The Pentax "shopping cart" or the Nikon "shopping cart"?

[ukcatfan]

Just thought I would post an update (and thank everyone for their input). I decided to go with the Pentax K100D. In the end it really came down to the feel of the camera. I did take a bunch of test shots over the weekend and had some prints made at Walgreens. So far I really like that the image shown is really the image that prints (this is probably true of all digitals, but it is really cool to see right away what the picture will look like.) Specifically, I am pleased with the indoor shots without the flash. Some of the outdoor shots I took at dusk did not do well at all--extremely dark (underexposed). I'll have to play around with the manual settings. But I am happy to have finally made a decision! My advice to those who are still trying to decide--pick one, try it out, and if you hate it, take it back!

For dusk, you should look into using the exposure compensation b/c the still somewhat light sky along with the darkening landscape will confuse the meter. Manual exposure is another option. One more thing that can help is to use spot metering and then lock the exposure on the subject before framing.

If you got the kit lens, I personally feel like it underexposes by around 1/2 stop all the time. I have mine segmented in 1/3 stops, so I float between the 1/3 and 2/3 stop. It is nice for a kit lens, but it is still just that, so we cannot expect too much from it. You really have to learn the ins and outs of every lens though.

Kevin

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Congrats on your purchase! I got mine in Jan and still have tons to learn. I do love the camera though and I can't wait to use it at WDW.

I recommend getting a 50mm 1.4 AF lens. Groucho recommended it and I love it. It's about $200. Here's a link http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=ShowProduct&is=USA&Q=&O=&sku=40755

 

[Groucho]

Congratulations! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

For dusk shots, you can also try changing the metering to center-weighted, this will make sure that it looks more closely as the center of the frame when determining the exposure. Make sure you center what you're looking to expose properly when doing a half-press of the shutter, then compose the shot and press the shutter the rest of the way.

Spot metering is also an option although I found that I would sometimes get fairly underexposed shots in mid-day at WDW, so I went back to center-weighted, which generally has worked very well for me.

 

[ukcatfan]

Make sure you center what you're looking to expose properly when doing a half-press of the shutter, then compose the shot and press the shutter the rest of the way.

I have mine set to only lock focus with the half press, but I cannot remember which is the default setting. I am pretty sure that it is on the custom menu. I sometimes use the exposure lock button when it is not giving me what I think is right.

Kevin