pentax k-r Disappointed
Posted 08/07/2013 - 09:40
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I think P mode is rather undeservedly getting a bashing here. I don't think there is anything wrong with P mode, in fact it is a very good mode to leave the camera in for grabbing a quick shot if needed and P mode usually makes a pretty good selection of settings unless you want to do something special.
That said 'Doing something special' is the reason for a DSLR though and leaving it in P mode all the time isn't going to help you learn the basics of photography or exercise the brain but it will genarally take sensible shots. If you are thinking in terms of ' I want this particular aperture because of this reason' or 'I want this particular shutter speed because of this reason' then no you don't want P mode, but if your brain isn't thinking aperture or shutter speed at shot time then P mode is, IMO, very sensible.
To avoid dissapointing shots compared to a compact the solution, again IMO, isn't to avoid P mode but to experiment with and set the image controls (primarily sharpness and saturation) to ones you actually like. My advice here to DSLR newcomers is, if you can tolerate the slower shot rate, set the camera to take both JPEG and RAW and play with the image settings to your heart's content as you can then instantly and easily view the JPEG and still develop the RAW for either a special shot or if afterwards you find overenthusiastic image settings weren't really a good idea. Alternatively if you want rapid shooting sequences and set your camera to just take JPEGs I would advise backing off image setting a little from what seems best to the eye and more towards the camera's defaults - this will give less instantly apealing images but probably lose less actual information and give more scope for later post processing if you change your mind on how the image should be presented.
That said 'Doing something special' is the reason for a DSLR though and leaving it in P mode all the time isn't going to help you learn the basics of photography or exercise the brain but it will genarally take sensible shots. If you are thinking in terms of ' I want this particular aperture because of this reason' or 'I want this particular shutter speed because of this reason' then no you don't want P mode, but if your brain isn't thinking aperture or shutter speed at shot time then P mode is, IMO, very sensible.
To avoid dissapointing shots compared to a compact the solution, again IMO, isn't to avoid P mode but to experiment with and set the image controls (primarily sharpness and saturation) to ones you actually like. My advice here to DSLR newcomers is, if you can tolerate the slower shot rate, set the camera to take both JPEG and RAW and play with the image settings to your heart's content as you can then instantly and easily view the JPEG and still develop the RAW for either a special shot or if afterwards you find overenthusiastic image settings weren't really a good idea. Alternatively if you want rapid shooting sequences and set your camera to just take JPEGs I would advise backing off image setting a little from what seems best to the eye and more towards the camera's defaults - this will give less instantly apealing images but probably lose less actual information and give more scope for later post processing if you change your mind on how the image should be presented.
Posted 08/07/2013 - 10:36
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Perhaps it is worth a reminder that, when the Mode Dial is set to Manual, pressing the Green Button (at its default setting) gives the same exposure as would be given in P-Mode, so one can always grab that quick shot.
Philip
Philip
Posted 08/07/2013 - 11:20
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MrB wrote:
Perhaps it is worth a reminder that, when the Mode Dial is set to Manual, pressing the Green Button (at its default setting) gives the same exposure as would be given in P-Mode, so one can always grab that quick shot.
Philip
Perhaps it is worth a reminder that, when the Mode Dial is set to Manual, pressing the Green Button (at its default setting) gives the same exposure as would be given in P-Mode, so one can always grab that quick shot.
Philip
Yes indeed. But remember that the context of this thread if for helping someone starting to use an SLR for the first time, and manual mode isn't really the easiest place to start is it? (Arguably it can in the long run be the best, if steep, place to start but only if you really want to learn and are prepared to do some reading about photography as well. For most folks the P, then later AV & TV mode routes are going to be a more palatable introduction to the art.
Posted 08/07/2013 - 12:18
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Using JPeg at the moment as my photo software [ PhotoScape] will not show Raw files,it says wrong type of file.Camera is set either to AV or TV which seems to make me think about what I am doing ??[ difficult at my age somedays]HI.Also have a 70-300mm sigma APO, but weighs a ton so stays in the cupboard Thank You Terry
Posted 08/07/2013 - 12:38
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Great Terry, yup stick with Jpeg for the time being - plenty of time to play with RAW in the future!
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Posted 08/07/2013 - 12:38
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I agree with you there, Rob, but would go further - P-Mode on the K-r, and particularly on the two-dial Pentax DSLRs, remains useful and convenient when one has an understanding of the modes and settings. My K-5 is often set to P-mode. I think that being able to grab a decent exposure, or to have full creative control by a nudge of the front or rear dial to get instant access to the Tv or Av modes respectively, is just great!
Philip
Philip
Posted 08/07/2013 - 17:15
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Its all good advice, but I think strays a bit from what would really help the OP deal with the issue, which was dull images compared to a c...n G9.
If someone with a K-R had knowledge of the custom image menus and some suggested adjustments there to give that extra 'punch', I'm sure that would give very easy results.
If someone with a K-R had knowledge of the custom image menus and some suggested adjustments there to give that extra 'punch', I'm sure that would give very easy results.
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Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Posted 08/07/2013 - 17:54
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McGregNi wrote:
If someone with a K-R had knowledge of the custom image menus and some suggested adjustments there to give that extra 'punch', I'm sure that would give very easy results.
If someone with a K-R had knowledge of the custom image menus and some suggested adjustments there to give that extra 'punch', I'm sure that would give very easy results.
I think I may have suggested some about two pages back.
Posted 08/07/2013 - 21:22
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I thought we'd already covered it. Set to Vivid and increase the sharpness or even the saturation and contrast to taste. The OP will have to try out the settings to see what is liked, we can't decide for him.
Best regards, John
Posted 08/07/2013 - 21:28
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Thought it might be worth to flag it up again.
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Posted 08/07/2013 - 22:45
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tickover wrote:
which seems to make me think about what I am doing
which seems to make me think about what I am doing
Now *that* is probably the single greatest aid to great photographs, more than any bit of equipment!
Posted 08/07/2013 - 22:49
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MrB wrote:
I agree with you there, Rob, but would go further - P-Mode on the K-r, and particularly on the two-dial Pentax DSLRs, remains useful and convenient when one has an understanding of the modes and settings. My K-5 is often set to P-mode. I think that being able to grab a decent exposure, or to have full creative control by a nudge of the front or rear dial to get instant access to the Tv or Av modes respectively, is just great!
Philip
I agree with you there, Rob, but would go further - P-Mode on the K-r, and particularly on the two-dial Pentax DSLRs, remains useful and convenient when one has an understanding of the modes and settings. My K-5 is often set to P-mode. I think that being able to grab a decent exposure, or to have full creative control by a nudge of the front or rear dial to get instant access to the Tv or Av modes respectively, is just great!
Philip
Yes, I think P mode is great when you are starting, and also later once you have learned what Av and Tv modes are useful for, but you sort of need a period not using P mode in between to learn what the other modes are - otherwise it is to easy not to think.
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35 posts
12 years
The G9 is a superb piece of kit for a compact size camera and goes everywhere with me whilst walking .also have a G3 built like a tank and only 4MB but still takes good photos.
Thanks again everyone Regards Terry