Optimum settings for K3

I see it like this ... Settings are there to be changed! In other words, they are there to increase the flexibility and versatility of the camera. The more settings options the more versatile the camera. So by logic and definition there is no single set of ' optimum' settings.

The best thing is to break each feature down into its key purpose and effect, decide how it could influence different styles of photography, eg action, or night time long exposure with flash. The best camera is that which offers quick and easy access to the key image influencing settings while actively shooting so that the changes don't slow you down.

For me, the best knowledge is about the choices and practical applications of the options ... Maybe its best to ask specific questions and discuss particular setting choices and we can all learn about how they can influence or images for the better. Was there a particular setting you noticed and were wondering about?

Hi Paul, optimum settings? Could you expand a little are you talking about specifics in relation to ISO, Aperture, White balance, Shutter Speeds etc, or is your question purely about JPEG settings?

I guess it really depends on what you are photographing, the lenses you use and the lighting conditions but I hope the of;;owing is of some use?

You could set up some of the custom user settings for specific types of photography, say, Landscape and portraits, you would then be able to recall the settings you made for each style and type of image you were taking in terms of focus and metering and other variables, such as shake reduction, AA filter modes etc.

Without teaching you to suck eggs, remember some of the presets will only take effect in JPEG and not RAW.

This link maybe of use, its for a K5 but it may answer a few questions you have not asked so far?

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-best-optimal-custom-image-colour.html

I am sure some other members will give you some other guidance

Regards

Fletcher8

As above, 'optimum' settings will be different for everybody and for different situations.

Most of the time the camera's default settings are fine to start with.

But maybe these are a good starting point.
http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-k-3-review/recommended-settings.html

Custom settings are where it can get rather interesting ... Things like ' link ae to active af point' (where the exposure will be further biased towards the in focus areas ... Good for portraits?), or ' the some of the white balance refinements such as the tungsten options to retain more yellow/orange tones (good for candle-lit faces, or indoor wood burners?) Well, the choices are there, and those examples are just from the K7 I can only imagine how many more there must be oh the k3! ... Steady on Nigel, don't get too excited now

I can imagine that the new autofocus options, point arrays for example, will offer plenty for discussion ... Then again, with of the bread and butter stuff ( focus, metering, exposure settings) there will be those who say keep it simple ... Centre point, centre-weighted, Av mode ... That's fine of course, but the new tools and aids are there to be explored ... The key thing is to do so and think and their impact on real world photos.