Picture quality

[jx2mad]

I have a Pentax K10 DSLR. Using the standard 18-50 mm lens I find that most of my pictures seem to lack sharpness. Occasionally a shot seems crystal clear. If I use the 55-200 mm lens most of the shots seem clearer with a better sense of depth. I usually use the camera as a point and click (shame) as I am not too conversant with manual settings. I have done a 5 day basic course but it seems confusing. Nevertheless, on auto I feel the clarity and depth seems lacking. Am I doing something wrong, like aiming and shooting without giving the camera time to setup, or do I have a lens problem? Any constructive help will appreciated. Jim

[p38arover]

Jim, hop across to Pentax Forums - The Ultimate Resource for Everything Pentax (http://www.pentaxforums.com/) and ask there (you'll see me around there, too).

I know it's getting on a bit but the K10 is a pretty good camera still. I see on the forum database it has a 9.07 out of 10 rating by owners and 9.2 for image quality. Pentax K10D - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications (http://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-k10d.html)

I wonder if the kit lens is the problem.

If you want to try some other lenses, I have quite few, including 3 copies of the kit 18-55.

(I run a Pentax *istD, K-100D, K-7, K-5, and a Q. I wouldn't mind a K10D.)

[vnx205]

I hesitate to offer advice since people have such a wide range of skill levels.

With computer there are some people who really need to be asked first, "Are you sure it is plugged in?" :)

It is quite possible that my suggestion will seem condescending, but I will take that risk.

Are you sure it isn't that you are allowing the camera to focus on the wrong thing? A classic example of that with a spot focussing camera is when you take a photo of two people. The centre of the photo where the camera focuses is normally the background between the two people. So you get fuzzy people and a sharp background.

[jx2mad]

Thanks Ron, and I usually use a single spot focus although there are others. I will check out the other forum. I forgot to mention that the lenses I use are Sigma brand. Maybe I should just use the camera more. :) Jim

[p38arover]

Jim, I have made up some aids that are used to check lens focus.

I'm just about to go out to the radio club for a course but will post pix later. You are welcome to borrow them to check your lenses.

[dullbird]

The first thing I would have said is what vnx has already stated I would be inclined to make sure your focal points aren't set up in some random part of the frame so your not focusing on what you want to be sharp.

Also all lenses have a aperture they perform best at, if your in auto perhaps the camera is not choosing the best one for the lense.

[p38arover]

Jim, I have made up some aids that are used to check lens focus.

You are welcome to borrow them to check your lenses.

Read this: PENTAX DSLRs: Front or Back Focusing Problems? Free test (Lens Alignment) charts for Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus. (http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/front-or-back-focusing-problems-free.html)

I made up his focus checking aids so they can be fitted to a tripod. See pix:

[Bushie]

Read this: PENTAX DSLRs: Front or Back Focusing Problems? Free test (Lens Alignment) charts for Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus. (http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/front-or-back-focusing-problems-free.html)

I made up his focus checking aids so they can be fitted to a tripod. See pix:


(IF) you do find there is a focusing issue there's some software that will allow you to adjust the focus points in camera for the K10 (it will only run under XP though).

Try everything else before though.


Martyn

[jx2mad]

Thanks all. I am a bit busy at the moment but as soon as I can slow down I will look into things. Ron I might take you up on your offer later. Jim