The K-S1 and the 18-135 lens

flektogon wrote:

Dan,

I have to admit that I am rather an "old fashion" photographer, i.e. I am using my digital cameras as I used to use my film cameras. The only exemption is the auto-focus and auto-exposure, which I appreciate to have. There are tens if not hundreds customized settings on a modern digital camera (like my K-S1), but I am avoiding to modify them as much as possible. Why? Because I trust the camera designers that they used (as the default) the most reasonable and optimal setting of each function/parameter. I am a retired firmware designer myself, so I know how I struggled with every, even the least important parameter, to be set the best possible way. I do not have any reason not to trust the Pentax (Japanese) designers that they didn't do their best to satisfy customers.

I keep everything on my camera in the default position. The exception is the 11-point AF setting, which I changed to 5. On my older K-x, which doesn't indicate where the camera focuses, I had to select the central point obviously. Regarding the exposure control, the P mode yields me the best results. Occasionally I select the Av or Tv mode, when for certain reasons I need to keep a fixed aperture or shutter speed.

There is another mode, TAv, which is not described in the manual at all. Do you know how it works and how it could be useful? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Regards,

Peter

Peter,

"The Pentax-unique TAv (shutter and aperture priority) and Sv (sensitivity priority) exposure modes are also available. TAv is essentially M mode with auto ISO, while Sv is essentially P mode with manual ISO. Having a separate modes for the purpose of controlling the ISO is convenient, however, as they carry the added convenience of exposure compensation, and the ability to quickly switch between different sensitivity presets."

Lawrence