so what's the difference with the green smiley mode?

you're saying in P mode you dont select anything?

x

Hello,

I am very new to using the P or M modes as i've only used the Av and Tv so far.

Although I understand what the M mode is, I was curious to see what the P mode is, I found this website:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/KX/KXMENUS.HTM

Unfortunately I don't really understand the difference between the 2, was hoping to be able to "program" some modes (i.e tell my camera to go for f4 or so but happy to change if let's say my shutter speed is less than 1/30sec).

Anyway I don't have my camera with me so it might make more sense when I can try/test it, but was wondering if people where using the P mode and if yes what for and how?

Thanks!

good to know
cant wait to test it, just have nothing to shoot..!?

I know that's my whole point, instead of shooting a lanscape at f16 I might have a much better result at f4 as will have almost everything in focus (except the very close foreground)

Thanks for the info. Not sure how to check that though!

But basically i have the feeling that using the camera on "auto" might actually give the best results!?

Hello
I am using this website: http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

Recently bought a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 - I believe the sweet spot is f4 (haven't tested yet but I found a website the other day, can't find it anymore, where has a test of sharpness for every single lens at every single aperture, so you can even compare your lens twice with different aperture) so thought I'd see what I can achieve for landscape at f4...

Using the model with the following settings:

Example 1:

Pentax Kx
17mm
f4
4 meters focus

Results
Near limit 1.9 m
Far limit Infinity
Total Infinite

This means: if I shoot a landscape at 17mm f4, focus on something only 4m from me, I'll have everything in focus from 1.9m to infinity? that should be the sharpest shot ever right?

Example 2:

Pentax Kx
17mm
f8
2 meters focus

Results
Near limit 0.95 m
Far limit Infinity
Total Infinite


If I do this it means I can include a proper foreground (just a meter away from my camera) and still get something pretty sharp (I think f8 seems fair)

Am I reading this correctly?

really depends on what you want it for! if you want to take a shot inside the church, you'll definitely be happy to have the 17-28 range, if you only want to shoot portrait types outside, you might want to go for the 50-70 range.

the 17-50 + 50-150 you mention is what i'm ultimately aiming for, now i only have the 17-50 as no money for the second lens.

try to think about what you're going to use the most, if you were to choose one lens, I'd personnaly go for the 17-50 as I'd rather crop the photo after than having a missing arm on my picture - that said the 24-60/70/75 could be a good compromise.

Good luck with your choice and check the pentax forum database for lens reviews by users, it'll give you an idea of the lens limitations.

got it last week and haven't tested it yet! but the reviews were so good i'm not worried

will let you know when i get the chance to play with it!

I agree, I do think your lenses cover the range.

The only upgrade you could have is a faster lens.

I would go for one of the 24-75mm, 28-75mm, 28-70mm f2.8 tammy or sigma as they will cover a nice range for wedding parties (50mm is sometimes a bit short for portrait I think)

Otherwise as mentioned by Anvh 16-50, 17-50 f2.8 would be the best ones.

P

why these ones?