Hi All
While we'd all rather spend money on our cameras/lenses I am going to have to update my desktop soon.

Looking for home use on stills/raw processing. Mostly use Elements 12.

Choice seems to be between Intel i7 and AMD A10. The Intel machines seem to be £200+ more expensive.

Does anyone have real world experience of these processors (backed by 8 gig ram and a I gig graphics card)?

I know SSD drives are great but not many reasonable price machines include them so maybe that's a post purchase upgrade?

Thanks

Hi All

I have an X5. I don't have an iPhone however the X5 is easy to use, versatile with its choice of electronic viewfinder or tiltable back screen for awkward angle shots. I'd have though the X5 would give better results as it has an powerful optical zoom whioh makes it easy to fill the available area with the subject and not rely on digital zoom.

You'll have seen that the viewfinder is electronic but surely better than the back screen when shooting in bright sunlight.

I like the way the X5 uses normal AA batteries (normal rechargeables work fine as well).

Also its great for closeups where the tilting screen is a great asset.

The one thing you notice in shooting is the shutter delay compared to a DSLR but I imagine the iPhone also has a shutter delay?

Everyone has different uses for their cameras and surely a £1000 camera must be technically better. The X5 takes better photos than my Galaxy phone and I'd say its good value for money.

Thanks Cabstar. Thats saves me trying. Best to continue with off camera flash by the sounds of things.

I imagine normal tungsten studio lights give out a wider spectrum of light as well as it being warmer.

Thanks for the comments and experiences. The points about the spectrum of the light emitted really gets to the heart of colour and why we see colours and then how the camera can interpret and balance what its sensor sees.

We just have to scroll through the white balance settings to be reminded about the quality of light and how it changes to colours of the scene.

If someone was using such a led light array it would be interesting to know what sort of exposures they have to use.

I've read in earlier threads that videographers use led lights. I guess I'll try one unless I hear of any known problems with the 160 led (affordable) model

Thanks all
Geoff

Hi All
Does anyone have experience of the LED portable lights that seem to be ever cheaper now? I'm looking at 160 led model that claims 1480 lumens at 1 metre.

Is there any relation between the lumen power and the type of guide numbers we understand with manual flash guns?

I feel I should know the answers from way back....mental block has struck!

Thanks
Geoff

Hi Nenix, I've tried a few football games and realise it's quite a challenge to first of all put yourself in the right spot for the action.

Then I've found myself wanting the shots that show the faces close up whereas the club might want to see a wider angle shot which places the action in context. For this the basic kit zoom lens can be ok. The 55-300 will get you closer for the goalmouth scrambles etc.

When the light drops or for floodlit games you'll get shots with the 50-135 even if you later have to crop to the action. Better to do this than shoot at too low a shutter speed and thus get blurred action.

I certainly agree with John. Try a few games. I'm not sure how your KR can be set up. On the K10 and K5 I use centre point focus and use the AF button to keep the focus as I track. When you anticipate the the actual shot you want the shutter can be fired without delay.

With telephoto shots I saw some advice to set the focus point lower than the centre. This can avoid those shots that get the far advertising boards in focus at the expense of the main subject.

Good luck and enjoy

Hello Garcia

There are a few forum members in Leics. I'm also in your area and have some experience of the various lenses. There is also the "Peoples Gallery" in Belvoir Street, Leicester where you'll find people with an interest in all branches of photography and a chance to show your own pictures if you want.

I have found this forum to be a great place to learn about lenses and flash techniques. Nothing seems to stump the ladies and gents on here.

Hope you enjoy your K30. Don't worry about using trial and error as a way to get to know the camera as its not like we have to waste film.

Geoff

Thanks John, I'll take a look at their offer.

Also I know that this forum is a huge source of knowledge and experience!

It will be interesting to see how many Pentax users are "certified" by the Institute of Photography. I've seen threads that show members' confessing to being certified lensoholics etc!

Kind regards
Geoff

Hi All

Everyday we take pictures we learn something. Today I was offered this course as one of those daily specials. I'm not promoting this and have no connection with any training companies. Have any forum members any knowledge of the Institute of Photography or feelings about the course being offered?

The link I have is:-

http://www.kgbdeals.co.uk/birmingham/deals/183775?&utm_source=et&utm_medium=emai...

Or the IOP do have a website which mentions this "diploma" course if you'd rather not click on links. I'm not thinking of turning professional and doubt that any "diploma" alone would suddenly open doors but do know that there are areas of photography that I could learn more about and maybe more confident then to try.

Any thoughts or experiences which you can share would be appreciated.

Thanks, Geoff

I (as a definate studio novice) would be up for it. Good offer Mr O.

I hope a few others fancy it as I'm sure there are lots of members within easy travel distance of Chesterfield.

Fingers crossed we see a few more wanting to give it a go.