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Forum: General Photography
05-12-2015, 06:16 PM
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Just a couple of days ago, one of my good friend and favorite model sent me a screen grab of a photo she found online and asked me if we could do the same.
Fair enough, took a couple minutes to figure out the lighting and the camera settings and then it hit me... The picture seemed familiar.
Fired up Aperture, browsed to her photo album and bam, although not identical, we already did a very similar photoshoot about a year ago.
I asked her to check on her phone and see if I did include a specific pictures looking just about the same as the one she wanted when I gave her the final images. And there it was. Less than a year and already forgotten.
The photoshoot in question lasted about 3 hours, a bunch of "wardrobe" changes and a lot of fiddling around with the strobes and the poses (it was a risqué theme and we didn't want to show too much). Once this was done, we ended up with about 400 photos out of which we got 50ish keepers. She selected about 20 that she really like (including the picture mentioned above) and I went full glamour, front page of Elle retouching, removing stray hair and odd eyelashes and the such and making sure I nailed the WB and the skin tones, tweaked the exposure and adjust everything to perfection, the whole nine yards. For a total of I'd say 15 hours.
But now I wonder. Why do I even bother? Photoshoots aren't what they used to be, now with digital it has become so cheap and easy it almost feels like the whole thing has lost a bit of its meaning.
Luckily I enjoy taking photographs, there isn't a single day I don't take at least one photo, not always keepers but it keeps me busy. And photoshoots are fun, we always have a blast. I wonder if for some people having their photos taken is more about the shoot itself rather than getting the images at the end?
Anyway, I though I'd share this little story after I stumbled upon this picture on the interwebz, it's kind of true... I'm not quite sure if it's funny or sad however? ;)
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Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
05-04-2015, 08:13 AM
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My tripod is a 3 Legged Thing Eddie. It is a compact travel tripod but it is no way compact at ~1.5kg (3.3lbs) and folded height of 42.5cm (16.75") and it has a pretty big girth. I'm sure that this manfrotto is smaller so it shouldn't be an issue.
Like anything, just don't be an idiot... Like having it dangling and unfolding and falling all over the place. Make sure it is secure and no one will care if it's there or not.
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Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
05-04-2015, 07:24 AM
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I always travel with a tripod strapped to my carry on / camera bag. Mind you it is fairly compact and I usually remove the ball head. But I never had any issues anywhere.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
05-02-2015, 03:23 PM
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AF Adjustments are only for Phase Detect focussing (Viewfinder) not Contrast Detect (Liveview). If you use liveview, no corrections are applied since focus is achieved using the actual image sensor and not the PDAF system. If your images are out of focus when focused in LV, the focussing system is probably not to blame. SR, technique and slow shutter speed are more than likely the culprits.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-11-2015, 07:05 AM
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See, I had a K-r and a K-5 and a K-3. And yes, the K-3 generates much better quality images than the K-r (and even the K-5). But I honestly didn't mind using any camera and I had no true preference when used for casual shooting. And aside from the lack of a front wheel, the K-r was just fine. And I loved how light it was, I could hold that thing for days. However on studio work or "paid" shoots or macro stuff, it was K-3/K-5 all the way.
I always found the K-3 to be less "forgiving" than the other two, I'm assuming it's also the case with the K-5iis. I fell like I have to be more careful with it in order to get "the shot", I blame the increased resolution, it makes my mistakes easier to spot ;)
One major thing though is it looks like the OP is using the defaults settings on the camera and if I'm not mistaken the defaults settings are crap (on the K-5 and K-3 they were). JPEG only, boring color profile, auto WB, auto ISO 200-6400, most correction systems ON (highlights, shadows, lens...)
So I am guessing that when used as a P&S, the higher end cameras may not be optimum. Because as it was mentioned, the K5iis will blow the K-x out of the water, better AF, noise, resolution, sensor, burst rate, greater bit depth, faster max shutter, lower native ISO.
It may be a case of getting used to working with it and go through the manual and understand the whack of new options and settings found on the new higher end body. Because, in no way it is hard to turn NR OFF on the K-3
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Forum: Photographic Technique
03-10-2015, 05:31 AM
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One important thing regarding this is that the author of the book is talking about developing a negative, not the capture of an image. You will get the best dynamic range (and therefore best contrast) with a properly exposed image.
What the author is doing is dodge and burn (as it was mentioned by derekkite), creating more contrast out of an already captured image.
What you are doing is shifting exposure... Let say you start with 14 stops of dynamic range in your original image, you push it towards the dark in post processing (-1)... you still have 14 stops of DR but the top most 1 stop is pretty much only padding (white) and your darks are one stop lighter... so in your process, not only did you introduce white, you also got rid of blacks and lighten up your shadows... losing about 2 stops of dynamic range (and contrast) in the process
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
03-07-2015, 08:13 AM
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I got the email a few days ago and I pulled out my spare macbook and downloaded the beta almost right away to see what Photos looked like and what it was all about. So after using it for a few days, I have only one though...
Ugh...
I have apps on my phone that gives me more control over my pictures. Editing controls are fewer than Aperture and extremely limited, and as far as I can tell, it has no support for external plugins. And no localized controls (brushes)... like at all?
Photos is not an alternative or the "new" App to replace Aperture, that's for sure. It is a dumbed down version of iPhoto at best. Granted, the automatic adjustments are impressive but it is clearly aimed at beginners, amateurs, and enthusiasts who normally don't process their images much. Why did they bother with adjustments at all I often asked? Why not put a single "Make Picture Better" button?
Good thing Aperture will still run, for a while at least. But it is now a dead end program, with no future. Since the announcement last year I have been playing around with Capture One and Lightroom to see which one I might end up using but until a few days ago, I remained hopeful that Apple would not drop the ball with Photos and included an "advanced" mode. But after a few days working with it, after clicking every single pixel within the App in the hopes of finding a hidden button, I have to accept that this magical button is nowhere to be found.
Here is a screen shot, showing ALL the adjustments available...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-04-2015, 06:39 PM
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Feel free to correct me if I am wrong but I as far as I understand it, the autofocus system works in a different way than you seem to think.
The system is more like:
(AF system) Hey lens, you're out of whack, according to my calculation, you should move forward. And you're way off so make it quick
(Lens) Roger that, forward full speed.
(AF) Slow down you're getting there.
(Lens) slowing down.
(AF) OK STOP!!!
(Lens) Done! According to what I can measure, I think I am currently at about 4.6m from the target, just so you know. Take your shot.
And not like this:
(AF) Lens, I command you to turn 135.456392 degree in clockwise rotation in order to achieve focus, this is 165 1/3 turns of the focus motor.
(Lens) Copy that, I'll let you know when I get there.
(Lens) I'm there, and write down in your report that the object in question is located exactly 4.653344 meters from us. Fire at will!
I don't think anything in the system is aware of the number of degree the focus ring moved in order to achieve focus. There is no way for the focus motor to know how many turns are required to get from close to far focus (screw drive doesn't know for sure, SDM/DC only maybe, but why bother adding this since it's not required). PDAF knows when stuff is in focus or not and by how much to a certain extent but it won't know how long it will need to ask the lens to turn in order to maintain a proper focus for stacking. A 90 degree focus throw lens might require the screwdrive to turn 100 times where a 230 degree one will require 600 turns... and another 230 degree one only requires 60 turns of the screwdrive... and then there is the gearing inside the lens, and quickshift and lens variation and temperature variation. And what if your lens had to be adjusted?
Simple in theory, not so simple in practice.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-02-2014, 04:18 PM
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I kind of keep it simple:
U1 = Program mode, SEL1 (usually center focus point), AF-S, Spot metering, Shutter set to normal, SR is on, Auto WB. This one is for general use, my "auto" mode if you like
U2 = Shutter Priority, SEL2 (center 9) auto focus, AF-C, Multi-Segment metering, Shutter set to burst (med), SR is on, Auto WB. This is for a quick setup when I need to photograph moving stuff in a hurry
U3 = Aperture Priority, SEL1, AF-S, Multi-Segment metering, Shutter set to remote, ISO set to 100, SR is off, Auto WB. This is for when I plan on doing landscapes or longer exposure stuff, always using a tripod
As much as I hate the new way of selecting AF mode and metering mode, it is very handy to be able to program them to user mode.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-15-2014, 11:48 AM
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I can't believe I read all 6 pages of comments... Well, since the OP directly referred one of my threads I felt compelled to read through...
And regarding my "rant" and "anti-video" thread, I do not have an aversion for video, I find it useless and of no interest on my DSLR, I think it is a bit of a gimmick for marketing people and I also think that most people with DSLR would better be served with a smartphone for shooting casual video. There are some people who wants better controls and shallower DOF and the option to use great glasses to make video and it is legitimate use of a camera with an APSC sensor.
However, I DO have an aversion regarding the video switch on the K3, for the exact reason nornhead stated, missed shot. It is especially true when I'm out shooting with both the K-5 and the K-3.
Put video mode back on the mode dial and give all the video people what they want, SR, better codecs and all the features they wish for. As long as it doesn't get in the way of the still shooter.
I just don't get why it is imperative to have an instant ON video mode? Surely when shooting video, you would like to fiddle with the camera settings and tweak a few things... If you need an instant ON, record video right now, no matter what, there are better options. If you need a tool to make motion picture quality video with great lightning and well composed and thought of shots, I'm sure rotating a dial on top a few clicks isn't much of an issue. Most "new" features (dedicated video button, SR, AF...) are not to make the DSLR more on par with pro-camcorder and motion picture camera, they are features to make the DSLR on par with smartphones.
I never (or very rarely) use burst mode and you will not hear me rant about it. Until they stick a machine gun mode button right where the exposure comp button (or ISO) is...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-09-2014, 01:24 PM
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Prime example of a video (highly) capable camera done right. The NX1 will more than likely turn out to be quite the beast. On paper it looks very impressive and as far as I can see, everything is well thought of. But it's a mirrorless, much more inline with video than an SLR.
I can't really see another camera with this kind of specs coming from Pentax, or even Canikon. Samsung is in a very good position to offer that kind of system, being world class in most of what they need... with a good sensor business, a great CPU business, a decent imaging department, a highly tuned chip manufacturing business and a whole lot of experience coming from their smartphone department (AF system, tracking, NR, correction...). Their only "weakness" would be their optical team but so far, their lenses were good.
The only other company that can give them a run for their money would be Sony... But Sony is Sony, they still try to push their re-package SD.. euh sorry, their MemoryStick and I'm sure they believe that they will come up with a compression system which will give better results than RAW video or everyone else Codecs... Remember ATRAC on their MD?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-09-2014, 08:12 AM
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Longer focal length will have a bit more compression, making it look like everything is at the same distance... which can be what you are after. Normal*ish lenses (35-77) will be more realistic and wide angle will give you a different look.
But as you can see, everyone has their preferences... It all comes down to you. I bought the 10-20 specifically for a trip, knowing I was going to shoot mostly mountains. When I got back, going thru my photos I realized that almost half of them where shot with the 50-135.
So best lens is... anything from 10mm to 600mm :P
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-09-2014, 08:05 AM
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As stupid as it sound, it's probably it... this guy will more than likely have more shots of the artist looking at him (albeit with a WTF is that red thing look on his face)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-09-2014, 08:00 AM
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I was not trying to make a point. I was merely trying to see if I was the only one who bought a Pentax and couldn't care less if it shot video or not... Isn't this a discussion forum? On the K-3 video mode is more present than on the previous cameras. On the K-S1 even more so. Pentax always looses point on reviews because of video and honestly, you can still make very good videos with it (as you can see often posted here). Granted many people want to take videos and it is a nice feature to have... But what was wrong with having the video mode on the mode dial, along with all the other modes?
The sensor and the chipset allow for video recording but someone still has to program the feature... It's not like it comes with a bunch of toggle switches pre-made... A programmer has to program it. And last time I checker, programmers do get paid. And as opposed to still which has been sorted out decades ago, video is evolving rapidly, new codecs, new frame rate, new resolution. But that is not the point.
I would not got out of my way to buy a camera that doesn't do video just because it doesn't do it. I will however buy a camera because I like using it, because it has great ergonomics. Given two identical cameras, let's says a K-3H (for hipster, with no video) and a K-3V (for video)... I would buy the K-3H... I'm no hipster (it's probably the last name by which people would describe me), I do not want to go against the grain and I would not do it to be ironic... I don't shot video, it's a feature I do not need.
With the K-3, we now have a direct video mode switch (and video people still complained, they want a button)... It came at the cost of re-working the focus select system... Which is good and bad, it's nice to now have it assignable to different user programs but it is very awkward to use having to operate a button and a wheel to change it, where before, without even looking you could simply toggle the switch with your thumb. So now with my still camera I have to either change the mode dial to a program where I have the proper focus mode or do the button+wheel thingy, just so the video mode is not on the mode dial?!
I bought a DLSR to take photos, stuff for which it was originally designed for. It's cool that the thing can record video too, it does open up a bit of a new market, but as a photographer I would not buy a camcorder that can take stills, no matter how good it is a doing it... But we all know that this is where the market is heading, more features, more stuff, more video, all-in-one magical box of amazement. But I for one, only want to take photos...
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-08-2014, 06:06 PM
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True. But for the sake of discussion, it's always nice to have a few more opinions ;)
The thread title should have been "Who here wouldn't mind if the video mode was less present of their DSLR" but I felt it was too boring
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-08-2014, 05:08 PM
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Kinda depends on what you are looking for...
I like my 10-20 a lot because of the fisheye'ish look. And the 50-135 for more distant mountains and a 35 when either the 10-20 or 50-135 would do the job...
A few examples. First is the Sigma 10-20mm at 10mm. Second same lens at 20mm, third is with a Sigma 35mm and the last with a Pentax DA* 50-135mm shot at 135mm
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-07-2014, 08:29 PM
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You know what, the opposite buttons around the mount are indeed screaming OM...
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-07-2014, 08:21 PM
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The lack of locking slot made me think of OM first but the bayonet is different and the aperture lever is more like a K or nikon one, although in the wrong spot.
It's an odd one for sure. Has some feature of K, OM and nikon.
Osawa used to label the mount type right on the mount itself... maybe this one is too old?!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-07-2014, 08:05 PM
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Looks more like a Nikon AI but not quite it either... Very puzzling.
Actually it is very similar to a Nikon Non-AI mount.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-07-2014, 02:03 PM
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I thought that this was the idea right from the beginning...
Because, trust me I don't need a crappy lens to take bad pictures
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-06-2014, 06:44 PM
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-06-2014, 06:41 PM
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My first thought was a K-30 but I have doubts. I'll try to get a screen grab
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-06-2014, 05:48 PM
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Angela, taking crime scene photos... complete with ring flash and all.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-06-2014, 05:46 PM
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This was taken with a Takumar 80-200 f/4.5. I was never a great lens even when originally bought a few decades ago. It has fungus and sand made it's way into it... making a nice grinding sound when zooming it. It has nothing for it. At the moment, I think it is my worst lens (tie with the Tamron 28-200LD)
But it does have a nice character.
Being an M lens it doesn't record aperture settings but my guess is that it was wide open.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-06-2014, 05:25 PM
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Not sure where to post since it's kind of silly...
I was watching the TV show Bones and in this week (or last week... the last one on the DVR...) one of the character is using a white (stromtrooper) K-30 or K-50.
I was so excited I had to pause and rewind to make sure.
I'm glad to see a Pentax on TV, even if the name is taped up...
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