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Pentax *ist D Digital Camera - Page 3 Questions & Answers
Dust problem
Ive only had my DS for a few weeks, but have changed lenses many times. I havent noticed any dust yet at all in any of the 300 or so images that Ive really taken a good look at. I am pretty careful though -always cover the lenses with the rear cap and fit the lense immediately, always do it in a place "protected" from wind/dust etc (as much as possible). Just like I always did with my non-D SLR.
LOL the only time I took any camera to a shop for "cleaning" was when I stupidly blew into the focussing screen to get rid of some dust -I didnt use a blower, but used my mouth...and spat into it by accident :( $20 later it was fine.
*istD Problem with Vertical Grip
Digital cameras require a large 'surge' of power when performing things like processing an image and saving it to the memory card.
Alkaline batteries work best when used in a device that draws power at a steady rate. They do not work as well when asked to provide a surge of power. Your batteries are indeed not dead, but they are sufficiently depleted that they can no longer provide that surge that the camera requires. Take them out and put them in something like a TV remote or a radio. They probably have quite a bit of life left.
NiHM and Lithium based batteries are much better at being able to provide the amount of current needed right up until they go dead.
The 100 shots you got out of your Alkalines is at the high end of what you can typically with Alkalines in your camera. The continuous shooting could be a symptom of the batteries getting low.
Another option to those previously listed are AA Lithium batteries which are cheaper than CR-V3's and last nearly as long. They are not rechargeable though.
IstD problem selecting recorded pixels and RAW/Tiff/jpg
I'm not sure what could cause this, in fact I don't even own the D but.....
Approcahing this from a Network Analyst's poiunt of view, it's either hardware or software.
The fact that all other modes are OK would indicate that the hardware may be ok. Assuming that it's a software glitch have you tried installing the latest firmware ? It may be worth a try if your problem is a result of some corruption your exisiting fw.
It'll cost you nothing to try it anyway.
Playback problem
This might sound stupid, but make sure your other fingers are no where near the shutter release. Sometimes I accidentally nudge it when in playback...
Problem with JPEG compression?
think what is happening is that Pentax is not using the maximum JPEG quality value for their high quality setting.
I re-saved an image in Photoshop last night, and the JPEG quality value was set to 9. I increased it to 12, and ended up with a 3.5 MB file.
Minor problem with doubling of image quantity
It happens because there's a range in size for compressed images depending on scene content - could be 2MB (lots of plain surfaces, sky etc which compress very well) to 4-5MB (lots of grass, leaves or high ISO noise). The camera uses the worst case number to tell you how many images it is sure you can get on the card: as you shoot you may notice that it writes an image and doesn't decrement the number of images that can be recorded. It is doing the right thing - the alternative is for it to give you an optimistic number rather than a pessimistic one, and then you'd all be complaining that it said you could fit 100 and you only got 60.
On Camera Flash Problem and Lens Question
According to Pentax, the pop up flash does greatly reduce battery life.
So, if you want them to last longer, use an external flash. The built-in flash is too low powered an too prone to produce red eyes to be of much use anyway.
Any lens that goes from 28-300 is going to be much less sharp than one with a shorter zoom range, even if the lens designer uses such heroic measures as aspherical elements and LD glass. Consider the Tokina AT-X 24-200mm f/3.5-5.6 lens as a very good alternative to the Tamron.
Battery problem when on computer
The cable connector on the *istD looks fairly flimsy to me and I am willing to bet it is not designed nor will it last as many insertion cycles as the CF card socket, also the CF card is much more tightly aligned less chance to damage contacts by inserting at an angle, near impossible.
Any card reader is faster that using the cable, the cable is only USB1.
You say you are lazy, but gee whiz you must be vey patient waiting for images to download via the cable at USB1 rates.
Exposure problem
I've found that the *istD underexposes ( as it should metering 18% grey ) light subjects, or with light backgrounds. A white wall using TTL ( AF500ftz ) behind any subject it always turns grey! You need to manually adjust 1 stop over. With dark subjects, overexposing with out blowing out much. If your used to the metering from a PS digi cam the *istD takes a bit of getting used to.
What size of flash memory card do you recommend me using with my PENTAX digital camera?
The answer depends on your personal needs and your budget. Memory cards are available in many sizes 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, 256MB and 512MB. The larger the card size, the more storage space and the greater the cost. One recommendation is to select a card that allows you to take images without having to worry about changing cards or downloading images very often (one of the advantages of digital photography). Among the most popular are those in 64MB, 128MB or 256MB sizes. You may want to purchase a second card to use as a back-up or replacement card that can be used if you run out of space on the first card or to use when the first card is unavailable (you may be downloading or printing images from the first card.)
What can I do with the images already on my digital camera to free up storage space so I can capture more images?
You will need to archive or save your images either directly on your computer or to another form of removable storage media. The nice part about this is that you have many options to choose from - some relatively inexpensive. You can transfer your images to your computer's hard drive, but we don't recommend this as the best long term solution. (Pictures can quickly accumulate and take up a lot of storage space which can slow down the speed and operation of your computer. Also, if your computer crashes, and you do not have a backup disk, you could loose your pictures.) A better solution is to archive and index your images through one of the following removable storage options:
* CD-R / CD-RW Drives (CD-RW drives allow you to write new data to this type of disk by overwriting old data.). This is the most common type of long-term storage, since recordable CD drives are common and the disks are inexpensive. Each disk also holds up to 650-700MB worth of pictures and other files.
* External hard drive
* Zip or Jaz Drives
* DVD recorders
Some internet photo web sites will allow you to download and store your images with them. The idea is that you will order prints from them when you decide you are ready for them. Prices and fees may apply depending on the site.
There is no single storage medium that suits every need and budget. The key is to select the one that works best for you.
How do I view and/or download the pictures taken with my digital camera my computer?
Once you have properly connected your camera to your computer (see FAQ #2 listed above), your computer will see your camera (connected and powered on) as a disk drive - most likely listed as "removable disk." Now that you know where to look to find the images, they can be viewed and/or downloaded in a variety of programs. Please visit our Learning Studio for specific step-by-step instructions (complete with examples and visuals) for further assistance in viewing/downloading images.
What is the proper way to disconnect the camera from the computer?
Depending on the operating system that you work with, there is a proper way to disconnect your camera from your computer to ensure smooth operation.
With Windows 98, you can simply turn your camera off and unplug it. Make sure you are not in the middle of downloading when you disconnect your camera, or you might loose some or all of your pictures.
In Windows ME and Windows 2000, you must go to the system tray (on your task bar usually located on the bottom of your screen) and look for the "unplug/eject hardware" icon. Click this "unplug/eject hardware" icon once to pop up a list of devices available for disconnection, then click on your camera's drive. When the computer tells you it is safe to disconnect your device, then simply turn your camera off and unplug it.
Windows XP also has an "unplug/eject hardware" system tray icon, which you should use. However, if you are not in the middle of downloading your pictures, it is generally safe to simply turn your camera off and unplug it.
On a MacOS computer, you should drag the camera's disk icon to the trash can before turning off or unplugging it.
What are the computer requirements for my camera?
With some specific exceptions, PENTAX digital camera products are compatible with Windows 98 or later and MacOS 8.6 or later.
If you use an operating system that is incompatible with your PENTAX digital camera, you may still be able to download your pictures. Since most of our digital products use a memory card such as Compactflash™, Secure Digital™, etc., you can obtain a reader (sold separately) for your memory card. Then, instead of connecting the camera to the computer, you can eject your memory card from the camera an insert it directly into your card reader. You simply will need to shop around for a card reader that is compatible with the operating system you use.
Some computers have the capability of automatically recognizing PENTAX digital cameras, and some do not. Depending on what type of computer you have and the OS you work with, you may need to download the appropriate driver from the CD-ROM that accompanied your camera or download from the PENTAX web site. Driver firmware updates, and other information can be downloaded in our technical updates section.
5. How do I connect my PENTAX digital camera to my computer?
PENTAX has prepared several special on-line "Getting Started" sections for each of its individual digital products. This information is available in our Learning Studio and they contain step-by-step instructions (complete with examples and visuals) to assist you in getting your digital camera up and running with your computer. Here you will learn the following:
How do I install the drivers on my computer?
How do I properly connect my camera to the computer?
How do I install the other software programs that were included on the CD-ROM that came with my camera?
How do I uninstall the drivers from my computer?
How can I get the date to appear on my images?
The date / time feature is a display function, only, but does not imprint data on the image file.
In order to include this information, an image file must first be imported to the computer. Image-editing software (such as Adobe PhotoShop) must then be used to create data characters.
Why isn't my K100D Flash not working?
Hi,
please ensure that you've not used the camera for more than the advised amount of time by the manufacturer. Also, you can attempt to use the same brand/type of batteries as was including with your camera when you got it. Some manufacturers put internal fimware/software restrictions on their devices. For printers, this would be done for cartridges and in the case of your camera, it would be for batteries.
Lastly, I would check that your sd card isn't full before calling Pentax to refer you to a repair shop.
Thank you.
Pentax Espio 60S "E2" error
Hi for anyone reading this! My 60s was just flashing with this but I fixed it. Took the batteries out, swapped them and that didn't work. Tried to put the old ones back in a few minutes later and then it was fine! Just fiddle around with it. Hope this helps.
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