K-r ISO

HI all im very new to dslr's at the mo im still using the full auto mode but ive noticed that when taking pics indoors under fake light the iso shoots up to 3200 or higher and tends to get a little noisy can anyone recommend some settings for me to play with when taking pics indoors at night? thanks Jason

I have a k-x and found this helpful, as a first step.

Try setting the camera to Sv (Sensitivity Mode) this allows you to use the dial to set the ISO to different settings and then under similar lighting conditions to those that you are referring to try trial shots at different settings until you find one that gives the best balance of noise to other factors for your tastes.

It then gets more complex as different subjects will require different settings e.g. moving subjects need faster shutter speeds, but as first step to understanding the 'trade off's' between ISO, apeture and shutter for a new camera I found this helped.

It certainly showed the differences betwwen what our k-x (like k-r) could do acceptably to our K10D which is poor at higher ISO's.

Hi,

Don't use the often daft auto pict is the best advice. The fabulous camera you have bought and your photography deserve better.

Start with P Program mode (which will remember and therefore respect your ISO settings but give you mostly auto control). You can set a range or a specific speed by nudging the right ISO button.

Once you are experienced then consider the other semi auto modes of AV Aperture priority to control depth of field etc before the delights of full manual.

Most of all have fun!

I would turn off the auto ISO altogether, and stick in Av mode. Then manually set your ISO to something like ISO800. Set your aperture to f5.6 as an 'optimistic' starting point! If this results in shutter speeds less than 1/15, or which are too blurry, you can a) open up the aperture (to let more light in) by selecting a lower f-stop number, b) increase the ISO, and/or c) use a tripod.

Personally I think that any P or Auto mode is just putting off learning about apertures and shutter speeds. It's easy to pick up on digital as you can see the results straight away.

I use AV mode almost exclusively except where circumstances demand different. I set the ISO range to 200-500 and this copes with 90% of situations still leaving a decent shutter speed. The K-r will give decent results on higher ISO's, but in most situations they aren't needed.

Firesheps - it might seem to you like you have got 3 different answers to the same question but in essence all answers above are different methods of doing the same thing - finding a route that gives you control manual of the ISO to play with so that you can then find the range of levels that works for you.

Choose the one that you can understand / fits your level of knowledge & experince best and then if you feel like it try others as well.

Thanks again all for some great advice, this is my first slr im really enjoying playing with my kr i just wish i had a bit more knowledge about photography!

spend a couple of hours a week at your local college on a digital photography course, cost about £70-£90 for a term. start with beginners and carry on, you learn a lot not only the camera but also the post production, also the social side as well, a local group of like minded people.
Went down this route and start 5th term next week. kept going as you keep learning plus we have ended up as a group who can praise or criticise each other ,quite harshly sometimes, but no one takes offence as it is all part of the learning curve. also it makes you get out and use that expensive kit you have even when the doldrums set in and you can,t be bothered. you have a project to get in on time, or you have homework.
all in all i have found it a scource of learning, friendship and fun
i learnt more in the first 4 weeks (8hrs) about my camrea controls and the interaction between iso,apeture and shutter than the in the 3 months i had owned it prior to starting. put it off thinking you are going to look stupid but when you start everybody is in the same boat