Thanks!

When I try this I have the option as 'Fine Sharpness' and 'Extra Sharpness' was this a typo or am I running different FW (1.15)?

When we get some decent light I will give it a go for sure, really appreciate the immediate positive response.

Currently set on:

[Bright]

Saturation - 0
Hue - +2
High/Low - 0
Contrast - +2
Sharpness - +4

Help, I need counselling!

I have had several Pentax DSLR now and currently I have a K5 after upgrading from K10D buying in to it earlier in the year when prices became VERY attractive (maybe should of held out for a II or IIS). I have a Pentax 18-250 SMC DA lens and AF360 Flash.

Yes, I get some 'good' images but every time I use my little Lumix LX5 (getting old now) the images are always so much more full of 'sparkle'. I will probably upgrade this to an LX100 as it does seem stunning and so convenient for the travel and motoring snaps, but what to do with all the other kit, I was even tempted by a Lumix FZ1000?

I was thinking of investing in some better glass (DA*) but when I look at the sample images although they are all 'impressive' they all seem to lack that 'wow' of my little 'tiddler' (LX5). Am I really missing something here. I know there was always a lot of discussion on forums on sharpness etc. and thought that the later bodies had improved (understanding that Focus can be an issue). Are the images supposed to be softer and more 'calm' and will that really continue even with some quality glass?

Should I persevere and start working RAW files? (Will that make a 'significant' image. I tried some sample images but struggle to see the real gain, but is that the existing lens causing the restriction)

Or is it just the 'driver' (which is fine as gives me the incentive to 'get better')?

If you suggest that I get rid then please do not include your email address for a quick sale I am really looking for justification to make the investment and stay with Pentax.

I look forward to receiving your advice and offers of free DA* lenses to try ...

Apologies, it was not meant as a true comment but a rather poor attempt at continuation of the school boy humour.

Sorry Swarf and welcome to the fold.

I am sorry, you are all talking s*it. It is the size of the aperture that makes the difference to a great sh*it!

Best we leave it there.....

OK, here goes make an idiot of myself but always pleased to learn something....

In looking for inspiration in the gallery shoots and reading the EXIF data what is the difference between 'F Stop' and 'Aperture' aren't they the same thing (but they appear as different values in most EXIF data.

As I expect, a dumb question but please enlighten me..(excuse the pun!)

Brilliant...thanks for that. (A true case of RTFM - Read The 'Flaming' Manual!). I waded through the Manual but not so good and now see there is a good section on this in a great book by Yvon Bourque - "Everything you need to know and then some" (It does what it says on the cover!)

I tried the Contrast and AF Mode and both improved for sure it seems strange that the default is 'Face Recognition'.. the Contrast struggled on one test (and actually failed to produce a focused image where the Phase Difference method scored every time (but as you elegantly described the screen blanks out initially).

On to the next 'challenge'!

Starting to get into my recently purchased K5 after upgrading from K10D. So far so good!

One thing that seems to be strange is when using the camera in Live View mode the focussing seems to be really wired. With a Pentax 18-250 zoom it is reasonably quick in 'normal' TTL mode but when you switch the system seems to go to great extremes to focus in and out before finally finding the 'sweet spot'. Is this normal?

I have upgraded firmware to the latest and it is a K5 not K5II

More predictable I am afraid...




K10D 200mm 1/180 f5.6 ISO 100

Swanbourne Daybreak

My old ist DS with 18-55

1/125, f 11.0, ISO 200 55mm