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Forum: Photographic Technique
02-17-2008, 06:40 PM
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Well, I practiced on my daughters fish tank and I am not having any luck. I put on my 18-55mm lens and tried it different ways. I put the light on in the tank and the light off in the room. I put the tank light on and the light in the room on. No matter what I did or what settings I used, the camera wanted me to use a flash. I used the Tv priority setting and tried to adjust it with the dial thing and the numbers kept flashing, which from what I understand means the photo will be blown out. Sometimes I could see the big rock clearly, but the fish were an orange blur. I tried using the metering and nothing helped. I can take a great photo of her tank with the flash on, but like we said before, the fish don't like that, and I'm sure I'll get kicked out of the aquarium if I used a flash. I realize the lighting in the aquarium will be different than in my daughters bedroom, but I still think my camera is going to not let me take a photo without a flash. I changed scenes----museum scene, candlelight scene----Auto pict, manual focus, you name it, I tried it. No matter what F stop the camera shows, it keeps flashing and the flash sign stays on. Anyone have any ideas? I bought this camera so I could use it in a variety of settings, including my daughters dance competitions and recitals where I can't use a flash. If I can't even use it in my daughters bedroom with her overhead light on without a flash, how am I going to use it at the aquarium or an auditorium?-----HELP! Thanks!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
02-17-2008, 04:04 PM
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From what I read on the aquarium's website, there is flash permitted in some parts, but not in others. I know my daughter's goldfish don't like the flash and she gets real annoyed with me when I try to take their photo and use the flash. Is there are a certain setting I should use? I have all those "museum, kids, dogs. candelight, fireworks. etc. but should I use those? Should I use manual focus and use the metering thing? ( I am trying to figure out how to work that). Thanks!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
02-17-2008, 02:14 PM
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We're going to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta really soon and, still being really new at this DLSR stuff, am curious what I should be doing with the camera taking photos of the sharks, whale sharks, etc. Flash is allowed in some areas and not in others. I won't have a lot of time to get the same shot over and over again until I get it right because, for one thing, fish move, and two, people around me will get annoyed that I am not moving on. I don't want the flash to reflect off the glass of the aquariums. I have a 70-300mm lens, a 50mm 1.4 lens and an 18-55mm lens (the kit lens) Any suggestions? Thanks!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
12-18-2007, 05:47 PM
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Hi----I am really, really new to DSLR as well and don't understand most of the terms used here. I bought my K100D Super to take photos of my daughter at dance recitals (no flash) and my son at nighttime football games. For the night football games, I have a Sigma 70-300mm lens (under $150). I stood near the sidelines (on the other side of the fence!) and got some really good photos. I also used this lens recently when some F15E fighter jets were practicing over our mountains recently and once I cropped the photos, the photos were amazing----not always crystal clear, but keep in mind, these planes were just visible to the naked eye and flying really fast. This lens caught the plane flying and you can see their are two heads in the cockpit and a lot of detail, including the letters SJ on the tail. Back to the football---My son is the kicker, so when he plays, he is in the middle of the field. I got some really good photos of the guys on the sidelines and also some good ones of the game in play. I did set the ISO up to 1600 and with a little tweaking in the color from my Adobe photoshop starter edition, the photos are way better than what my point and shoot camera put out. I bought the 50mm F/1.4 lens for dance and hope that goes really well---competitions don't start until March. I was using the kit lens, the 18-55 mm lens today at school in the gym for a teachers vs the 5th graders in a volleyball game and got some really good photos. I put it on the sports setting and I think the ISO was 400. I hope some of this helps-----I can only speak for what I have used and so far I have been happy with the quality of the photos of the 70-33mm lens and the 18-55mm lens. I am in no means a professional, so my eye doesn't pick up things that other people pick up in a photo. If it looks good to me, that's what I care about!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-10-2007, 01:00 PM
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Thanks----that was the problem!!!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-10-2007, 11:22 AM
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The camera (brand new K100D Super) was working fine with my 18-55 lens and then I changed to my Sigma 70-300mm lens and it won't work----on the screen on the top it says AV and it is flashing and it has two dash -- marks next to the letters AV. It won't let me take a picture----what is going on? I have the camera set on ISO 400 and it was on auto with autofocus and shake reduction. Any ideas? Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-07-2007, 04:27 AM
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Thanks---that helps a lot----I hate to go and waste my money on something I don't need.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-06-2007, 08:24 PM
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I also found a Sigma 17-35 mm f/2.8-4 EX DG Aspherical Super Wide Angle Zoom lens on Amazon for $189. What do you think of this one for dance recitals, Disney World, Camping trips, Christmas day. etc? Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-06-2007, 08:13 PM
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I saw a Tamron autofocus 28-105mm f.4-5.6 IF lens at Amazon for $139. I currently have these lenses----a 70-300mm lens, a 50mm 1.4 lens and the "kit" lens 18-55mm lens for my Pentax K100D super. What will this do that my current lenses don't do and is this lens worth getting? What will it do for dance recitals in really low light and no flash? I have been trying out my 18-55mm lens in low light and the photos are a bit blurred and red/yellow looking. I'm still playing around with different settings, so I know it has to be me, but just looking for some advice to see if this lens is worth spending the money on. Would it be good to take to Disney World as the only lens I take----I can zoom in closer with this lens than the kit lens. I don't want to take every lens I have and carry around a heavy bag. ----Thanks!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
11-27-2007, 04:23 AM
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Thanks everyone. I've tried to get a photo resized and being "technology challenged" as my 18 yr old so politely puts it, I figure I can't get one on here until hopefully my computer literate husband can help me. I did, however, find a teacher at the school where I work, that can help me. She has had a K1000 for a long time and she says when she is done with her graduate work this semester she can teach me some things. I am mostly a hands-on learner, so that will help me a lot. I also took more photos of the kids in front of the Christmas tree and they came out much better!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
11-24-2007, 07:09 PM
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How do I attach a photo to a posting here? Let's see if I get this right-----Okay, it won't let me---how do I resize a photo? Thanks!
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Forum: Photographic Technique
11-24-2007, 12:49 PM
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Okay----keep in mind I just moved from a P&S to a DSLR. I have the K100D Super. I took photos of my kids today for Christmas Card photos. Now, granted they don't have to look professional, it's just a Christmas Card, but I wanted them to look good. I used my 18-55mm lens to begin with and used the autofocus and everything else auto. We went to a local grist mill that is mostly shaded, but no matter where I placed the kids, the background is really bright and you can't see the blue in the sky. Two of my kids are really fair skinned and light hair---the other 2 have darker hair and a slightly darker complexion. The 2 fair skinned kids are kind of washed out in the photos, even using photoshop to enhance them. I turned the flash off, and that didn't help. Several of the photos look good enough for the card, but I really wanted something better this year since I have a new camera. What settings should I be changing and maybe I should photograph them later in the afternoon? We went about 1:00--would that matter? I tried to keep them in the shade, but the background across the water and everwhere else is very bright. Help!!!
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-24-2007, 05:53 AM
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Yes, I do want the lens cases. Right now they are sitting on a bookshelf with the camera. At least they are out of the way of the dogs and the kids for now, but I don't want them to sit around and collect dust! I'll try B & H. I didn't know you could order them based on lens length. Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-24-2007, 05:50 AM
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Thanks-----I will take both lenses and try both. My youngest will be happy to be my "test" subject and I can always use the 18-55 for the group and the 50mm for individuals. Once upon a time my only daughter (out of 4 kids) used to happily pose for the camera. ( I probably have a million pictures of her!) Now at age 11, she'll only do it when she's with a friend or she's in dance costume. Wish me luck!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-23-2007, 09:10 AM
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I have been playing around with my two new lenses, the 18-55mm Pentax and the 50mm f/1.4 Pentax lens. Still being really, really new to DSLR, I have a question. I am taking a group photo of all four of my kids tomorrow ( in mid-morning daylight, or mid-afternoon daylight) and I want to know which lens should I take. My kids will grow weary of me changing lenses and speeds and this and that. Their patience will grow thin before long. The kids range in sizes from 6'2'' to 4' 2". I would prefer to get some of our beautiful mountain background in the photo, but that is not a high priority. This picture will be used in our Christmas card, so it has to look good. It doesn't matter if it is a full body length photo or a from the waist up photo. I will play around with poses. What lens should I use and should I leave the camera on autofocus and let the camera do it's thing? Thanks for any advice!
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-20-2007, 04:22 AM
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I will have 3 new lenses soon (as soon as two are shipped!). How do I know which lens case to buy for them? I have a Sigma 70-300, a Pentax 50mm F/1.4 and the "kit" lens 18-55mm. I don't want them just sitting around the house and I don't have a camera bag yet (still searching, though). For some reason I still like the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack and the regular Versipack. I just wish I would see one in person and not just online. Thanks
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-19-2007, 04:29 AM
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I still haven't found the "right" bag for my K100D Super yet. I have had several suggestions for a Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack and a Domke F-5XB shoulder/belt bag. I know with the Maxpedition, I will have to put some foam in to protect the camera, but the bag looks like it will hold everything I am looking to hold at Disney World, football games and dance recitals. I want it to hold the camera, at least 2 lenses, money, cell phone, keys, band-aids, medicines, and anything else a mom carries around. The Maxpedition looks big, though, but I like the fact that the Jumbo Versipack can carry a water bottle. Does anyone have either one of these bags and can give me an opinion on them? Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-17-2007, 05:40 PM
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I saw a deal on a Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX DG IF Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens. How good a lens is this? I saw mixed review on it, but I am a very amatuer photographer. Is it a good lens?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-17-2007, 05:41 AM
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Having the K100 D Super and only a Sigma 70-33mm lens, I can't take group photos or of anything close to me. I am getting the "kit" lens, the 18-55mm off of ebay. What can I expect to see when I look through it? Will I see everything that is in my range of view, like with a point and shoot? My daughter has a parade today and I am taking my Kodak----when they get closer to us, my zoom lens will not encompass all the dancers, only what the lens sees. The kodak will do well in the daylight, so it won't be too much of a problem, but it's a shame I was so mislead by Dell and had to go out and by my own kit lens. I wish I had the lens today--I wanted to see the comparison between what this camera can do using my photos taken of my daughters dance team from the parade last year. I couldn't even get a full-lenght shot of my daughter in her costume unless she stood way far away from me!---Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-13-2007, 03:46 PM
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I just bought my first lens off of ebay---the 18-55mm "kit" lens that was supposed to come with my K100D Super from Dell, but didn't. The seller advertised it as being almost new and had only used it on his camera a few times, otherwise he would have advertised it as new. He has a 100% rating, so I hope that stays true for me as well. The warranty papers and everything were included. He said he has a bunch of other lenses and didn't need this one. I have limited resources, so I hope this camera comes as new as it sounds. I'll let you know when I receive it!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-02-2007, 05:02 PM
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The miscommunication was strange-------on the computer it didn't say with kit lens or body only. So I called---at least 3 times and spoke to 3 different people and they all assured me it came with the lens. To make a long story short, I got the camera body 3 weeks before the lens. I called this week to make sure I was getting both lenses delivered this week. They guy told me that it was body only and had me go into their website and put a parts # in the site. Well, here pops up my camera and it says "body only", which it did not say when I ordered it and it does not say that on the paper I printed out with a confirmation of my order. He then told me too bad and I should remember that "Spanish Saying" Que sera sera (whatever will be, will be). Needless to say, I was not happy at all. To appease me he got a $50 credit authorized to me, which I have yet to have sent to me in an email which he promised me. Why would I have called them and talked to them on 3 different occasions to ask about the "kit" lens if they website had said "body only"? I could have bought it from Amazon, Circuit City or anyone else for around the same price with a lens. Now I have to buy another lens. I am looking into a good "walk around" camera, as I have heard people quote them as. The zoom lens worked great at the football game last night and I finally got some wonderful pics of my son kicking, but the lens was heavy and I know I don't need it for every day use.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-31-2007, 03:36 AM
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My son has his last football game this week----Thursday night at 7:00 p/m. My one and only lens, a 70-300mm lens will be arriving today or tomorrow. (if you read my previous post about the 18-50mm lens, you'll know why I only have one lens know). I know the photos won't come out perfect due to lighting at this time of night, however, I do want to try out the camera (since I have been waiting since Oct 12th for Dell to ship all of my stuff). Since this is the only lens I will have, is it possible to take semi-decent photos with it in the stadium lights while sitting in the stands?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-30-2007, 06:34 PM
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Well, supposedly my new Pentax K100D super came with the kit lens---18-55mm. I confirmed that several times with Dell before I placed my order. Long story short, it does not come with it and I only got the camera body. I also ordered the 70-300mm lens, which is arriving tomorrow. I am assuming, since I am very new to DSLR, that the 70-300mm lens is a lens I will not be using and carrying around all the time. To compensate for "miscommunications", Dell is giving me a $50 certificate to use. I found a Sigma 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 DC lens for $98 on their site. Right now, this is in my price range. Is this a good lens for everyday use? I am going to get the Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 lens for Christmas. Is there a better, or similiar lens I can get for around the same price, or is this lens just fine? I am not a serious photographer, just a mom who likes to take photos of my kids, dogs, vacation photos (we have trip to Disney World in the next several months), football photos and dance photos. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-23-2007, 05:20 PM
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Okay, so for lower light settings, I need a wide opening and for regular or bright light I need a smaller opening? What other times do I need a wide aperature and what other times do i need a smaller aperature?
When do I use a faster shutter speed? I am assuming that is for sports, kids and moving animals and a slower shutter speed for low light settings (to let more light in?)
Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-22-2007, 05:54 PM
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Thanks ARPE----wide open, shutter speed, aperature----all are a foreign language to me! I do understand the ISO, though! Where about are you located in New Zealand? My daughter was born there 11 years ago while our family was there on work/visitors permits. We haven't been there for 10 years. She was born in Takapuna/Auckland. We lived in Devonport for 2 years and really loved it. The people we met were wonderful and the scenery is amazing!
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