Pentax 100D ONE MORE TIME

[ukcatfan]

Now, I do have one more final question--what kind of filters do you suggest right off the bat? A "daylight one" (the name escapes me at the moment)? A polarizing one? Any others?

Get a CP for sure, but I would not get a protection one(UV/sky/daylight). As long as you are careful not to bump your camera lens into something with a sharp point, the lens hood gives enough protection. Those filters actually degrade the quality of the shot. Another useful one is a graduated ND filter. It will reduce the exposure for only part of the shot, which can be useful on horizon shots. If working with very bright light or when wanting to slow down a shot beyond what the aperture can do, a regular ND filter might be needed. There are also some trick filters that cannot be easily reproduced on the computer like a starlight/cross filter. It gives the shooting streams of light effect to points of light. They usually come in 4,6, and 8 line versions. Generally all the color, warming, cooling, etc. filter effects can be done on a computer with even more control.

Kevin

 

[Dcanoli]

Get a CP for sure. Another useful one is a graduated ND filter.

Okay, humor me here--I'm a newbie--what is a CP and an ND? Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

Okay, humor me here--I'm a newbie--what is a CP and an ND? Thanks!

circular polarizer - a regular polarizer will not work correctly on your camera
neutral density - basically dark glass that reduces the light coming in

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Circular polarizer is probably top of the list. Everything else is way down the list IMHO behind a good tripod, remote shutter release, extra memory cards, etc.

I just bought a new Hoya multicoated circular polarizer for my Tamron 28-75mm F2.8. I got it from "slphotogear" on eBay, good prices and very quick shipping. I was going to check the local college's photo shop as well, where they often have decent prices, but I decided that it was unlikely that they'd beat their price.

Congratulations on the camera! Make sure to take plenty of memory cards - and I really recommend shooting in Raw mode. You may not be ready to do more than just run the photos through a raw converter at this point (the one Pentax provides with the camera is decent enough), but you may want to at a later point down the road when you're more comfortable with the process. However, the raws take around 3x as much space, so you'll have to keep that in mind when buying memory cards - more is better!

 

[Dcanoli]

Circular polarizer is probably top of the list. Everything else is way down the list IMHO behind a good tripod, remote shutter release, extra memory cards, etc.

I just bought a new Hoya multicoated circular polarizer for my Tamron 28-75mm F2.8. I got it from "slphotogear" on eBay, good prices and very quick shipping. I was going to check the local college's photo shop as well, where they often have decent prices, but I decided that it was unlikely that they'd beat their price.

Congratulations on the camera! Make sure to take plenty of memory cards - and I really recommend shooting in Raw mode. You may not be ready to do more than just run the photos through a raw converter at this point (the one Pentax provides with the camera is decent enough), but you may want to at a later point down the road when you're more comfortable with the process. However, the raws take around 3x as much space, so you'll have to keep that in mind when buying memory cards - more is better!

Good grief Groucho! Could you throw any MORE information my way?

No, seriously, thank you for the congratulations! It's a big step, you know!

I was just getting ready to look on Ebay for the CP...thank you for that userid. I'll make sure to look for them....So...CP, tripod, and shutter release (thanks for reminding me about that--I had completely forgotten!!)...right?

Also, I was wondering about RAW mode. It seemed more advanced, so honestly, I was thinking about skipping it. I know it gives a better picture, but what are the differences? Is it major enough to shoot in RAW?

...and I've heard you guys say how much space it takes up....I have a 1GB and a 128 card (another 1GB if I take my son's MixStick card!!)--normally, I can get about 400-500 6MP shots on my 1GB card (on my Kodak PNS); how will that dwindle if I shoot in RAW?

...and thanks for letting me know about the camera's software. I saw that it came w/software, but I wasn't sure what it was or if I would even need and/or use it.

I've seen that everyone seems to prefer different photo editing software packages and some of them are even free on the web. What I've got right now is MS' Digital Image Suite....I'm not sure if that will convert RAW images.

What else do you use the included software for (i.e., photo edits, converting RAW to JPEG [?], etc.)?

Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

Also, I was wondering about RAW mode. It seemed more advanced, so honestly, I was thinking about skipping it. I know it gives a better picture, but what are the differences? Is it major enough to shoot in RAW?

...and I've heard you guys say how much space it takes up....I have a 1GB and a 128 card (another 1GB if I take my son's MixStick card!!)--normally, I can get about 400-500 6MP shots on my 1GB card (on my Kodak PNS); how will that dwindle if I shoot in RAW?

...and thanks for letting me know about the camera's software. I saw that it came w/software, but I wasn't sure what it was or if I would even need and/or use it.

I've seen that everyone seems to prefer different photo editing software packages and some of them are even free on the web. What I've got right now is MS' Digital Image Suite....I'm not sure if that will convert RAW images.

What else do you use the included software for (i.e., photo edits, converting RAW to JPEG [?], etc.)?

Thanks!

Your 400-500 will turn into about 90 in RAW. SD memory is very cheap these days though, so do not worry. I just ordered a 2GB high speed card from Amazon last night for $25 with free shipping.

At first, I suggest just using the free RAW software while you get used to it. After you have some experience, you might find that it is missing some feature that you want and you could then make a smarter purchase on a better converter. Lightroom is very popular, but not worth the $$$ IMO. There are a number of other choices and many are affordable.

The biggest benefit of RAW is that you can adjust the image more without negative effects and you can easily modify the white balance. It is basically a digital negative and is never modified. The adjustments are normally stored as a separate file.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Like Kevin said - you'll definitely want a bigger memory card! 2gbs seem to usually offer the best bang for the buck.

For converting raws, I'd stick with the included Pentax software for now. You can download the latest version from here but you need to install it from your original CD first.

The big advantage is that you have a more latitude for post-processing later, and one of the big things right off the bat is very easy white balance adjustments. DSLRs all have a hard time getting the right color under tungsten light (which is most indoor lighting), so you end up with yellows instead of whites. This is trivial to adjust afterwards with Raw, more so than with a jpg.

If you have the space, it really makes sense to shoot raw at Disney, because those are shots that you're probably not going to be able to take again for a little while (depending on how often you go), so it's that much more important to get the best possible shot now.

 

[Dcanoli]

Alright guys....I'm sort of a middle-bie (not terribly new, but not experienced like you two)!

Now...white balance...familiar w/the term, but not so much when dealing w/it. You don't really deal w/it that much on PNS cameras. Once the Pentax comes, and I get to play w/it, I think I'll understand more what you mean.

As far as RAW, I guess I'll HAVE to try it, won't I? You two seem pretty set on using it versus JPG, PNG, etc.

...and I guess I'll keep my eye out for a good 2GB card. Here's the thing...how many shots do you get on your 2GB.

I just noticed YEKCIM's signature...he has FIVE GB cards! If you're telling me that a 1GB can only hold about 90 images, then I'd say you'd need at least 3. I normally take around 300 pictures a trip.

Alright...so bottom line...what you guys suggest...a CP for sure, a tripod (do you store it in a locker or carry it around somehow w/you?), a shutter release cord, and a BIG memory card!

Hey, what about batteries? This thing takes 4 AA batteries. Do I need to keep a lot on hand? How fast do they die?

 

[Groucho]

I get about 189 shots on a 2gb card in Raw mode.

White balance is no more or less important on a DSLR than on a PnS, but it's usually ignored on a PnS (hence the term "point and shoot"), but most PnSs are capable of having white balance set to a pre-determined level.

Raw is not really comparable to PNG. As far as I know, no camera has ever outputting PNG directly. PNG also, I don't believe, can store the setting separately like a raw file can.

For batteries, I would sometimes have to change my batteries late in the day. If you're going to shoot fireworks, you'll want a fresh set as bulb mode is especially demanding on batteries. 2 or 3 sets should be plenty, as well as a good charger.

 

[Dcanoli]

2 or 3 sets should be plenty, as well as a good charger.

Well, I was wondering....so, you use rechargeable batteries?

The review on dpreview said to just use regular AA because they seemed to last a long time in this camera.

 

[ukcatfan]

Well, I was wondering....so, you use rechargeable batteries?

Without a doubt. Not only will the disposables be more expensive, but why add to the landfills. If you happen to be set on disposables, then go for lithiums.

The review on dpreview said to just use regular AA because they seemed to last a long time in this camera.

I think Phil might actually be losing his mind if he said that in a review. It just goes as support on why I put less and less weight on his site's opinions.

Kevin

P.S. I forgot to mention that if you think that your normal is 300 shots, go ahead and plan for more because the new camera will likely inspire you to shoot more.

 

[Anewman]

P.S. I forgot to mention that if you think that your normal is 300 shots, go ahead and plan for more because the new camera will likely inspire you to shoot more.

And since it is FASTER than any camera you have shot in the past you will be ready for more shots... No more waiting 30 seconds in between shots.

 

[Dcanoli]

I think Phil might actually be losing his mind if he said that in a review. It just goes as support on why I put less and less weight on his site's opinions. I forgot to mention that if you think that your normal is 300 shots, go ahead and plan for more because the new camera will likely inspire you to shoot more.

And since it is FASTER than any camera you have shot in the past you will be ready for more shots... No more waiting 30 seconds in between shots.

WHAT? Are you even kidding me?

I was planning on MORE shots because I was hoping to get some great fireworks shots, you know? But, the thought of taking FASTER pictures never even occurred to me.

Heck, I'll be happy just to have a camera that works. We paid a little over $300 for our Kodak PNS. It was their top of the line two years ago--I got it because it had all kinds of manual features on it; HOWEVER, the manual features really weren't all that manual, if you know what I mean--very limited.

THEN, it started freezing on me--now, I have to hit the side of it after I take a picture to see the review of it, and I have to "rub" my finger across the button that takes the pictures to get it to actually "unfreeze" and focus before I TAKE the picture....it's a joke--for $400 I'm getting an SLR, and for $300, I got two years I got a PNS...

It still "works," but it is such a hassle having to hit it, wait, hit it again....so embarrasing when you are trying to take someone's picture!

So, all that said--I am looking forward to a camera that will actually focus, shoot, and review when I tell it to!

..and as for Phil's review...what is said was basically something to the effect of...the batteries lasted throughout their whole test, which was a whole day or something like that....

NOW, you tell me not to put weight in his reviews! DP and CNET gave HUGE rave views to the Pentax 100D. Said it was the best camera (and the best value out there) for the MP and the buck! (But, hey--most of you guys on the photo. boards agreed too! So, that sealed my deal!) Plus, it performed the same and even better in some instances as the Nikon and Canon!

 

[ukcatfan]

NOW, you tell me not to put weight in his reviews! DP and CNET gave HUGE rave views to the Pentax 100D. Said it was the best camera (and the best value out there) for the MP and the buck! (But, hey--most of you guys on the photo. boards agreed too! So, that sealed my deal!) Plus, it performed the same and even better in some instances as the Nikon and Canon!

He did a pretty good job on the K100D review, but he has just seemed a little inconsistent lately. He really gave the K10D a raw deal IMO. I think he is just in a little over his head and sort of doing some brand loyalty. Then he went and sold his site to Amazon??? It is getting harder and harder to take his stuff seriously when he is now part of a big company like that. I put more weight in http://www.dcresource.com/ reviews lately.

Kevin

 

[Dcanoli]

Well, why didn't you tell me that a few weeks ago?

I hope THEIR review of the K100 was good! I'll have to check it out!

Thanks Kevin....

 

[Anewman]

He did a pretty good job on the K100D review, but he has just seemed a little inconsistent lately. He really gave the K10D a raw deal IMO. I think he is just in a little over his head and sort of doing some brand loyalty. Then he went and sold his site to Amazon??? It is getting harder and harder to take his stuff seriously when he is now part of a big company like that. I put more weight in http://www.dcresource.com/ reviews lately.

Kevin

One thing about the DPREVIEW reviews, you dont need to read Phil or Simons opinions the reviews are filled with 20 pages of FACTS/timings and actual comparison shots so one can come to their own conclusions. And the tests are the same for most cameras reviewed, while other sites have too many variables to get an accurate comparison sometimes(imo). So I can compare images from a brand new review to images from my 3 year old 20D, all shot under the same exact conditions. No other site is as consistent IMO.

 

[Dcanoli]

Well, it seems all the reviews for this camera are about the same--mostly positive w/a few negatives....

The only thing I am seeing right now that appears a little disappointing is that the on the disboards, I can see Nikon pictures by say, GDAD or YEKCIM, that are spectacular, and the examples I'm seeing on the above-mentioned review's website aren't as good....

I hope this doesn't reflect on the pictures I will actually get because on the other review site (DP), the Pentax pictures were comparable to Nikon's.

 

[Anewman]

I hope this doesn't reflect on the pictures I will actually get because on the other review site (DP), the Pentax pictures were comparable to Nikon's.

It is a great camera I am sure you will get awesome photos.

 

[Dcanoli]

One can only hope....

 

[ukcatfan]

The only thing I am seeing right now that appears a little disappointing is that the on the disboards, I can see Nikon pictures by say, GDAD or YEKCIM, that are spectacular, and the examples I'm seeing on the above-mentioned review's website aren't as good....

Don't look too much into their shots for comparison as they are both very good photographers. In the equation, I think it is about 10% camera and 90% photographer. If you want to improve your technique, you should look at the books from Bryan Peterson. Understanding Exposure is an excelent choice, but there is a newer book by him that goes into the digital aspects a little more. I have heard that it is very similar to UE with added information on post processing.

Kevin