I agree with Fletcher's points.

In addition, the use of the filter doesn't have to be the final step, but could be the starting point for further user input processing to create a different look.




Cheers.
Philip

The warranty for an item, as stated on the Microglobe Sales Invoice, is 12 months. The one month quoted is the period during which a replacement or a refund for the faulty item is offered.

Philip

Obviously, it is to be hoped that no-one has a problem with a purchase from Microglobe, or any other company, but trying to make some sort of moral issue of this seems a bit daft to me. If they are based in a shop in this country (UK), presumably they must comply with the Sale of Goods Act and all other trading regulations here. If they are legally bypassing some duties, and passing the benefits on to customers, then good on them. If Microglobe are selling things at the lowest prices, the guys working there are likely to be working very hard, as demand will result in them having to shift out lots of stock. If they are successfully selling more Pentax gear, that means an increased Pentax presence out there in the community which, in the medium and longer term, must be of benefit to Pentax/Ricoh, and to all of us as Pentax users.

Cheers.
Philip

You will probably realise that the highlighted comment applies equally to your own post.

One of the reasons for processing images is that, because of their very different characteristics, what our eyes see and what the camera captures and reproduces are not the same.

One of the reasons people post images in the forum is that they are interested in the opinions of others - whether they comprise praise or constructive criticism or both.

Those replying are unlikely to have been at the scene when the photographer saw the shot, so they rely on their own prior knowledge and past experience of similar scenes when commenting.

In my opinion Nigel's second version is an improved photo, as he has skilfully made subtle changes only to the shadow areas, to reveal slightly more of the detail there, which our eyes would probably have seen in that lighting.

However, obviously, he is the only one who can really decide which is better, because he was there and, of course, only he really knows what he was trying to achieve and convey to the viewer.

Cheers.
Philip

The blossom is beautiful - I really like your 2nd shot Alistair - and worth preserving in photos, as the real stuff never seems to last long enough, and/or the wind blows it away.

Philip

I like your composition of this shot, Nigel (Stride), and the way the path weaves its way up to the church. But I agree with Nigel (Mac) that the hedge is in too deep a shadow. Perhaps some fill-light would benefit the foreground tombstone shadow area also?

Philip

So now we know the full explanation for you not upgrading to the K-3 - not only is it not good enough at high ISO, but also no "Aliens landing in the garden" Mode. Another feature for your wish list for the next model, Smeggy!

Cheers.
Philip

Surely that is exactly why there are USER modes! Save a setup that you commonly like to use in a USER Mode, so it will be ready for action when you first switch on again. This doesn't in any way prevent you from changing parameters or modes once you get going.

Philip

My K-5 is always left in USER Mode, set up as follows - USER1 starts in P-Mode with Auto ISO; USER2 starts in Av-Mode with ISO 200; USER3 starts in M-Mode with ISO 200; AWB for all three. When the camera is switched on, the rear dial can be clicked to rapidly get to the appropriate USER #, e.g. USER1 for a grab shot.

Philip

I like the compositions and the processing - a nice set, Alan.

Philip