Tell me about your first months with a dSLR

[WillCAD]

I am using a Pentax K100D. I'm sure I've played around w/the different focus point settings, but not 100% on that....

As for the aperature, now that might be my lightbulb moment. I try to shoot almost everything in Av mode because I love the depth of field control.

Normally, I have to pick and choose who I want to be in focus and then take the picture....which means I sometimes have to take two pictures! (So that each kid can be in a picture focused! LOL...)

Maybe I need to switch to P mode for these types of shots....

Any other good ideas or pointers??? Deb

Lately I've been using ADep mode (Automatice Depth of Field) for shots with lots of stuff at variable distances. ADep makes things at multiple distances from the lens all come in focus by automatically adjusting the aperture for DOF, and automatically using all of the focus points. It's not perfect, but on my Canon Digital Rebel it works pretty well.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

I switched from an SLR to a DSLR, so it was no big. It was actually much harder for me to learn to use our p&s after years of using SLRs and DSLRs.

Mark I know what you mean about the PnS. After 30 years of SLR's, I decided to try digital with a PnS. While I like my PnS for casual shots, I prefer shooting most of my pics with a SLR. I prefer MF to AF. So now I am in the process of purchasing a Pentax DSLR. I selected the Pentax since the lenses for my Pentax K1000 will work with the Pentax DSLR.

To Mark or anyone who has upgraded from a SLR to DSLR, what was the biggest challenge, or adjustment you had to make as you transitioned to your new DSLR?

 

[Dcanoli]

Lately I've been using ADep mode (Automatice Depth of Field) for shots with lots of stuff at variable distances. ADep makes things at multiple distances from the lens all come in focus by automatically adjusting the aperture for DOF, and automatically using all of the focus points. It's not perfect, but on my Canon Digital Rebel it works pretty well.

I'm not sure the Pentax cameras have this option. First I've heard of it.

 

[Groucho]

But, let me ask you this--putting it on Center Focus...will that help get all people in a shot in focus once I bump up my Av numbers?

Nope, that just helps you know more consistently exactly where it will focus. (On whatever is in the center when you half-press.) It won't affect the DoF at all.

I'm not sure the Pentax cameras have this option. First I've heard of it.

That's a new one by me, too - I thought I'd heard of most of these kind of things. A quick Google search (for "canon adep" or "canon a dep" shows pretty mixed feelings on it, it looks like most Canon shooters prefer to use Av instead.

DisneydaveCT - you'll love moving to digital, but if you're into manual focus, I would definitely recommend a K20D or used K10D. The larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder will make manual focusing easier than in the K200D, K100D, etc. Also, you may want to consider a Katz Eye split prism focusing screen, this will help a lot too (though potentially may cause some slight metering issues.)

If you have any questions about using manual lenses on Pentax DSLRs, just ask.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

Groucho-Thanks for your advice and encouragement. I did locate the other day a slightly used K100D for a decent price.

I am not familiar with the Katz Eye. I will look into that after I have had gotten used to the DSLR.

 

[Dcanoli]

I mostly use Center Point focus on my D50. If there are 2 people in the picture, I'll focus on one persons eye's then half press the shutter to lock the focus then recompose and snap.

I've used P a few times with candid shots of people indoor's with a flash and sometimes it will give me an aperture of f/4 when in reality I should have had at least f/5.6. P mode doesn't know how many people are in the frame.

More times than not I also like to use ISO400 to help gather more light indoors to be able to use f/5.6. I use a bounced diffused flash so this helps my settings. YMMV.

As for focus points I would definately use Center Point and AF-S. Once your comfortable with Center Point, then you can switch to Select mode. This allows you to choose which of the 11 points in the view finder you want to use to get your focus.

The K100D isn't on Pentax's web site any longer, but with the K200D you go in Rec. Mode (tiny camera icon) in the menu, then choose "Select AF point". The 3 options are AUTO (camera selects), Select (you can choose which of the 11 points YOU want to use), Center (only the Center Point is used). I would think the K100D would be similar.

Hey Kyle, I just got my 50mm in the mail today...just messin' around with a bit before the kids get home from school...

Just wanted to drop you a line to say I have been shooting on center-weighted focus all along. I've been focused like you have--focus on one and then move the camera to capture the scene as a whole.

...now, I have another mystery to solve...I ordered a remote shutter release, but I think it's a different letter than my manual is showing! UGH...I hope it works with the K100 when I get it...

 

[Dcanoli]

Just wanted to drop you a line to say I have been shooting on center-weighted focus all along. I've been focused like you have--focus on one and then move the camera to capture the scene as a whole.

Oops! Had that wrong! I have been FOCUSING with select (only-DUH-I had no idea I could PICK the focus point)!! Just read that in the manual....

I'll switch it to center and try that...

But, I have been METERING with center-weighted metering!!! LOL...

 

[handicap18]

Is it working out better for you now?



Good luck with the remote!

 

[Dcanoli]

I haven't used the camera yet today...trying to get a painting project done before we leave for Disney next weekend.

I think the center focusing will work out okay, since I was sort of working it that way anyway...but I'll let you know.

I was a little freaked over the remote, since my manual said "F," and the one I bought on Amazon said, "E."

Anyway...long story short...went to Pentax's website, and they said the "E" r/c was compatible w/my camera....

I should have trusted myself!!!!