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Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-17-2017, 04:10 AM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thank you. I'm quite familiar with using flash (on and off the camera - see examples), but my problem was that u shot in the exact location where I was using the same settings but had ISO at 100 and getting correctly (or just slightly under) exposed images so didn't think I'd need my flash.
And what I need is something that is sharp and clean in low light situations where flash is not appropriate.
It seems my k5 struggles when I hit ISO800 and f2.8 is soft - unless it's like you said and the focus is out.
Thanks :)
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-16-2017, 10:01 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Yeah, it's very interesting.
The first shot was on Auto, and I've rest all of my camera settings, so you'd think it would be exposing correctly.

For image 4, I left it in TAv as someone recently suggested and used the settings I would probably use in an indoor situation (like my upcoming friend's wedding), and just let the camera choose the most appropriate ISO setting to ensure correct exposure.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-16-2017, 08:53 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Image 1: (Auto)


Image 2: (Manual)


Image 3: (TAv)


Image 4: (TAv)
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-16-2017, 03:25 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
OK, how's this test.

All shot using a tripod.
Also used a shutter trigger to avoid movement.
Focus set on Tinkerbell sticker on vase.
All exposed according to meter on camera top.
Auto, Manual and 2 TAv images.

Image 1:
AUTO
ISO3200 F2.8 SS1/60
Full and cropped image.



Image 2:
MANUAL
Exact same settings as above. (ISO3200 F2.8 SS1/60)



Image 3:
TAv
F3.2 SS1/125 ISO3200



Image 4:
TAv
F2.8 SS1/160 ISO3200

Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-15-2017, 09:53 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thanks Automorphism,
I'll try it out and compare my results.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-15-2017, 07:56 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
And these were taken on my Tamron - 28-75

Both shot at:
F3.2
SS 1/160
with 1 off-camera flash.

ISO for this one was 400. (SOOC {shot as RAW, exported as JPEG} and the edited version).
Was aiming for a 'moody' image. Slightly underexposed though. Edited version appears to have more noise, I didn't do any noise reduction during editing though.



Iso for this one was 800. (SOOC {shot as RAW, exported as JPEG} and the edited version.)
Again underexposed. I know I can do better given opportunities to correctly pose and light sufficiently, but for some wedding receptions and indoor events I can't always use my off-camera flash. And slowing my SS, opening my aperture and bumping up my ISO usually results in either blurred images (from SS being too low), out of focus (from wide aperture and movement) and lots of noise/lack of detail (from high ISO.)




I know I can do better given opportunities to correctly pose and light sufficiently, but for some wedding receptions and indoor events I can't always use my off-camera flash. And slowing my SS, opening my aperture and bumping up my ISO usually results in either blurred images (from SS being too low), out of focus (from wide aperture and movement) and lots of noise/lack of detail (from high ISO.)

Another question, how exactly does exposure compensation work if you're shooting in M? I didn't think you could set exposure compensation if you are shooting in M.
I'd always thought it was better to shoot at a lower ISO and brighten in editing rather than correctly expose (by raising your ISO only) and risk getting noisy images.
But then I see photos like Brooke's with settings like:
ISO3200
f4
1/320
shot with the K5
and they look beautifully sharp and smooth, so I know it must be possible :)

---------- Post added 07-16-17 at 12:57 PM ----------



OK, thanks.

---------- Post added 07-16-17 at 01:28 PM ----------

One last comparison...
This photo was taken in the EXACT same spot as the 1st file I shared.
Both taken on my Tamron 70-200mm

Both shot at:
F2.8
1/160

This was at 4:58pm in Spring with an ISO of 200.


This one was taken at 4:20pm in Winter with an ISO of 800.


The only difference was seasons (I know winter is darker, so I bumped up my ISO) but given I'd photographed here before without need of flash, I thought I could just bump up my ISO and produce similar results.
Also I did get the older girl to tilt her head up to get better lighting in some of the other photos.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-15-2017, 07:26 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thanks Winder,
No, I haven't tried NIK, Define 2 or DxO - but I'll add them to my growing list of things to check out/do.
And yes, I often shoot wider than F/5.6 so that's helpful to know about the K5 AF in low light.
Thanks again.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-15-2017, 07:04 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
The K10D was the first Pentax camera I owned :)

I guess I need to figure out how to get clean, sharp images in low light. I'm fairly confident with off-camera lighting, but for certain events I simply can't use off-camera flash in all situations.

I know this isn't technically great, but I know I can achieve sharp(er) photos using flash (this was just one off to the left + a reflector).
ISO100
ss 1/160
f1.7
Pentax 50mm


My problem is low light and noise - and more importantly, nailing my focus.

---------- Post added 07-16-17 at 12:05 PM ----------



Oh, sorry, I mean as in untouched or edited. (Or does converting to JPEG count as being edited?)
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-15-2017, 06:49 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
I shoot in RAW, but export from LR as JPEG.

---------- Post added 07-16-17 at 11:54 AM ----------



Thanks Sandy,
Beautiful shots :) May I ask your shutter speed for these?

As for the ISO being too high, what else would you suggest? I couldn't lower my f-stop on that lens (2.8 is the widest). SS was 1/100 - can you still get sharp shots below 1/100 using a tripod when shooting people? According to my EV meter on top, that ISO with that SS and f-stop was exposed correctly.

I will try the things you have suggested and see how I go.
Thanks again.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-15-2017, 04:22 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
1. This balanced on the EV scale on my top screen.
2. Yes, handheld.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-15-2017, 02:39 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thank you very much everyone.
You've all given me some valuable feedback.
I'll make some changes, keep practising, and hopefully improve.
(I still want a K1 though 😆)

---------- Post added 07-16-17 at 08:03 AM ----------

Could I get some feedback on this, please?
I've reset all my custom settings. I adjusted my ISO, SS, and F-stop to try to match the exposure.
This is taken just now with my Tamron 28-75 2.8
Settings:
F2.8
ISO3200 (I don't think I've ever shot with my ISO this high)
SS 1/125

Personally, I don't think it looks as noisy as my ISO800's with +exposure compensation.
Does it look focused to you? I'm wondering if my I need this lens (and my others) calibrated?

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate your help.

Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 10:43 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Great idea Howieb :)
f1.4 could be lovely.

Srsly considering the KP with a lower aperture prime (I'll check out the reviews, but the Sigma 85m f1.4 sounds ideal) and possibly a long prime also...if it doesn't break the bank, hehe.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 09:59 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
OK, thank you Adam, I'll have a look at the KP.

I love the ISO comparison to the K3 and the k1. The K1 is beautifully sharp and clean, but the K3 does really, REALLY well (and about 1/2 the price).
Thank you.
Here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-kp-review/high-iso-performance.html
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 09:52 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thank you for your feedback - yes i think with the 1st image I shared the focus feel behind her, and with the 2nd image it was hard to nail focus as they were up on stage dancing and I couldn't open any wider, and at 1/100 sec there was too much movement. My only choice was to up the ISO, but as you can see it gets noisy.

I'm excited that I can keep my lenses with the K1, and that on Camera Decision, the K1 was the winner when compared to the Nikon d750 (which was the one I was considering swapping to.)

I may need to have my camera/lenses calibrated. Do you do that yourself, or go to a camera shop? Maybe I should search the forums so I'm in the right section.

Thanks again.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 09:26 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thanks Twilhelm,
I don't believe I've adjusted my exposure compensation? I shoot manual.

---------- Post added 07-15-17 at 02:35 PM ----------



Above is SOOC.
ISO1600
f2.8
1/100
75mm

Below is after a white balance and +1/3 exposure in lightroom.


---------- Post added 07-15-17 at 02:37 PM ----------



Thank you Loveisageless. The 200mm 2.8 sounds nice...I'll bet it's expensive :D (probably cheaper than switching systems though!)
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 09:14 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Beautiful shot Brooke :)
Thank you for your input.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 09:11 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
I feel that if I go below 1/160 with kids it's really hard to avoid movement. I was at 200mm with this lens, so at that distance the built-in flash would've been useless. I have shot in this location a few times before and the ambient light has been fine (only need ISO400 max).
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 09:03 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thanks Jatrax,
I didn't use any flash for this at all. I'd probably take my soft box along with me if I'd thought I'd need it but I honestly thought there'd be enough ambient light :(
I've shot a few indoor events before and even with my Pentax 50m @1.8 and SS160 (sometimes even lower) it seems anything over ISO800 is just noisy and lacking in contrast and detail. (And I can get a brighter photo using my iPhone without a flash in these conditions)



This is actually VERY helpful.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 08:38 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Thank you Clackers,
I have been using the Pentax system since 2011, and taken a few online courses, however there's always room to learn more :)


Here is an example. The sun was still up (no cloud coverage). It was about 4pm, Eastern Australia.
This is shot at 1/160 f2.8 ISO800
SOOC:


Exposure increased:


And zoomed in:


Does this look average would you say for those settings? I know I can always lighten the images in editing, but the loss of detail and noise bothers me (and I know I can fix those - to a degree- but would be nice to be able to nail it in camera).
Thank you
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 08:12 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Oh, thank you Twilhelm, I didn't realise the crop lenses would work.
I had been researching the d750 and only just remembered that Pentax had a full frame model available now.
maybe I'm doing something wrong then because in low light all of my images are so dark :/
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 07-14-2017, 07:43 PM  
k1 or switch systems?
Posted By halonp
Replies: 55
Views: 4,947
Hi everyone,
I currently shoot with a K5.
I have the Pentax 50 1.7,
Tamron 28-70 2.8,
Tamron 70-200 2.8,
plus a few other shorter lenses I rarely use.
I mainly shoot portraits (generally outdoors).

Unfortunately I find I get a lot of noise in my images. At sunset or shaded areas, I shoot wide open and with SS 1/160, I often need to bump my ISO over 800 - and I'm losing a lot of detail and getting a lot of noise. I have a friend's wedding at the end of the year which means more low light shooting.
A friend recommended the Nikon d750 (full frame), however that means selling all my current gear to upgrade.
The K1 looks really good, and reviews score it better than the d750, however I can't seem to see many compatible lenses for the K1.

Does anyone happen to know if there are any good portrait primes? Like 135 1.8 or something similar? I did a quick google search but I only found shorter lengths and I love the compression with longer lenses. Even a 70-200 would be good.

Are there any other crop sensor Pentax models which are brilliant in low light?

I really appreciate your help.
Thank you,
Kiah
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-02-2013, 03:26 PM  
K5 shutter not working properly
Posted By halonp
Replies: 7
Views: 1,316
I took it in to our local camera house store last week and explained the problem. The manager there told me it's because I didn't have my aperture ring 'locked in' and set to A. He asked if I always used it in Manual mode, because it's easier just to set it to automatic :/
Anyway, I left it with him to give the camera and the lens a clean. Used it again on the weekend and it's still doing the same thing - working fine, snapping away then all of a sudden it just freezes up! The shutter makes a sound like it's trying to close but the screen just goes slightly dim then opens up again??? I turned it off, removed the battery, then switched it back on again and it works for a while before doing it again. It's really annoying, especially when you miss the moment you're trying to photograph!
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-19-2013, 02:44 PM  
K5 shutter not working properly
Posted By halonp
Replies: 7
Views: 1,316
No, the battery was fully charged, I didn't try to take it out. The memory card still had plenty of space left on it also.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 01-19-2013, 02:44 AM  
K5 shutter not working properly
Posted By halonp
Replies: 7
Views: 1,316
Today I was photographing at a friends party with my K5 and tamron 28-75 lens. Suddenly after half pressing the shutter and focusing, then fully pressing the button the shutter just wouldn't work. Nothing happened. I changed lens to my pentax 70mm and it still did the same thing. I tried many, many times - focusing first, locking focus on the subject then trying to take the photo with no luck. Finally I gave it to my husband who removed the lens and flicked the mirror in the camera body and voila! Fixed!
Anybody experienced this before? Or know what may have caused it?
Thanks
Forum: Sold Items 10-05-2012, 02:37 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax flash AF 360 FGZ
Posted By halonp
Replies: 5
Views: 1,917
Would you post to Australia?
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