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dan_tripp

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Posts posted by dan_tripp

    k100d 2 stops underexposed. Need help.

    in Pentax

    Posted

    <p>I'm trying to sell my old K100d that has been siting in the closet to upgrade to a new body. I took some shots today, and it is underexposing shots by 2 stops when I compare it to my K7 with the same lens and settings. I have to raise the exposure to +2.0 to make it work in AV mode or in M mode. I switched lenses, reset the camera, and did a surface cleaning where the lens meets the body. Can I reset the meter or is there anything else I can do?</p>

    How to over power the sun

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Ron. The link did not work. Miserere that pic was dark. I'm looking more for blue skys.

     

    Can someone talk me through the setup. Would you set two AA flashes directly at the subject (no diffuser) and shoot a

    low ISO with a high f/stop?

    Ever used a Demb Portrait Dish?

    in Lighting Equipment

    Posted

    <p>I just purchased a Demb Flip-It and bracket and love it. I have been using the Lightsphere for about 2 years and now I feel like I can be more creative. I want to know if anyone has used the Demb Portrait Dish: http://www.dembflashproducts.com/portrait_dish/</p>

    <p>It claims to be as good as an umbrella but without the size. I usually don't take my umbrella outside because the wind will knock it over and I work by myself. I don't know if this will help?</p>

    <p>What are your thoughts?</p>

    Is there a device which would let me attach a Nikon DSLR to a video camera?

    in Wedding & Event

    Posted

    <p>This may do the trick: http://www.amazon.com/Sima-SL-20LX-Ultra-Bright-Video/dp/B000WKW69Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273288270&sr=8-1</p>

    <p>The Sima light comes with that bracket and you can attach an slr and a small video camera. I have done this with my Pentax K-7 and my Zoom H2 for recording audio when I make videos. The Sima light may also help you with your lighting for the event. It's not super powerful, but it does a decent job.</p>

    K-7 for amateur film-making: how does it compare?

    in Pentax

    Posted

    <p>I have made a few videos for my work. I like the quality. I'm finally glad I can contribute to this forum as being somewhat of an expert..this may be the only time. Here are some comments:</p>

    <ol>

    <li>The external audio is bad. The audio in is ok, even with a shotgun, but if you do get a shotgun get a stereo sound mic. I went with an external mic because I read some reviews and they say that is the best quality, and I have found that to be true. I have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H2-Portable-Stereo-Recorder/dp/B000VBH2IG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273202998&sr=8-1">Zoom H2</a> and I will sync the audio together in editing. I have used Final Cut and Adobe Premiere. My friend has the Zoom H4 because he uses xml mics. If you use a shotgun you will have to get as special hotshoe holder because it records the sound of the sensor recording. </li>

    <li>Quality. The quality is amazing, but that will depend on your lens. If you have a sharp lens you will get a sharp picture. I love making videos with a beautiful bokeh. </li>

    <li>Lighting. I have noticed some grain with indoor videos. I actually think this is something that can be improved. What is nice is you have all the white balance adjustments that you do with the camera, and you can see them live. But with photography and video, lighting is a MUST if you want quality video. I would suggest purchasing some lights, even if you use shop lights. Check out Cowboy Studio equipment on Amazon. They have decent price equipment but it is not pro.</li>

    <li>You cannot make any adjustments after you start recording, so get them right the first time and use a tripod.</li>

    <li>One of my favorite features is adjusting the metering and locking the exposure. For example, you can put the subject in the center of the screen, change to center spot metering, pres the lock, then re-compose the shot with your subject on the left or right (rule of thirds). This makes the subject lit well with a good contrast for your background. This is also an easy way to do bright white backgrounds. See my sample video.</li>

    <li>One thing I don't like is the length of recording and file size. You can only record up to 8-9 minutes at a time which I think relates to 4 Gb. I know the other SLRs use more compressed video for smaller file sizes. You can lower the quality and record longer videos, but it sounds like you want the best quality.</li>

    <li>I know it is an .AVI file, but you will most likely have to convert the video before you edit it in Premiere. There may be an update to Premiere but I don't think so, I think it may work in the new CS5 without converting.</li>

    <li>Overall I love the quality, but lighting can be tricky, and hand held is not the best for motion. If you watch the Making of Uncle Jack I think they always used a tripod. I would upgrade to the k7 because I think you will like it. </li>

    <li>Here is a sample video, but ignore some of the quality. I compressed this several times so it will play on a website. Notice the sharpness and the bright white backgound. Also the last interview I used the shotgun mic and not the Zoom, notice the difference in quality, but try to ignore that it is louder. I also used a cheap $50 shotgun mic. I made this video with my Tamron 28-75, a white dry erase board as the background, and six shop lights with florescent lights (4 on the background, 1 hair light, 1 high camera right). Here is the video: http://www.parkwaypd.org/learningconference/</li>

    <li>I made this video using the K7 and a flip. You can see the H2 that I use. You can also notice the quality of lighting is not good. I did not take the time to white balance. The k7 is the main camera and straight on shots, the Flip is the angled shots and the transitions. I also had my camera set to white balance "flash" OOPS. Here is this video but remember I reduced the quality several times to play faster on the web: http://www.parkwaypd.org/nto/Video.html</li>

    <li>Let me know if you have any questions.</li>

    </ol>

    Why are my pictures not sharp? Part III and Confession

    in Pentax

    Posted

    <p>ME, the first 2 have very little PP done to them.<br>

    Picture 1 (boy) RAW file - In Lightroom - Auto White - Preset Portrait Sharpen<br>

    Amount 35<br />Radius 1.2<br />Detail 20<br />Masking 70</p>

    <p>Picture 2 (girl) RAW file in Lightroom - I used one of my presents that I do with most RAW files<br>

    Brightness 50<br />Contrast 25<br />Clarity 25<br />Vibrance 25<br />Medium Contrast Curve<br />Noise Reduction 100<br />Sharpening<br />Amount 45<br /> Radius 1.5<br /> Detail 20<br /> Masking 70<br>

    Picture 3 same as picture 2 but with contrast brush on the background and I raised the exposure to +.58</p>

    <p>Do you have better suggestions?</p>

    Why are my pictures not sharp? Part III and Confession

    in Pentax

    Posted

    <p>Maria,<br>

    I don't like fill flash because it is sometimes impossible with active children. I know I can use my on camera flash but I don't like the direct light. I'm looking at a reflector, but need a very portable option. Has anyone used one of those one handed triangular reflectors? http://www.amazon.com/Lastolite-Collapsable-Triangular-Reflector-Diffuser/dp/B0006OMNXC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1272941357&sr=1-3</p>

    <p>If so, white, silver, or gold?</p>

    Why are my pictures not sharp? Part III and Confession

    in Pentax

    Posted

    <p>First I have to make a confession. At one point today I almost made the switch to Nikon. http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WNmj <br>

    I'm sorry. I said I believe in Pentax but my actions didn't show it. I was pleased to find the Nikon forum really supported Pentax and they encouraged me to stick with Pentax. I guess they even know the quality of Pentax. I was so bad I even went to the camera store, and they talked me out of buying a more expensive camera. I guess the Pentax gods are working for me today.</p>

    <p>I took some of the topics from my last thread and applied them to a photo session I did the other day. I was pleased, but I'm always wanting to improve. Here is a few shots. I still need some help on how to make eyes pop more and I don't want to do this in Photoshop. Would a reflector help?</p>

    <div>00WO1s-241377684.jpg.111a6588a369b4e2d1559f967a923771.jpg</div>

    Any converted Pentax users here? Should I switch?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>Wow, again thanks for the great comments and suggestions. To clarify a few points, I already have the Pentax K-7. That is the camera I am having overexposure problems. The pics on my smugmug site are from 2 different cameras. (k-7 and k-200d). The over exposing problem is a severe problem, but I took it to the shop and they reset the settings and so far it seems to be better. Here is a thread of some examples: http://www.photo.net/pentax-camera-forum/00WLOC<br>

    On the other hand, I agree 100% that my pics are under exposed. That is something I am trying to improve on.</p>

    Come to the rescue Pentaxians!

    in Pentax

    Posted

    <p>LOL, I'm not making the jump. I'm sticking with Pentax and purchasing another body this week. The problem was my friend bought a Nikon and I have the "grass is green on the other side of the fence" syndrome.</p>

    Any converted Pentax users here? Should I switch?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>Zane, thanks for the reality check. You and everyone else on this forum is correct..even the guy at the camera store that I had to stop on my way home. My issue is mostly user error, but in my defense I am having some over-exposing issues with my Pentax K-7. I thought it was a lens, but it does it for several lenses. This started my quest with do I have the best equipment. I also had my question answered about zooming in Lightroom, that helps clear up a lot and I should not worry about the blurry zoom.</p>

    <p>I really appreciate everyone's honesty in equipment choice. At first I thought everyone was going to post that Nikon is the best, stay away from Pentax, but I really am surprised. You are a classy group.<br>

    I have made my decision to keep my Pentax and purchase a K-x backup to match my lenses and always continue to improve my technique. I'm glad I have a new forum to read as well. You have a wealth of knowledge here.</p>

    <p>Again thanks everyone.</p>

    Any converted Pentax users here? Should I switch?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>I am a portrait and wedding photographer and have several Pentax cameras and lenses. I now have a 24inch iMac and now that I see larger images, I have noticed that my pics are not as great as I thought they were. When I zoom in 1:1 or 2:1 in Lightroom the faces always look blurry and the eyes are not sharp. I have a few question for the Nikon people here.<br>

    1. When you zoom in on a picture in Lightroom or Photoshop to 100 or 200% how sharp and focused are your pictures? Can you provide examples?<br>

    2. Any Pentax users convert to Nikon, if so, why and what are your results?<br>

    3. I'm thinking about buying a Nikon but don't know which to purchase. I'm looking at the D90, D300, or the D700. The D700 is a big price jump, is there as big as jump in image quality?<br>

    4. If I make the leap to Nikon, I will also want a backup body. Will a D5000 work as a backup and will the lenses work on all bodies?</p>

    <p>Thanks.</p>

     

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