The K-x changes how I shoot in low light. I usually don't shoot anything above iso 1600 with my K20D. I rarely found the need as well as courage for iso 3200+ as I tried to avoid noise and the loss of detail and I generally rely on fast primes with Cosina 55mm f/1.2 or my FA 50mm f/1.4. With the K-x high iso capability, my habits are forming in going for shots more in iso 3200+, I have many since changed to use the extended range from the default iso 200 to iso 6400 into iso 100 to iso 12800.
With the K-x, it is a great combo with regular zoom and fast (but not necessary the fastest) primes in f/2.8 and the iso 3200 give me a pretty clean image with my Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 traveling zoom. The K-x definitely changes how I shoot indoor. By no means, the pictures are great samples as you can see the grain and noise and some loss of detail. All photos are shot with Sigma zoom without flash, some shots are processed for noise reduction in iPhoto when noted. Due to the tricky lighting, I have switched from auto-wb to the preset tungsten wb. The preset tungsten balance works better for me in the dinner shooting, color are very close to what I saw in the dinner dim light setting.
auto-wb
1/25 sec, f/3.5, 23mm, iso 12800, 0 Ev
way warmer than the actual scene and I changed to
preset tungsten WB
PP for NR
way warmer than the actual scene and I changed to
preset tungsten WB
PP for NR
1/10 sec, f/3.5, 23mm, iso 12800, 0 Ev
preset tungsten
preset tungsten
pp on NR in iPhoto
1/100 sec, f/4.5, 70mm, iso 12800, -0.3 Ev
PP for NR
PP for NR
1/50 sec, f/3.5, 34mm, iso 12800, -0.3 Ev
PP for NR
PP for NR
1/60 sec, 26mm, f/4.0, iso 5000, 0 Ev
default NR, no pp
default NR, no pp
1/40 sec, f/2.8, 17mm, iso 5000, -0.7 Ev
default NR, no pp
default NR, no pp
Impressions & Notes:
- The extended iso range for 100 to 12800 is more useful that I thought it would be.
- It works well with slower lens like my Sigma traveling zoom and make up the lacking in bigger apertures in f/4.5 in the longer end.
- For most of my traveling needs, iso 3200 is as clean as I like it to be with default NR setting on medium. I seldom see the needs for post processing in terms of noise.
- I see iso 6400 as the boundary for noise cleanup.
- The preset tungsten WB works well for dinner setting, once I used the tungsten setting, pictures are brighter than auto-WB and I tuned for -0.3 to -0.7 Ev
- I found myself shooting more high ISO pictures that I ever would imagine before K-x purchase.
Related:
3 comments:
Hello Hin. I find your articles related to Pentax very helpful. In fact, you are infuential in my decision to go with Pentax when it was time to jump into DSLR photography. Since then, I have accumulated a number of MF prime lenses to play with my K100D Super & I love it albeit, a fast auto focus would be easier when shooting my 2 yr old son. Lately, my wife has shown a growing interest in photography & has been using my gear. I'm interested to get a second body & I'm looking at the new K-x for it's ability to shoot at higher ISO & faster fps compared to my old but still fun K100D. My issue is, my wife seems to favor C & N. I'm trying my very best to convince her about Pentax's ability to keep up with C & N in terms of value & quality. Do you think they'll remain stable as a global company say, in the next 5 years or so? Thanks & more power! -Stib
It is hard to resist what everyone is carrying. As for me, I am quite satisfied with Pentax as an enthusiast. With exception on lba/cba on my own addiction into buying too-many, Pentax overall is is cheaper system to own. If you and your wife can share the lens with two Pentax bodies, that is one good reason to stay with Pentax. And remember that Pentax is stabilized in body and you don't get that from c&n as the IS/VR goes with every lens that are classified with a higher price tag for IS/VR feature. With the advances in dSLR, there is no right/wrong decision as all digital bodies are more than capable in picture taking. If you have to consider to abandon K100D and upgrade to another brand, I will recommend Nikon D90. If K-x interests you, I highly recommend it.
Hello Hin,
I noticed the same thing in my case.
Since I've bought k-x, I'm taking many shots using high ISO that I wouldn't even think of taking with my previously owned *istDL.
Sometimes I even resign from taking a tripod when I go for an evening walk in the city.
By the wat - I really love your 'Pentax-entries'.
Best regards,
Marcin
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