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I understand why 24p is popular, I just think it's overhyped and misunderstood.
I've seen many things that look very 'cinematic' that were recorded in 30p or even 60i. The frame rate is a very small part in what makes film look like film.
I have also seen things filmed on actual film that look like "home movies" as you say. Even though they record at the magical 24fps.
I recall when the canon GL1 came out, it had this wonderful frame mode that everyone raved about, saying it looked like film. Frame mode recorded in 30p.
while I will agree that 24p is probably better for narrative works, due to allowing slower shutter speeds, and I'd imagine it transfers to film prints easier, I do not agree that 30p/60i is "unprofessional" or "to be scoffed at" or no professional video camera would offer those modes anymore! And last I checked most still do, and 24p in video hardware is a fairly recent thing.
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Forum: Video Recording and Processing
02-22-2010, 09:12 PM
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I disagree. 30p/60i is still VERY much a professional video standard. Just about anything on (north american) TV will be one of those two. I still do everything in 29.97 (mainly because that's what my video hardware records at, but I don't bother processing it to 24p)
24p is a throwback to film, and IMO, people tend to use it like a crutch. It's used as a magic button more than a tool in the toolkit.
However, 24p is fine for most everything. 24 is what I consider "minimum acceptable frame rate" for video equipment. Just saying that 30p is just fine as well.
Oh BTW, Hi, I'm new here.
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