I asked a similar question a while back - here's a link to the resulting discussions link

One question though - further up it was said that in LV you would still need the viewfinder covered. Is it not the case that that in LV mode the viewfinder is blanked out (by the back of the mirror ?) - it goes completely black, so could there really still be light leakage ?

I'm trying out RawTherapee now (on Windows 7 64bit), and if the Linux version has anything like the same functionality, range of control options and sheer editing grunt then you should have plenty to be getting on with!

When you compare 'results' between Silkypix & RawTherapee, what is it specifically that you can't reproduce? I've been particularly impressed in RawTherapee with the Highlight control and white balance. But I'm also looking forward to trying out its batch processing capabilities (following a party shoot I did recently with 600 shots bagged).

I do feel its easy to go overboard though in the amount of fine control we try and exert purely at the RAW level. I find its best to get things sorted fairly quickly in RAW conversion software - treat it more like an optimisation of the actual shooting input, then get straight into another editor for better selective control.

I like the less conventional view you have taken of the 'wobbly bridge' - from lower down than is often seen. the boat makes things a bit more crowded, but also fills a space that I would have probably complained about if it wasn't there !

There's been a K30 with the budget 18-55, plus a 50-200 and 35mm prime on a dedicated display in the PC Worlds in High Street Kensington and Purley Way Croydon for quite a few months.

Yes, it was refreshing to see it, as for a long time I've just walked past the camera section. Made me wish there was some selection though - but better than nothing!

The marketing elements portrayed by the display was mostly around the weather resistant aspect - and this did seem reasonable as a way to distinguish the brand feature-wise from the many different competing DSLRs all around. Looks-wise both the camera & lenses do stand out, they emit a quality aura lacking in the similarly-priced competition.

I don't accept that either creating or making reference to such a checklist automatically leads to such mindless picture taking. The key thing is how its applied and the context in which the information is understood.

This particular checklist details two distinct stages in Pentax DSLR tripod mounted & remote control landscape work - the set up at home, and a suggested step by step approach to the actual shooting. These stages are entirely consistent with the considered, planned and carefully executed (not exterminated ) process that this type of photography commonly involves.

Many of our most experienced landscapers I am sure would concur that this is a sound way to go about things. I'd be happy if they disagreed on some details, and offered alternatives, as this is part of the learning process at all ability levels.

To give an example of how you might reconsider the checklist as an aid :

I have specified both in the menu set-up and actual shooting stages, the use of the histogram to give exposure info feedback - that's the way I work and I think its a good practice for this style of photography. But out cameras also offer the 'Bright / Dark' area indication during the 'playback' mode (reviewing of images), flashing zones in black & white on our image to show where the whites are blown or blacks are clipped.

Its personal preference of course, but choosing the most efficient way to both set this up and operate with it in the field is part and parcel of both learning while shooting as well as learning what the camera offers and how it can best help us.

That is the true 'expansion' value of such a checklist - not to restrict our thinking rigidly, but to provide a foundation for exploring and considering the options.

Shaun, you're right - I never even put the camera itself on the list
Glad there's been some fun ... but, seriously, ... 'you will follow the checklist, follow the checklist, the checklist, or you will be ext .....'

Well maybe they should ? Perhaps it the fact that they offer their instruction in such isolation that a lot don't really enjoy using them. Our Pentax manuals are not too bad, but even I (and my Dalek friends) do struggle to get much inspiration from it.

Maybe there's a need for a new kind of document - midway between an operating manual and a course-book ... how about a photographic genre & camera model-specific checklist ??


I was expecting that consideration of the checklist would indeed aid in learning how to use and operate your camera.

It should be clear from reading the checklist that most of the preparation and setting up on the camera would occur before setting out - that's the whole point, to get it done before any errors or forgotten items cause a delay or interruption when actually shooting.

And again, who is suggesting that anyone would take out a 'notepad' to remember the steps in taking a picture These items are there to encourage further ideas and suggestions for the efficient taking of shots on location. (I'm still waiting though, so I'm guessing my techniques must be widely accepted )

Do send me an invite . There's clearly some need then for this type of exploration. I have always found the problem with camera manuals is that they detail items in isolation from their practical application. The checklist is a way of placing these preparation settings and shooting process into such a context.

Cool Dalek picture Smeggy ! But of course, the reality is that the section of my list you quoted is really written with two mindsets. Yes, it itemises the manual 'robotic' steps of a procedure, but really its there to highlight the points where the machine functions interact with the human picture taking process. Its about laying out one definitive approach to allow others to bounce the alternatives around.

Remember, I have laid this down extremely narrowly so as to invite further exploration of the Pentax - specific alternatives and further options

I've never felt more dumb than when I've just got my shot all framed up, camera set, turned it on and there's the dreaded 'No Card in Camera' message...no card anywhere near in fact Must have forgotten the checklist that day

I'm really not trying to push all the detail and options onto people -I don't want to create a chore! Really, the purpose of this all was to stimulate ideas on the special features our brilliant cameras offer us to streamline and optimise our practical shooting experiences. I believe that if we take full advantage of this then we will be more free to focus on the image making.

I respect fully the right of people to emphasise the creative element, but I admit I do find it odd that there is a reluctance to delve into detail and discuss the technical controls and options we have at our disposal , and for which photographic subjects and conditions we would want to take this more detailed control.

Our Pentax DSLR menu and control system is unique - different to the rest, versatile and flexible. Should we not explore and shout louder to all about how this great resource can help us with our photography ?