An ND grad effect can be easily replicated, not by using HDR software, but simply by using 2 exposures, one for the sky and one for the land (assuming a landscape photo), or even just one raw file as long as the highlights aren't blown, just process one for a darker sky and one for the correct foreground.

Open one file in photoshop, paste the other on as another layer (let's say this is the darker sky on this layer), then crop off the bottom section of the top layer, using a feathered edge selection. You don't have to do any fancy selection work, an ND grad has a straight edge, so this selection can be straight too. The example below is just one raw file, top image exposed for the foreground, second one shows the same with the top layer visible, after cropping down.







Granted, if there's plenty of movement in the scene, and you have to take two exposures to get the full range of tones, then you can run into problems, but for many shots this is as good as, or better (more control) than an ND grad.

Dan

There was a 'bit' of a debate about 'digital' filters here: https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5521

Dan

A bit more of a festive one than my previous cat photo...




Dan

Did you leave the Anti-shake on when the camera was on a tripod? Bit of unsharp mask needed I think.

Dan

Ahh, Dirk, she's lovely, and it's good to hear from you again, you've been a bit quiet lately.

Here's my girl Zuke (when did this thread turn into 'meet my pet'? )




Have a great christmas everyone!

Dan

To be honest, the manual can be a bit vague from time to time. It's worth reading Mattmatic's guide to PTTL flash here: https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4950 , which gives some common pitfalls etc, although it's mainly biased towards flashguns rather than the built-in flash. However, it's worth reading up on apertures and subject distances if you haven't before.

Dan

Hmmm, I wonder how you get the IR filter off the sensor... I've got a chisel and a mallet.

Anyone had this done? Know how much it costs?

Dan

...and Tim the Ammonyte has got some lovely IR shots with his *istDS, which uses the same sensor as your K100D, so it should be fine. Some here: https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=40153&highlight=#40153

Dan

List price was £749 with lens, £649 body only, but most places were doing them at £699 for the kit from the off.

Dan

Not sure it's available in Pentax fit.

Dan