Pentax K-X - where to start?

[e30m3Mark]

Just been gifted a Pentax K-X and would like to start using it but unsure where to start? I have zero experience using a DSLR so hoped I might get a few pointers here and possibly post the results as I find my way?

Camera came with 2 lenses, an 18-55 and 50-200.

I need to get batteries and an SD card before I can start using so are there any recommended types?

Thanks in advance.

Mark

Edited by e30m3Mark on Thursday 5th April 09:43

[droopsnoot]

Recommended rechargeables are Sanyo Eneloop, with the proper charger. I have a K-x, used normal lithium batteries for a while, but the Sanyos work pretty well. Normal AAs won't cut it - emergency use only. My SD card is one I've had for a while, I just checked and it says "Kingston SDHC 32GB C6 ultimate 100k" on it, along with "SD6G2/32GB".

Along with general photographic sites it might be worth your while signing up on the Pentax forums - https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/ - as that has a lot of Pentax-specific stuff. One thing that might be worth checking once you have the batteries is what version of the firmware you have.

I'll be interested to hear how you go on with it. I don't do as much with mine as I was intending, but it's capable of some pretty decent shots.

[e30m3Mark]

Thanks for that. I'll head out shortly and pick up batteries and SD card.

My intention is to use it on car related stuff in the main so am I right to assume the 18-55 lens is best? What should I set the dial too?

Please excuse the basic questions but other than the on/off button it's all Swahili to me.

[singlecoil]

e30m3Mark said:

What should I set the dial too?

This video is only about 5 minutes but will tell you most of what you need to know at this stage. His other videos will help too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pehFC05cohw

[e30m3Mark]

Many thanks.

My local Maplins is closing down so just got a very sweet deal on the SD card and batteries.

Which is the best lens for automotive stuff?

[singlecoil]

e30m3Mark said:

Which is the best lens for automotive stuff?

How far away are the cars going to be?

[e30m3Mark]

singlecoil said:

e30m3Mark said:

Which is the best lens for automotive stuff?

How far away are the cars going to be?

Yes, sorry, I should have said. I'm looking at taking pics like this one below. Also close up under bonnet stuff.

[singlecoil]

If you can get far enough away then I would suggest using the telephoto lens because there will be less distortion of the image (the part of the car that is nearest the camera won't seem so much larger than the rest. If you can't get far enough away (such as might happen at a car show) then you will need to use the other one. If you take both lenses then you will have the choice, and as you can see what the lens can see the choice will be an informed one.

[droopsnoot]

Experimentation is the key, and the beauty of digital of course is that there are no processing costs - if you mess it up, just delete it all and try again. I tend to look at the settings other people have used to get decent shots and take inspiration from there. No point copying the photos, of course, but if an image looks good you can see where their settings were.