3
Basic Operations
This chapter explains basic operations for shooting by setting mode dial to I (Auto Picture) to ensure successful capturing.
For information about advanced functions and settings for taking pictures, refer to chapter 4 and onward.
Basic Shooting Operation ...................................56
Using a Zoom Lens ..............................................61
Using the Built-in Flash .......................................62
Taking Pictures Using the Shake Reduction
Function ................................................................67
Playing Back Still Pictures ..................................70
Deleting Images ....................................................72
56
Basic Shooting Operation
3
Holding the Camera
How you hold the camera is important when taking pictures.
• Hold the camera firmly with both hands.
• Press the shutter release button gently when taking a picture.
Horizontal position Vertical position
• To reduce camera shake, support your body or the camera on a solid object such as a table, tree, or wall.
• Although there are individual differences among photographers, the shutter speed for a handheld camera is generally 1/(focal length ×1.5). For example, it is 1/75 of a second for a focal length of 50 mm and 1/150 of a second for
100 mm. Use a tripod or the Shake Reduction function (p.67) when using a
lower shutter speed.
• When using a telephoto lens, a tripod that is heavier than the total weight of the camera and lens is recommended to avoid camera shake.
• Do not use the Shake Reduction function when using the camera on a tripod.
Letting the Camera Choose the Optimal Settings
The x features various Capture modes, Focus modes, and Drive modes suited for your intentions. This section explains how to take pictures by simply pressing the shutter release button.
1
Set the mode dial to I.
The camera will select the optimal capture mode for the subject.
1
Selecting the Appropriate Capture
Mode for Scenes (p.78)
3
57
2
Set the focus mode lever to =.
The focus mode changes to l
(Autofocus/Single) mode.
In l, the lens automatically focuses when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. When the image is focused, the shutter can be
released. (p.102)
58
3
Look through the viewfinder to view the subject.
A zoom lens can be used to change the size of the subject in the viewfinder.
1 Using a Zoom Lens (p.61)
3
4
Position the subject inside the
AF frame and press the shutter release button halfway.
The autofocus system operates. The focus indicator ] appears in the viewfinder when the subject comes into focus.
When set to I (Auto Picture) mode, the optimal capture mode is automatically selected from Portrait, Landscape,
Macro, and Moving Object modes or standard settings (Normal mode).
The flash pops up automatically when necessary. (Push the K button and manually lift the flash when Flash mode is not set to [Auto discharge] or [Auto flash+Redeye reduct]).
1
Operating the shutter release button
(p.59)
1
Subjects that are Difficult to Focus on
(p.60)
Flash status
1
Using the Built-in Flash (p.62)
1
Selecting the Focusing Area (AF Point) (p.105)
Focus indicator
You can preview the image in the monitor and check the composition,
exposure, and focus before taking the picture. (p.112)
5
Press the shutter release button fully.
The picture is taken.
6
Review the captured image on the monitor.
Image appears for 1 second on the monitor after capturing (Instant
Review).
1
Setting the Instant Review (p.211)
1
Histogram Display (p.211)
1
Bright/Dark Area Display (p.211)
You can magnify the image during
Instant Review with the e-dial. (p.162)
You can delete the image during
Instant Review by pressing the i button.
1
Deleting Images (p.72)
Operating the shutter release button
The shutter release button has two working positions.
Not pressed Pressed halfway
(first position)
Pressed fully
(second position)
Pressing it down halfway (first position) turns on the viewfinder and
LCD panel indicators and the autofocus system operates. Pressing it fully (second position) takes the picture.
• Press the shutter release button gently when taking a picture to prevent camera shake.
• Practice pressing the shutter release button halfway to learn where the first position is.
• The viewfinder indicators stay on while shutter release button is pressed halfway. The indications stay on for about 10 seconds (default setting) while the exposure metering timer is on after the button is
released. (p.27, p.99)
59
3
60
3
Subjects that are Difficult to Focus on
The autofocus mechanism is not perfect. Focusing may be difficult when taking pictures under the following conditions ((a) to (f) below). These also apply to manual focusing using the focus indicator ] in the viewfinder.
If the subject cannot be focused automatically, set the focus mode lever to
\ and use the manual focus mode to focus on the subject with the aid
of the matte field in the viewfinder. (p.110)
(a) Extremely low-contrast subjects such as a white wall in the focusing area.
(b) Subjects which do not reflect much light within the focusing area.
(c) Fast moving objects.
(d) Strongly reflected light or strong backlighting (bright background).
(e) If repeating vertical or horizontal line patterns appear within the focusing area.
(f) Multiple subjects in the foreground and background within the focusing area.
Subject may not be focused even when ] (focus indicator) is displayed when
(e) and (f) above apply.
Using a Zoom Lens
Enlarge the subject (telephoto) or capture a wider area (wide angle) with a zoom lens. Adjust the subject to the desired size and take the picture.
1
Turn the zoom ring to the right or left.
Turn the zoom ring clockwise for telephoto and counterclockwise for wide angle.
3
61
Wide Angle Telephoto
• The smaller the number of the displayed focal length, the wider the angle.
The larger the number, the more magnified the image appears.
• Power Zoom functions (Image Size Tracking, Zoom Clip, and Auto Zoom
Effect) are not compatible with this camera.
62
Using the Built-in Flash
3
Use the following procedures to take a picture in low light or backlit conditions or when you want to manually use the built-in flash.
The built-in flash is optimum at about 0.7 m to 5 m from the subject.
Exposure will not be properly controlled and vignetting may occur when used at a distance closer than 0.7 m (this distance varies slightly
depending on the lens being used and set sensitivity (p.132)).
Compatibility of built-in flash and lens
Vignetting (darkening of the corners of the image due to a lack of light) may occur depending on the lens being used and the capture conditions. We recommend taking a test shot to confirm this.
1 DA, D FA, FA J, FA and F Lens Compatibility with the Built-in Flash
(p.133)
• When using the built-in flash, remove the lens hood before shooting.
• The built-in flash fully discharges for lenses without a function to set aperture lens ring to s (Auto).
g b i
D r
Flash Mode
Auto discharge
Flash On
Auto flash+Redeye reduct
Flash On+Red-eye
Wireless Mode
Function
Camera automatically determines ambient light and built-in flash pops up. The flash pops up and discharges automatically when necessary, such as when using a shutter speed likely to cause camera shake or in backlit conditions. The flash may pop up but may not discharge if the camera determines that the flash is not necessary.
Discharges flash manually. Discharges when the flash is popped up, does not discharge when retracted.
Lights a red-eye reduction light before automatic flash.
Discharges flash manually. Lights a red-eye reduction light before discharging the flash.
You can synchronize a dedicated external flash
(AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ) without using a sync cord.
Selecting Flash Mode
1
Press the { button.
The Fn menu appears.
2
Press the four-way controller (3).
Fn
OK
Fn
The [Flash Mode] screen appears.
OK
3
63
64
3
Use the four-way controller (45) to choose a flash mode.
Turn the e-dial to perform Flash exposure compensation. (p.128)
When the mode dial is set to e, K, b, c, a or p, g and i appear gray and cannot be selected.
4
Press the 4 button.
The camera is ready to take a picture.
3
Using Auto Discharge g, i (Automatic Flash Popup)
1
Set the mode dial to H, I, =, q, \ or ..
The flash is deactivated when A (Night Scene), K (Sunset),
D (Candlelight) or E (Museum) is selected in H (Scene) mode.
2
Press the shutter release button halfway.
The built-in flash pops up if necessary and begins charging. When the flash is fully charged, b appears in the LCD
panel and viewfinder. (p.27, p.29)
Switch between Auto discharge mode and Flash On mode by pressing the K button while the built-in flash is popped up. If Auto discharge is set, E appears on the LCD panel.
3
Press the shutter release button fully.
The picture is taken.
4
Push down on the portion indicated in the illustration to retract the flash.
Using Flash On Mode
b
, D
1
Press the K button.
The built-in flash pops up and begins charging. Flash On mode is used regardless of the flash mode settings.
When the flash is fully charged, b appears in the LCD panel and
viewfinder. (p.27, p.29)
When Flash mode is set to g or i and you pop up the built-in flash, you can switch between Auto discharge mode and Flash On mode by pressing the K button under the following conditions.
• Shooting mode is set to I, =, s, q , \, or ..
• H mode is set to i, K, C, or E.
2
Press the shutter release button fully.
The flash discharges and the picture is taken.
3
Push the flash down to retract.
65
3
66
3
Using Red-eye Reduction Flash
“Red-eye” is the phenomenon where eyes look reddish in photographs taken in dark environments with a flash. This is caused by the reflection of the electronic flash in the retina of the eye. Red-eye occurs because pupils are dilated in dark environments.
This phenomenon cannot be averted but the following measures can be used to combat it.
• Brighten the surroundings when shooting.
• Set to wide angle and move closer to the subject if a zoom lens is in use.
• Use a flash that supports red-eye reduction.
• Position the flash as far away from the camera as possible when using an external flash.
The red-eye reduction function on this camera reduces red-eye by discharging the flash twice. With the red-eye reduction function, the pre-flash is discharged just before the shutter is released. This reduces pupil dilation. The main flash is then discharged while the pupils are smaller, reducing the red-eye effect.
To use the red-eye reduction function in Picture mode or H mode, select D
(Auto flash+Redeye reduct) or F (Flash On+Red-eye). Set to F (Flash
On+Red-eye) in other modes.
Daylight-Sync Shooting
In daylight conditions, the flash will eliminate shadows when a portrait picture is taken with a person’s face cast in shadow. Use of the flash in this way is called Daylight-Sync Shooting. Flash On is used when shooting with Daylight-Sync Shooting.
Taking pictures (Auto Picture mode)
1 Pop up the flash manually and confirm that the flash mode is set to E
(Flash On). (p.65)
2 Confirm that the flash is fully charged.
3 Take the picture.
The picture may be overexposed if the background is too bright.
Without Daylight-Sync With Daylight-Sync
Taking Pictures Using the Shake
Reduction Function
67
You can easily take sharp pictures using the Shake Reduction function by simply turning on the Shake Reduction switch.
Shake Reduction
The Shake Reduction function reduces camera shake that occurs when the shutter release button is pressed. This is useful for taking pictures in situations where camera shake is likely to occur. The Shake
Reduction function allows you to take pictures at approximately 4 steps slower shutter speed without the risk of camera shake.
The Shake Reduction function is ideal when taking pictures in the following situations.
• When taking pictures in dimly lit locations, such as indoors, at night, on cloudy days and in the shade
• When taking telephoto pictures
Blurred picture
Picture taken with the Shake Reduction function
3
• The Shake Reduction function does not compensate for blurring caused by subject movement. To take pictures of a moving subject, increase the shutter speed.
• The Shake Reduction function may not fully reduce camera shake when taking close-up shots. In this case, it is recommended that the Shake
Reduction function be turned off and the camera be used with a tripod.
• The Shake Reduction function will not fully work when shooting with a slower shutter speed, for example when shooting a moving subject or night scenes. In this case, it is recommended that the Shake Reduction function be turned off and the camera be used with a tripod.
Shake Reduction Function and Lens Focal Length
The Shake Reduction function operates by acquiring the lens information such as focal length.
If the camera uses a DA, D FA, FA J, FA or F lens, the lens information is automatically acquired when the Shake Reduction function is activated.
[Focal Length] cannot be set on the [Input Focal Length] menu in the [A
Rec. Mode] (The menu items cannot be selected).
If another type of lens is used, the lens information cannot be automatically acquired even when the Shake Reduction function is activated.
In this case, the [Input Focal Length] setting menu appears. Set [Focal
Length] manually on the [Input Focal Length] setting menu.
1
Setting the Shake Reduction Function (p.69)
68
3
Turning On the Shake Reduction Function
1
Turn on the Shake Reduction switch.
When the shutter release button is pressed halfway, k appears in the viewfinder and the Shake Reduction function turns on.
• Be sure to turn off the Shake Reduction switch when using the camera with a tripod.
• The Shake Reduction function automatically turns off in the following situations.
When using self-timer, 2 sec. self-timer, remote control shooting, remote control (3 sec. delay) shooting, bulb shooting, or wireless mode with an external flash
• If a type of lens that does not support automatic acquisition of lens
information such as focal length is used (p.67), the [Input Focal Length] menu
appears. Set [Focal Length] manually on the [Input Focal Length] setting
menu. 1 Setting the Shake Reduction Function (p.69)
• Turn the Shake Reduction switch off if you will not use the Shake Reduction function.
• The Shake Reduction function will not fully work (for about 2 seconds) right after turning on the camera or restoring from Auto Power Off. Wait for the
Shake Reduction function to become stable before gently pressing the shutter release button to take a picture. Press the shutter release button halfway. The camera is ready to take pictures when k appears in the viewfinder.
• Shake Reduction is available with any x compatible PENTAX lens.
However, when the aperture ring is set at other than the s (Auto) position or a lens without an s position is used, the camera does not operate unless [23.
Using aperture ring] (see p.76; see p.30 - p.31 for operation method) is set to
[Permitted] in the [A Custom Setting] menu. Set this beforehand. Note that some functions are restricted when [23. Using aperture ring] is set to
[Permitted] in the [A Custom Setting] menu. Refer to “Notes on [23. Using
Aperture Ring]” (p.230) for details.
Setting the Shake Reduction Function
The [Input Focal Length] setting menu appears when the camera is turned on with the Shake Reduction switch on and a type of lens that does not support automatic acquisition of lens information such as focal length
(p.67) is mounted.
Set [Focal Length] manually on the [Input Focal Length] setting menu.
69
• The [Input Focal Length] setting menu does not appear when using a lens that supports automatic acquisition of lens information such as focal length because [Focal Length] is set automatically.
• When using a lens without the s position on the aperture or with the aperture set to a position other than the s position, set [23. Using aperture ring] on
the [A Custom Setting] (p.76) menu to [Permitted].
1
Use the four-way controller
(45) or the e-dial to set [Focal
Length].
Select from the following 34 focal length values. (The default setting is 35.)
8 10 12 15 18 20 24 28 30 35
40 45 50 55 65 70 75 85 100 120
135 150 180 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
550 600 700 800
I n p u t F o c a l L e n g t h
F o c a l L e n g t h
100
120
135
MENU C a n c e l OK O K
3
• If the focal length for your lens is not listed above, select the value closest to the actual focal length (example: [18] for 17 mm and [100] for 105 mm).
• When using a zoom lens, select the actual focal length at the zoom setting in the same manner.
• Effect of Shake Reduction is influenced by the shooting distance as well as focal length information. The Shake Reduction function may not perform as expected when shooting at close ranges.
2
Press the 4 button.
The camera is ready to take a picture.
To change the Focal Length setting, use [Input Focal Length] on the [A Rec.
Mode] menu (p.74).
70
Playing Back Still Pictures
Playing Back Images
You can play back captured still pictures with the camera.
Use the included “PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3” software to play back using a
PC. Refer to the “PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3/PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3
Operating Manual” for details.
3
1
Press the Q button after taking a picture.
The most recently captured image
(image with the largest file number) is displayed on the monitor.
Press the M button during playback to switch the information display such as the image data for the displayed image.
Refer to p.25 - p.26 for display
information details.
M
1/2000
F2.8
Standard
M M
No info. display
M
/
10
/ 2008
Detailed information display
2
Press the four-way controller
(45).
4 : The previous image appears.
5 : The next image appears.
Refer to “Playback Functions” (p.157) for playback mode details.
71
3
72
Deleting Images
Deleting a Single Image
You can delete one image at a time.
• Deleted images cannot be restored.
• Protected images cannot be deleted.
3
1
Press the Q button and use the four-way controller (45) to select an image to delete.
2
Press the i button.
The Delete screen appears.
3
Use the four-way controller
(23) to select [Delete].
Select the file format to delete for images saved in RAW+ format.
Delete JPEG Deletes only the JPEG image.
Delete RAW Deletes only the RAW image.
Delete
RAW+JPEG
Deletes both file formats.
4
Press the 4 button.
The image is deleted.
D e l e t e
OK
When deleting multiple images, refer to “Deleting Multiple Images” (p.173).
