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Pentax K-x Operating Manual

Pentax k-x: user guide
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SLR Digital Camera
Operating Manual
For optimum camera performance, please read the Operating
Manual before using the camera.

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Summary of Contents for Pentax K-x

  • Page 1 SLR Digital Camera Operating Manual For optimum camera performance, please read the Operating Manual before using the camera.
  • Page 2 Thank you for purchasing this PENTAX a Digital Camera. Please read this manual before using the camera in order to get the most out of all the features and functions. Keep this manual safe, as it can be a valuable tool in helping you to understand all the camera’s capabilities.

  • Page 3: For Using Your Camera Safely

    • If any irregularities occur during use, such as smoke or a strange odor, stop use immediately, remove the batteries or the AC adapter, and contact your nearest PENTAX Service Center. Continuing to use the product can cause a fire or electric shock.
  • Page 4 • Some portions of the camera heat up during use. There is a risk of low temperature burns when holding such portions for long periods. • Should the monitor be damaged, be careful of glass fragments. Also, be careful not to allow the liquid crystal to get on your skin or in your eyes or mouth.

  • Page 5: Care To Be Taken During Handling

    Caution • Do not place or drop heavy objects on or forcefully bend the AC plug cord. Doing so may damage the cord. Should the AC plug cord be damaged, consult a PENTAX Service Center. • Do not touch or short-circuit the terminal area of the AC plug cord while the cord is plugged in.

  • Page 6: Cleaning Your Camera

    In order to better serve you, we request that you complete the product registration, which can be found on the CD-ROM supplied with the camera or on the PENTAX website. Refer to p.273 for details. Thank you for your cooperation.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents For Using Your Camera Safely ............1 Care to be Taken During Handling ............3 Contents....................5 Composition of the Operating Manual ..........11 Before Using Your Camera a Camera Characteristics.............14 Checking the Contents of the Package ........16 Names and Functions of Working Parts ........17 Capture Mode ..................
  • Page 8 Basic Operations Basic Shooting Operation ............60 Holding the Camera ................60 Letting the Camera Choose the Optimal Settings......61 Using a Zoom Lens ..............66 Using the Built-in Flash ...............67 Setting the Flash Mode ..............67 Compensating Flash Output .............. 72 Allowing Shooting while Charging the Flash........
  • Page 9 Taking Pictures Continuously...........136 Continuous Shooting................ 136 Multi-exposure ................. 138 Taking Pictures Using Digital Filters ........140 Shooting with the Live View ............143 Taking Still Pictures ................. 144 Recording Movies ................148 Using the Flash Flash Characteristics in Each Exposure Mode......156 Using the Slow-speed Sync ............. 156 Using the Trailing Curtain Sync ............
  • Page 10 Playback Functions Playback Functions Operation..........200 Playback Mode Palette Setting Items ..........200 Playback Menu Setting Items ............201 Enlarging Images................202 Displaying Multiple Images ............204 Multi-image Display Screen ............. 204 Displaying Images by Folder............205 Displaying Images by Shooting Date (Calendar Display) ....206 Joining Multiple Images (Index) ............
  • Page 11 Using Captured Images on a Computer ........264 Saving Images on Your Computer..........265 Setting USB Connection Mode ............265 Saving Images by Connecting Your Camera and Your Computer ..266 Using the Provided Software.............268 Installing the Software..............268 The PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 Screen ......... 270...
  • Page 12 Appendix Default Settings ................276 Resetting the Menu................280 Functions Available with Various Lens Combinations...282 Notes on [22. Using Aperture Ring] ..........284 Cleaning the CMOS Sensor ............285 Removing Dust by Shaking the CMOS Sensor (Dust Removal) ..285 Detecting Dust on the CMOS Sensor (Dust Alert) ......286 Removing Dust with a Blower ............

  • Page 13: Composition Of The Operating Manual

    Composition of the Operating Manual This Operating Manual contains the following chapters. 1 Before Using Your Camera Explains camera characteristics, accessories and the names and functions of various parts. 2 Getting Started Explains your first steps from purchasing the camera to taking pictures. Be sure to read it and follow the instructions.
  • Page 14 The symbols used in this Operating Manual are explained below. Indicates reference page number explaining a related operation. Indicates useful information. Indicates precautions to take when operating the camera.

  • Page 15: Before Using Your Camera

    Before Using Your Camera Check the package contents and the names and functions of working parts before use. a Camera Characteristics ......14 Checking the Contents of the Package ....16 Names and Functions of Working Parts .... 17 Display Indicators ..........22 How to Change Function Settings ......

  • Page 16: Camera Characteristics

    a Camera Characteristics • Features a 23.6×15.8 mm CMOS sensor with approximately 12.4 million effective pixels for high precision and a wide dynamic range. • Features Shake Reduction (SR), an image sensor shifting shake reduction system. This enables you to capture sharp pictures with minimal camera shake regardless of the lens type.
  • Page 17 Focal length is equivalent to a 450 mm lens on a 35 mm camera. Shake Reduction (SR) Shake Reduction (SR) on the a features a PENTAX original system which uses magnetic force to move the image sensor at high speeds, compensating camera shake.

  • Page 18: Checking The Contents Of The Package

    Checking the Contents of the Package The following accessories are packaged with your camera. Check that all accessories are included. Hot shoe cover F Eyecup F Body mount cover (Installed on camera) (Installed on camera) (Installed on camera) USB cable Strap Software (CD-ROM) I-USB7...

  • Page 19: Names And Functions Of Working Parts

    Names and Functions of Working Parts Hot shoe Power lamp Speaker Self-timer lamp/ Remote control receiver Strap lug Microphone Card cover Mirror Lens mount index (red dot) AF coupler Lens unlock button Lens information contacts Built-in flash Diopter adjustment lever Viewfinder Card access lamp PC/AV terminal...

  • Page 20: Capture Mode

    Capture Mode Functions of buttons, dials and levers used during shooting are noted. The factory default settings are explained here. Depending on the button, these settings can be changed.

  • Page 21: Shutter Release Button

    1 | (Green) button a Q button You can assign a function to Switches to Playback mode. this button. (p.179) (p.74) 2 Shutter release button b U button Press to capture images. Displays the Live View. (p.64) (p.143) c M button 3 Main switch Move to turn the camera on Displays the status screen...

  • Page 22: Playback Mode

    Playback Mode Functions of buttons, dials and levers used during playback are noted.
  • Page 23 7 M button 1 Shutter release button Press halfway to switch to Displays shooting information Capture mode. on the monitor. (p.25) 2 Main switch 8 4 button Move to turn the camera on Saves the setting you selected and off. (p.51) in the menu or playback screen.

  • Page 24: Display Indicators

    Display Indicators Monitor The following indicators appear on the monitor depending on the status of the camera. Monitor The brightness and the color of the monitor can be adjusted. (p.250, p.251) At Start-up or when Operating the Mode Dial Guides appear on the monitor for 3 seconds (default setting) when the camera is switched on or the mode dial is turned.

  • Page 25: Status Screen

    Capture Mode While shooting, the status screen is displayed showing the current shooting function settings. You can change the screen displayed by pressing the M button. AF.A Custom Image Bright AUTO AF.A JPEG JPEG 10/10/’09 10:30AM Status screen Control panel Blank Status screen (All items are displayed here for explanatory purposes.

  • Page 26: Control Panel

    Control panel Press the M button in the status screen to display the control panel and change settings. Custom Image Bright AF.A JPEG 10/10/’09 10:30AM 1 Function name 11 Highlight Correction (p.189) 2 Setting 12 Shadow Correction (p.190) 3 Custom Image (p.194) 13 File Format (p.177) 4 Cross Processing (p.196) 14 JPEG Recorded Pixels (p.174)
  • Page 27 Playback Mode The camera switches the type of information display when you press the M button during playback. Standard Captured image, file format and indicators are displayed. Captured image and histogram (Brightness/RGB) are Histogram display displayed. Not available during movie playback. Detailed information Detailed information on how and when the image was display...
  • Page 28 Detailed information display Use the four-way controller (23) to switch between pages. The copyright information is displayed on page 2. Page 1 Still Picture ± 0 AF.A ± 0 ± 0 12 13 14 15 2000 ± 0 F2.8 +1.5 -0.5 ±...
  • Page 29 1 Rotation information (p.213) 19 Digital Filter (p.140) 2 Captured image 20 Sensitivity (p.90) 3 Protect (p.219) 21 White Balance (p.182) 4 Capture Mode (p.83) 22 Adjust White Balance (p.186) 5 Focus Mode (p.112) 23 File Format (p.177) 6 AF point (p.117)/ 24 Recorded Pixels (p.148, p.174) Autofocus Mode (p.144) 25 Quality Level (p.148, p.175)

  • Page 30: Histogram Display

    Histogram Display The following histograms can be displayed when playing back still pictures. The “Brightness histogram” shows the distribution of brightness and the “RGB histogram” shows the distribution of color intensity. Press the four-way controller (23) to switch between “Brightness histogram” and “RGB histogram”.

  • Page 31: Using The Histogram

    Using the Histogram A histogram shows the brightness distribution of an image. The horizontal axis represents brightness (dark at the left and bright at the right) and the vertical axis represents the number of pixels. The shape and the distribution of the ←Brightness→...

  • Page 32: Viewfinder

    Understanding Color Balance Distribution of color intensity is displayed for each color in the RGB histogram. The right side of the graphs look similar for images that have White Balance adjusted well. If only one color is lopsided to the left, that color is too intense.
  • Page 33 AF frame (p.50) Spot metering frame (p.104) Flash status (p.67) Lit: when flash is available. Blinks: when flash is recommended but not set. Picture mode icon (p.84) The icon for Picture mode in use appears. U (Normal mode in I), = (Portrait), s (Landscape), q (Macro), \ (Moving Object), .

  • Page 34: How To Change Function Settings

    How to Change Function Settings Function settings can be changed using the direct keys, the control panel or the menu. This section explains the basic ways to change function settings. Using the Direct Keys In Capture mode, you can set Drive Mode, Flash Mode, White Balance and Sensitivity by pressing the four-way controller (2345), and set AF point by pressing the 4 button.

  • Page 35: Using The Control Panel

    Using the Control Panel While shooting, the current settings can be checked on the status screen. You can also switch the display to the control panel and change settings. Below, how to set the JPEG Quality will be explained as an example. Check the status screen and then press the M button.
  • Page 36 Press the 4 button. JPEG Quality The setup screen of the selected item appears. AF.A JPEG 10/10/’09 10:30AM Use the four-way controller JPEG Quality (45) or e-dial to select a setting value. MENU Cancel Press the 4 button. The camera returns to the control panel and is ready to take a picture. •...

  • Page 37: Using The Menus

    Using the Menus This section explains operation methods for the [A Rec. Mode], [Q Playback], [R Set-up] and [A Custom Setting] menus. Below, how to set [HDR Capture] in the [A Rec. Mode 2] menu will be explained as an example. Press the 3 button in Capture mode.
  • Page 38 Press the four-way controller (5). Available settings are displayed. Cross Processing Digital Filter The frame moves to the pop-up menu if HDR Capture there is one. Multi-exposure AF Mode AF.A AE Metering Select AF Point MENU Exit Use the four-way controller (23) to select a setting.

  • Page 39: Getting Started

    Getting Started This chapter explains your first steps from purchasing the camera to taking pictures. Be sure to read it and follow the instructions. Attaching the Strap ..........38 Inserting the Batteries ......... 39 Inserting/Removing the SD Memory Card ..44 Attaching the Lens ..........

  • Page 40: Attaching The Strap

    Attaching the Strap Pass the end of the strap through the strap lug, then secure it on the inside of the clasp. Attach the other end of the strap in the same manner as described above.

  • Page 41: Inserting The Batteries

    Inserting the Batteries Insert batteries into the camera. Use four AA lithium batteries, AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, or AA alkaline batteries. This camera is packaged with AA lithium batteries for checking the camera functionality but other kinds of batteries are also compatible. Use the compatible batteries according to the intended purpose.

  • Page 42: Battery Level Indicator

    Push and hold the battery cover unlock lever as shown in the illustration (1), slide the battery cover toward the lens (2) and then flip open. Insert the batteries according to the +/– indicators in the battery chamber. Press down on the batteries with the battery cover (3) and slide it as shown in the illustration (4) to close.

  • Page 43: Approximate Image Storage Capacity And Playback Time (New Batteries)

    Status Screen Battery Level w (Green) Batteries are full. f (Orange) Batteries are running low. z (Red) Batteries are almost empty. “Battery depleted” The camera turns off after displaying the message. f or z (Red) may appear even when the battery level is sufficient if the camera is used at low temperatures or when performing continuous shooting consecutively.

  • Page 44: Using The Ac Adapter (Optional)

    Using the AC Adapter (Optional) We recommend using the AC adapter kit K-AC84 (optional) when using the monitor for a long time or when connecting the camera to a computer or AV device. Make sure the camera is turned off. If batteries are inserted into the camera, open the battery cover and remove the batteries.
  • Page 45 Close the battery cover. Refer to Step 3 on p.40. Connect the DC terminal on the AC adapter to the DC coupler. Connect the AC plug cord to the AC adapter. Plug the AC cord into the power outlet. • Make sure the camera is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the AC adapter.

  • Page 46: Inserting/Removing The Sd Memory Card

    Inserting/Removing the SD Memory Card This camera uses either an SD Memory Card or an SDHC Memory Card. (Both cards are referred to as SD Memory Cards hereafter.) Make sure the camera is turned off before inserting or removing the SD Memory Card (commercially available).
  • Page 47 Push the SD Memory Card in once to remove. Close the card cover (3) and then slide it in the direction of the arrow (4). Precautions When Using the SD Memory Card • The SD Memory Card is equipped with a write-protect switch.

  • Page 48: Recorded Pixels And Quality Level

    • If the SD Memory Card is not used for a long time, the data on the card may become unreadable. Be sure to regularly make a backup of important data on a computer. • Avoid using or storing the card where it may be exposed to static electricity or electrical interference.

  • Page 49: Storage Capacity

    With the a, you can record in the versatile JPEG format or the high quality and editable RAW format. For RAW file format, you can select PENTAX’s original PEF format or general-purpose DNG (Digital Negative) format designed by Adobe Systems. On a 1 GB SD Memory Card, you can record up to 48 images in both PEF and DNG formats.

  • Page 50: Attaching The Lens

    Attaching the Lens Attach a proper lens to the camera's body. When you use one of the following lenses with the a, all the camera’s capture modes will be available. (a) DA, DA L, D FA, FA J lenses (b) Lenses with an Aperture s (Auto) position, when used in the s position Turn the camera off before attaching or removing the lens to prevent unexpected lens movement.
  • Page 51 Remove the front lens cap by pushing the indicated portions inward. To detach the lens, hold down the lens unlock button (4) and turn the lens counterclockwise. • We assume no responsibility nor liability for accidents, damages and malfunctions resulting from the use of lenses made by other manufacturers. •...

  • Page 52: Adjusting The Viewfinder Diopter

    Adjusting the Viewfinder Diopter Adjust the viewfinder diopter to suit your eyesight. If it is difficult to see the viewfinder image clearly, slide the diopter adjustment lever sideways. –1 You can adjust the diopter from approximately –2.5 to +1.5 m Look through the viewfinder and slide the diopter adjustment lever left or right.

  • Page 53: Turning The Camera On And Off

    Turning the Camera On and Off Turn the main switch to [ON]. The camera will turn on. Set the main switch to the position [OFF] to turn off the camera. • Always turn the camera off when not in use. •...

  • Page 54: Initial Settings

    Initial Settings The first time the camera is turned on after purchasing, the [ ] screen Language/u appears on the monitor. Follow the procedure below to set the language displayed on the monitor and the current date and time. Once these settings are made, you will not need to set them again MENU Cancel...
  • Page 55 Press the 4 button. Initial Setting The [Initial Setting] screen for the English selected language appears. New York Press the four-way controller (3) twice Text Size Standard and proceed to Step 10 of p.54 if [Hometown] does not have to be Settings complete changed.
  • Page 56 Press the four-way controller (5) Initial Setting and use the four-way controller English (23) to select [Standard] or New York [Large]. Text Size Standard Selecting [Large] magnifies the selected Large Settings complete menu item. MENU Cancel Press the 4 button. Press the four-way controller (3) Initial Setting to select [Settings complete].
  • Page 57 When the Wrong Language is Set If you mistakenly select the wrong language in the [Language/u] screen and proceed to the [Date Adjustment] screen, you can perform the following operation to set the language back. If you have proceeded to switch the camera to Capture mode (and the camera is ready to take a picture), perform the following operation from Step 2 to set the language back.

  • Page 58: Setting The Date And Time

    • When the hometown and the date and time are not set, the [Initial Setting] screen or [Date Adjustment] screen will be displayed when the camera is turned on again. • If you have not proceeded to the [Date Adjustment] screen, you can reselect a language using the four-way controller (5) in the [Language/u] screen.
  • Page 59 Press the four-way controller (3). The frame moves to [Date]. Press the four-way controller (5). The frame moves to the month. Use the four-way controller (23) Date Adjustment to set the month. Date Format mm/dd/yy Set the day and year in the same manner. Date 01 2009 Next, set the time.
  • Page 60 Memo...

  • Page 61: Basic Operations

    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 ........60 Using a Zoom Lens ..........

  • Page 62: Basic Shooting Operation

    Basic Shooting Operation Holding the Camera How you hold the camera is important when taking pictures. • Hold the camera firmly with both hands and keep your elbows close to your body. • Press the shutter release button gently when taking a picture. Horizontal position Vertical position •...

  • Page 63: Letting The Camera Choose The Optimal Settings

    Letting the Camera Choose the Optimal Settings The a features various capture modes, focus modes, and drive modes for expressing your photographic vision. This section explains how to take pictures by simply pressing the shutter release button. Set the mode dial to I. The camera will select the optimal capture mode for the subject.
  • Page 64 Look through the viewfinder to view the subject. A zoom lens can be used to change the size of the subject in the viewfinder. (p.66) 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.

  • Page 65: The Monitor

    Review the captured image on the monitor. The image appears for 1 second on the monitor shortly after capturing (Instant Review). 1 Setting the Display for Instant Review (p.249) You can magnify the image during Instant Review with the e-dial. (p.202) You can delete the image during Instant Review by pressing the K/i button.

  • Page 66: Operating The Shutter Release Button

    Operating the shutter release button The shutter release button has two working positions. Not pressed Pressed halfway Pressed fully (first position) (second position) Pressing it down halfway (first position) turns on the viewfinder indicators and the autofocus system operates. Pressing it fully (second position) takes a picture.

  • Page 67: Subjects That Are Difficult To Focus On

    Subjects that are difficult to focus on The autofocus mechanism is not perfect. Focusing may be difficult when taking pictures under the following conditions. These also apply to manual focusing using the focus indicator ] in the viewfinder. (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...

  • Page 68: Using A Zoom Lens

    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 pictures. Turn the zoom ring to the right or left. Turn the zoom ring clockwise for telephoto and counterclockwise for wide angle.

  • Page 69: Using The Built-In Flash

    Using the Built-in Flash Use the following procedures to take pictures in low light or backlit conditions or when you want to 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 (darkening of the corners of the image due to a lack of light) may occur when used at a distance closer than 0.7 m (this distance varies slightly depending on the...

  • Page 70: In Capture Mode

    Flash Mode Function Auto Flash+Red- Discharges a pre-flash for red-eye reduction before the eye Reduction automatic flash. Manual Flash+ Discharges the flash manually. A pre-flash for red-eye Red-eye Reduct. reduction is discharged before the main flash. Sets to a slow shutter speed depending on the brightness.
  • Page 71 Use the four-way controller (45) Flash Mode to select a flash mode. Auto Flash Discharge Turn the e-dial to perform the flash exposure compensation. (p.72) MENU Cancel Press the 4 button. The camera is ready to take a picture. Using Auto Flash Discharge Mode C, i (Automatic Flash Pop-up) Set the mode dial to I, =, q, .
  • Page 72 Push down on the portion indicated in the illustration to retract the built-in flash. Switch between C (Auto Flash Discharge) and b (Manual Flash Discharge) by pressing the K/i button while the built-in flash is popped up. Using Manual Flash Discharge Mode Press the K/i button.
  • Page 73 When the mode dial is set to a (Flash Off), the built-in flash will not pop up even if the K/i button is pressed. 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.

  • Page 74: Compensating Flash Output

    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. The b (Manual Flash Discharge) mode is used when shooting with Daylight-Sync Shooting.

  • Page 75: Allowing Shooting While Charging The Flash

    Set the flash compensation value by turning Flash Mode the e-dial in the [Flash Mode] screen. Manual Flash Discharge Pressing the | (Green) button returns the flash exposure compensation to the default value (0.0). (Available only when [Green Button] is assigned to the | (Green) button in +0.3 [Green Button] of the [A Rec.

  • Page 76: Playing Back Pictures

    Playing Back Images You can play back captured images with the camera. Use the provided “PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4” software to play back pictures using a computer. Refer to “Using the Provided Software” (p.268) for details on the software.

  • Page 77: Deleting A Single Image

    Deleting a Single Image You can delete one image at a time. • Deleted images cannot be restored. • Protected images cannot be deleted. (p.219) Press the Q button and use the four-way controller (45) to select an image to delete. Press the K/i button.
  • Page 78 Memo...

  • Page 79: Shooting Functions

    Shooting Functions This chapter describes the various basic and advanced shooting functions available with the a. How to Operate the Shooting Functions ... 78 Selecting the Appropriate Capture Mode ..83 Setting the Exposure ........... 88 Focusing ............. 112 Checking the Composition, Exposure and Focus Before Shooting (Preview) ........

  • Page 80: How To Operate The Shooting Functions

    How to Operate the Shooting Functions You can change capture-related settings using the direct keys, control panel, [A Rec. Mode] menus or [A Custom Setting] menus. For details on how to operate the menus, refer to “Using the Menus” (p.35). Direct Keys Setting Items Press the four-way controller (2345) or 4 button in Capture mode to set the following items.

  • Page 81: Rec. Mode Menu Setting Items

    Rec. Mode Menu Setting Items The following settings can be performed in the [A Rec. Mode 1-4] menus. Press the 3 button in Capture mode to display the [A Rec. Mode 1] menu. Menu Item Function Page Sets the image finishing tone such as color Custom Image* p.194 and contrast before shooting an image.
  • Page 82 Menu Item Function Page Movie Sets the movie settings. p.148 Live View Sets the Live View display settings. p.144 Status Screen Sets the status screen display color settings. p.248 Instant Review Sets the Instant Review display settings. p.249 Color Space Sets the color space to use.

  • Page 83: Custom Setting Menu Setting Items

    Custom Setting Menu Setting Items Set the [A Custom Setting 1-4] menus to fully use the functions of a SLR camera. Menu Item Function Page 1. EV Steps Sets the adjustment steps for exposure. p.108 Sets the adjustment steps for ISO 2.
  • Page 84 Menu Item Function Page High-ISO NR is activated when shooting 15. High-ISO NR with a sensitivity higher than the set p.92 Start Level sensitivity. 16. Release While Sets whether to release shutter while the p.73 Charging built-in flash is charging. 17.

  • Page 85: Selecting The Appropriate Capture Mode

    Selecting the Appropriate Capture Mode You can switch the capture modes by setting the icons on the mode dial to the dial indicator. Dial indicator The a features various shooting modes, enabling you to take pictures with settings suited for your photographic vision. In this manual, the capture modes are referred to as follows.

  • Page 86: Picture Mode

    Picture Mode Set the mode dial to =, s, q, \, . or a if you cannot capture the desired image in I (Auto Picture) mode. The characteristics of each mode are as follows. Mode Characteristics The optimal capture mode is automatically selected from the U (Standard), = (Portrait), s (Landscape), I Auto Picture q (Macro), \ (Moving Object) and .

  • Page 87: H Mode

    H Mode By setting the mode dial to H (Scene), you can choose from the following 10 shooting scenes. Mode Characteristics Used for night scenes. Use a tripod, etc. to prevent A Night Scene shaking. For capturing images of dazzling backgrounds, such Q Surf &...

  • Page 88: Scene Mode

    Selecting a Shooting Scene Set the mode dial to H. The scene mode status screen appears. Press the M button. AF.A The icon for the currently selected shooting scene appears in the control 1600 panel. AUTO JPEG Use the four-way controller Scene Mode (2345) to select [Scene Night Scene...

  • Page 89: Exposure Mode

    When the 3 button is pressed while the mode dial is set to H (Scene), the [H Scene] menu appears. The scene mode can also be selected from the [H Scene] Night Scene menu. Used for night scenes. Use a tripod, etc. to prevent shaking MENU Exit...

  • Page 90: Setting The Exposure

    Setting the Exposure Effect of Aperture and Shutter Speed Correct exposure of the subject is determined by the combination of shutter speed and aperture setting. There are many correct combinations of shutter speed and aperture value for a particular subject. Different combinations produce different effects.
  • Page 91 Opening the aperture (reduce the aperture value) Objects closer and farther than the focused subject will be more out of focus. For instance, if you take a picture of a flower against a landscape with the aperture open, the landscape in front and behind the flower will be blurred, emphasizing only the flower.

  • Page 92: Setting The Sensitivity

    Setting the Sensitivity You can set the sensitivity to suit the brightness of the surroundings. The sensitivity can be set to [AUTO] or within a sensitivity range equivalent to ISO 200 to 6400. The default setting is [AUTO]. Press the four-way controller (5) in Capture mode. The [Sensitivity] screen appears.
  • Page 93 • When n (Stage Lighting)/l (Night Snap) in H (Scene) mode or C (Movie) mode is selected, the sensitivity is fixed to AUTO and cannot be changed. • When the mode dial is set to K (Sensitivity Priority) or a (Manual), [AUTO Setting] is not displayed.

  • Page 94: Noise Reduction

    Noise Reduction When shooting with a digital camera, image noise (image roughness or unevenness) becomes noticeable in the following situations. - Shooting with a long exposure - Shooting with a high sensitivity setting - When the temperature of the CMOS sensor is high You can reduce image noise by using Noise Reduction.

  • Page 95: Changing The Exposure Mode

    Changing the Exposure Mode This camera features the following five exposure modes. Use the mode dial to change the exposure mode. (p.83) The settings available for each exposure mode are as follows. Change Change Change Exposure EV Com- Description Shutter Aperture Sensi- Page...
  • Page 96 Using a Lens with an Aperture Ring When using a lens with an aperture ring, set the aperture to the s (AUTO) position while holding down the auto- lock button on the lens. Using the e (Program) Mode Automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture value to obtain the proper exposure according to Program line when taking pictures.

  • Page 97: E-Dial In Program

    The EV compensation value is AF.A displayed in the status screen and viewfinder. AUTO JPEG EV compensation value • EV compensation value can be set in increments of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV. Set the exposure steps in [1. EV Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu. (p.108) •...
  • Page 98 Using the K (Sensitivity Priority) Mode You can set the sensitivity to suit the brightness of the subject. The shutter speed and aperture value are automatically set according to the selected sensitivity to obtain the proper exposure. Set the mode dial to K. Turn the e-dial to adjust the sensitivity.

  • Page 99: Shutter Speed

    Using the b (Shutter Priority) Mode Lets you set the desired shutter speed for expressing moving subjects. When taking pictures of a fast moving subject, you can increase the shutter speed to make the subject look still or decrease the shutter speed to have the subject show movement.

  • Page 100: Exposure Warning

    • Turn the e-dial while pressing the mc button to change the EV compensation value. (p.107) • The shutter speed can be set in increments of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV. Set the exposure steps in [1. EV Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu. (p.108) •...

  • Page 101: Aperture Value

    Turn the e-dial to adjust the aperture value. The set values are displayed in the AF.A status screen and viewfinder. AUTO JPEG • Turn the e-dial while pressing the mc button to change the EV compensation value. (p.107) • The aperture value can be set in increments of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV. Set the exposure steps in [1.
  • Page 102 Using the a (Manual) Mode You can set the shutter speed and aperture value. This mode is suitable to take pictures of your choice by combining them. This mode is convenient for taking pictures using the same combination of the shutter speed and aperture settings or taking intentionally underexposed (darker) or overexposed (brighter) photographs.
  • Page 103 The set values are displayed in the status AF.A screen and viewfinder. On the status screen, the e-dial indicator appears next to the shutter speed or aperture value, depending on which is being adjusted. JPEG Of the shutter speed and aperture value, the value being adjusted is underlined in the viewfinder.

  • Page 104: Using Ae Lock

    Using AE Lock If [10. AF/AE-L Button] in the [A Custom Setting 2] menu is set to [AE Lock], you can press the =/L button to lock the exposure value. (p.108) Example) If the shutter speed is 1/125 sec. and aperture is F5.6 and these settings are locked with the =/L button, the aperture automatically changes to F11 if the shutter speed is changed to 1/30 sec.
  • Page 105 Using the Bulb Shooting This setting is useful when shooting night scenes and fireworks which require the long exposures. Set the mode dial to a. Turn the e-dial and set the shutter AF.A speed to h. Bulb h appears after the slowest shutter speed (30 sec.).

  • Page 106: Selecting The Metering Method

    • Turn the e-dial while holding down the mc button to adjust the aperture value. (p.107) • The aperture value can be set in increments of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV. Set the exposure steps in [1. EV Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu. (p.108) •...
  • Page 107 Use the four-way controller AE Metering (2345) to select [AE Metering] Multi-segment and press the 4 button. The [AE Metering] screen appears. AF.A JPEG 10/10/’09 10:30AM Use the four-way controller (45) AE Metering to select a metering method. Multi-segment MENU Cancel Press the 4 button.

  • Page 108: Using The Spot Metering

    Linking AE to AF Point during Multi-segment Metering In [6. Link AE to AF Point] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu (p.81), you can link the exposure and AF point in the focusing area during multi-segment metering. Exposure is set separately from the AF point. (default setting) Exposure is set in accordance with the AF point.

  • Page 109: Adjusting The Exposure

    Adjusting the Exposure This allows you to deliberately overexpose (brighten) or underexpose (darken) your picture. The exposure steps can be selected from 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV in [1. EV Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu. You can adjust the EV compensation from –3 to +3 (EV). Turn the e-dial while pressing mc button the mc button.
  • Page 110 Changing the Exposure Steps Set the exposure setting steps in [1. EV EV Steps Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu 1/3 EV Steps (p.81) to increments of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV. 1/2 EV Steps Exposure compensation steps now set to 1/3 EV MENU Cancel...

  • Page 111: Exposure Bracketing

    • The exposure remains locked as long as the =/L button is kept pressed or the shutter release button is kept pressed halfway. The exposure remains in the memory for a period between 0.5× to 2× the metering timer (p.106) even after taking your finger off the =/L button. •...
  • Page 112 You can set [7. Auto Bracketing Order] in the [A Custom Setting 1] menu (p.81). 0 - + Standard Underexposed Overexposed (default setting) - 0 + Underexposed Standard Overexposed + 0 - Overexposed Standard Underexposed 0 + - Standard Overexposed Underexposed Press the four-way controller (2) in Capture mode.
  • Page 113 Press the shutter release button fully. Continue to press the shutter release button until three shots have been captured. Three consecutive images will be taken according to the order set in [7. Auto Bracketing Order] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu. •...

  • Page 114: Focusing

    Focusing You can focus with the following methods. The camera automatically focuses on the subject Autofocus when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. Manual focus Manually adjust the focus. Using the Autofocus You can also choose the autofocus mode from l (Single mode) where the shutter release button is pressed halfway to focus on the subject and the focus is locked at that position, k (Continuous mode) where the subject is kept in focus by continuous adjustment while the shutter release...
  • Page 115 Look through the viewfinder and press the shutter release button halfway. The focus indicator ] appears and you will hear a beep when the subject comes into focus. (When blinking, the subject is not in focus.) 1 Subjects that are difficult to focus on (p.65) Focus Indicator...
  • Page 116 Using the =/L Button to Focus on the Subject You can set the camera so that focusing is performed when the =/L button is pressed. Use this setting when the autofocus by pressing the shutter release button halfway is not desired. Select [Enable AF1] or [Enable AF/AE-L Button AF2] in [10.

  • Page 117: Setting The Af Mode

    Setting the AF Mode You can choose from the following three autofocus modes. Switches automatically between l and k modes according to the subject. (default setting) • [AF Mode] is fixed to f in I (Auto Picture) mode. Auto • Even if f is selected, [AF Mode] is fixed to l when shooting with Live View with the mode dial set to e, K, b, c or a.
  • Page 118 Set the focus mode lever to =. Press the M button in the status screen. The control panel appears. Press the M button when the status screen is not displayed. Use the four-way controller AF Mode (2345) to select [AF Mode] AF.A and press the 4 button.

  • Page 119: Selecting The Focusing Area (Af Point)

    Selecting the Focusing Area (AF Point) Choose the part of the viewfinder to set focus to. Auto Out of the 5 AF points, the camera selects the optimum AF (5 AF Points) point even if the subject is not centered. (default setting) Auto Out of the 11 AF points, the camera selects the optimum AF (11 AF Points)
  • Page 120 Setting the Focus Position in the AF Frame Set the AF point to S and press Select AF Point the four-way controller (3). MENU Cancel Use the four-way controller Select AF Point (2345) to change the AF point. MENU Cancel Press the 4 button.

  • Page 121: Locking The Focus (Focus Lock)

    • If you press the | (Green) button while the status screen is displayed when [Center AF Point] is assigned to the | button in [Green Button] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu, the screen in Step 2 appears. •...
  • Page 122 Lock the focus. Keep the shutter release button pressed halfway. The focus will remain locked. Recompose the picture while keeping the shutter release button pressed halfway. • The focus is locked while the focus indicator ] is displayed. • Turning the zoom ring with the focus locked may cause the subject to be out of focus.

  • Page 123: Adjusting The Focus Manually (Manual Focus)

    Adjusting the Focus Manually (Manual Focus) When you adjust the focus manually, you can use either the focus indicator or the matte field in the viewfinder. Using the Focus Indicator The focus indicator ] appears in the viewfinder when the subject is in focus even during manual focus.

  • Page 124: Focusing Screen

    • Adjust the focus manually using the matte field in the viewfinder when the subject is difficult to focus (p.65) and the focus indicator will not appear. • The beep that sounds when the image is focused can be turned off. (p.243) Using the Viewfinder Matte Field You can manually adjust the focus using the matte field in viewfinder.
  • Page 125 Shooting in Catch-in Focus Mode When [21. Catch-in Focus] in the [A Custom Setting 3] menu (p.82) is set to [On], if [AF Mode] is set to f or l and one of the following types of lenses is attached, catch-in focus shooting is enabled and the shutter is released automatically when the subject comes into focus.

  • Page 126: Checking The Composition, Exposure And Focus Before Shooting (Preview)

    Checking the Composition, Exposure and Focus Before Shooting (Preview) You can use the preview function to check depth of field, composition, exposure and focus before taking a picture. There are two preview methods. Preview Method Description Optical Preview For checking the depth of field with the viewfinder. For checking the composition, exposure and focus on e Digital Preview the monitor.
  • Page 127 Use the four-way controller Green Button (23) to select [Optical Preview] Green Button or [Digital Preview] and press the Custom Image Optical Preview 4 button. Digital Preview Digital Filter If you selected [Optical Preview], proceed RAW Button Function to Step 6. Center AF Point MENU Cancel...

  • Page 128: Displaying The Optical Preview

    Displaying the Optical Preview Position the subject inside the AF frame and press the shutter release button halfway to focus on the subject. Press the | button while looking through the viewfinder. You can check the depth of field in the viewfinder while the | button is pressed.

  • Page 129: Displaying The Digital Preview

    Displaying the Digital Preview Focus on the subject, then compose the picture in the viewfinder and press the | button. The icon (|) appears on the monitor during preview and you can check the composition, exposure and focus. INFO Available operations e-dial Enlarges the preview image.

  • Page 130: Using Shake Reduction Function To Prevent Camera Shake

    Using Shake Reduction Function to Prevent Camera Shake Taking Pictures Using the Shake Reduction Function 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.

  • Page 131: Setting The Shake Reduction Function

    Setting the Shake Reduction Function Press the M button in the status screen. The control panel appears. Press the M button when the status screen is not displayed. Use the four-way controller Shake Reduction (2345) to select [Shake Reduction] and press the 4 button.

  • Page 132: Focal Length

    • The Shake Reduction function is available with any a compatible PENTAX lens. However, when the aperture ring is set to other than the s (Auto) position or a lens without an s position is used, the camera will not operate unless [22.

  • Page 133: Shooting With The Self-Timer

    • 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 being used in the same manner.
  • Page 134 Use the four-way controller Drive Mode (45) to select g. Single Frame Shooting MENU Cancel Press the four-way controller (3) Drive Mode and use the four-way controller Self-timer (12 sec.) (45) to select g. MENU Cancel Press the 4 button. The camera is ready to take a picture.
  • Page 135 Using the Mirror Lock-up Function Use the Mirror Lock-up function if camera shake is evident even when a remote control unit (optional) is used with a tripod. When shooting with the 2 sec. self-timer, the mirror pops up and the shutter is released 2 seconds after you press the shutter release button, thereby avoiding the vibration of the mirror.

  • Page 136: Shooting With The Remote Control (Optional)

    Shooting with the Remote Control (Optional) The shutter can be released from a distance by using the optional remote control unit. You can select from the following two settings for remote control shooting. The shutter will be released immediately after the shutter Remote Control release button on the remote control unit is pressed.

  • Page 137: Control Unit

    • The Shake Reduction function is automatically turned off when hor i is set. • The remote control may not operate in backlit conditions. • The remote control unit battery can send a remote control signal about 30,000 times. Contact PENTAX Service Center to replace the battery (this will involve a fee).

  • Page 138: Taking Pictures Continuously

    Taking Pictures Continuously Continuous Shooting Pictures can be taken continuously while the shutter release button is kept pressed. The following two types of continuous shooting are available. When JPEG image quality is set to E/C, up to 17 Continuous frames are taken continuously at approximately 4.7 fps. Shooting (Hi) The shooting interval will increase as the camera buffer memory fills up.
  • Page 139 Press the 4 button. The camera is ready to take pictures continuously. Press the shutter release button halfway. The autofocus system operates. The focus indicator ] appears in the viewfinder when focused. Press the shutter release button fully. Pictures are taken continuously while the shutter release button is fully pressed.

  • Page 140: Multi-Exposure

    Multi-exposure You can create a composite picture while taking multiple frames. Multi-exposure is not available when the mode dial is set to C (Movie), or when Cross Processing, Digital Filter or HDR Capture is set. Select [Multi-exposure] in the [A Rec. Mode 2] menu and press the four-way controller (5).

  • Page 141: Take The Picture

    Take the picture. The composite picture is displayed in Instant Review each time the shutter release button is pressed. Press the K/i button during Instant Review to discard pictures taken up to that point and take pictures again from the first frame. The pictures are saved when the set number of shots has been taken, and then the [Multi-exposure] screen appears again.

  • Page 142: Taking Pictures Using Digital Filters

    Taking Pictures Using Digital Filters You can apply a filter when taking pictures. The following filters can be selected. Filter Name Effect Parameter Shading Level: +1/+2/+3 For taking pictures that look as Blur: +1/+2/+3 Toy Camera if taken with a toy camera. Tone Break: Red/Green/Blue/ Yellow Toning: -3 to +3...
  • Page 143 • When Digital Filter is set, the file format is always set to [JPEG] and cannot be changed. You cannot use Digital Filter when the file format is set to [RAW] or [RAW+]. • When Digital Filter is set, Multi-exposure is not available. •...
  • Page 144 Use the four-way controller (23) to select the parameter and Effect Density the four-way controller (45) to adjust the parameter’s value. INFO MENU Cancel Check Available operations mc button You can use Digital Preview to preview the background image with the selected filter. M button Saves the background image.

  • Page 145: Shooting With The Live View

    Shooting with the Live View You can shoot a picture or a movie while displaying the real-time image on the monitor. • The image in Live View may differ from the captured image if the brightness of the subject is low or high. •...

  • Page 146: Taking Still Pictures

    Taking Still Pictures Setting the Live View You can set the display items and autofocus mode for Live View. Select [Live View] in the [A Rec. Mode 3] menu and press the four-way controller (5). The [Live View] screen appears. Use the four-way controller (23) Live View to select [Info Overlay], [Show...
  • Page 147 Gives autofocus priority to detected faces and performs contrast autofocus. A yellow frame Face Detection appears for the main face (white frames appear for other faces), and autofocus and automatic exposure are performed for the main face. (default setting) Displays Live View and performs autofocus based i Contrast AF on the information obtained from the image sensor.

  • Page 148: Taking A Still Picture

    Taking a Still Picture Select a Capture mode. Set the mode dial to any mode other than C. Press the U button. The mirror pops up and a real-time image is displayed on the monitor. Press the U button again to exit Live View. Live View can be displayed for up to 5 minutes.
  • Page 149 1 Capture Mode 13 EV Compensation 2 Flash Mode 14 Histogram 3 Drive Mode 15 AE lock 4 White Balance 16 Shutter speed 5 Custom Image 17 Aperture value 6 Multi-exposure/Digital Filter/ 18 EV bar HDR Capture/Cross Processing 19 Sensitivity 7 Number of shots using Multi- 20 Remaining image storage exposure...

  • Page 150: Recording Movies

    • When [AF Mode] is set to l and [Autofocus Mode] is set to I or i, press the 4 button and use the four-way controller (2345) to change the AF point. Press the 4 button again to cancel the changing of the AF point.
  • Page 151 Recorded Pixels Pixels Aspect Ratio X (default setting) 1280×720 16:9 640×416 Press the 4 button. Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Quality Level]. Press the four-way controller (5) and use the four-way controller (23) to select the quality level. Select from C (Best;...
  • Page 152 Use the four-way controller (45) to select k or l. k: Uses Shake Reduction. l: Does not use Shake Reduction. (default setting) Press the 3 button twice. The camera is ready to record a movie. Recording Movies Set the mode dial to C. Live View for movie recording is Sound displayed.
  • Page 153 When [Movie Aperture Control] is set to [Fixed] (p.149), set the aperture using the e-dial. Press the shutter release button fully. Recording of the movie starts. Press the shutter release button again. Recording stops. • When [Sound] is set to g, the camera operation sounds are also recorded. When recording a movie, mount the camera onto a tripod and do not operate the camera while recording.

  • Page 154: Playing Back Movies

    Playing Back Movies Recorded movies can be played back in Playback mode in the same manner as saved images. Press the Q button. Use the four-way controller (45) to choose a movie to play back. The first frame of the movie is displayed on the monitor. Press the four-way controller (2).
  • Page 155 Capturing a Still Picture from a Movie You can capture a single frame from a movie recorded with the a and save it as a JPEG still picture. Pause the movie in Step 3 of “Playing Back Movies” to display the frame to save as a still picture. Press the M button.
  • Page 156 Memo...

  • Page 157: Using The Flash

    Using the Flash This chapter provides details on the built-in flash of the a and describes how to take pictures with an external flash. Flash Characteristics in Each Exposure Mode ................156 Distance and Aperture when Using the Built-in Flash ..............160 Lens Compatibility with the Built-in Flash ..

  • Page 158: Flash Characteristics In Each Exposure Mode

    Flash Characteristics in Each Exposure Mode Using the Flash in b (Shutter Priority) Mode • When taking a moving subject, you can use the flash to change the blur effect. • Any desired shutter speed of 1/180 sec. or slower can be set for taking a flash photograph.
  • Page 159 Using b Mode Set the mode dial to b. Use the e-dial to set the shutter speed. The background is not properly exposed if the aperture value is blinking when the shutter speed is set. Adjust the shutter speed so that the aperture value does not blink.

  • Page 160: Using The Trailing Curtain Sync

    Using a Mode Set the mode dial to a. Set the shutter speed and aperture value to obtain the proper exposure. Set 1/180 sec. shutter speed or slower. Press the K/i button. The built-in flash pops up. In a (Manual) mode, you can raise the built-in flash at any time prior to shooting.
  • Page 161 Set the mode dial to e, K, b, c or a. Press the four-way controller (3). The [Flash Mode] screen appears. Select I or k and press the 4 button. Press the K/i button. The built-in flash pops up. Take a picture. Trailing Curtain Sync slows the shutter speed.

  • Page 162: Distance And Aperture When Using The Built-In Flash

    Distance and Aperture when Using the Built-in Flash Relationships between the guide number, aperture and distance must be considered when shooting with the flash to obtain the correct exposure. Calculate and adjust the shooting conditions if the flash output is not sufficient. ISO Sensitivity Built-in Flash Guide Number ISO 200...

  • Page 163: Lens Compatibility With The Built-In Flash

    Lens Compatibility with the Built-in Flash Depending on the lens used with the a, even if a lens without a hood is attached, the use of the built-in flash may not be available or may be limited due to vignetting. DA, DA L, D FA, FA J, and FA lenses not listed below can be used without problems.

  • Page 164: Using An External Flash (Optional)

    Using an External Flash (Optional) Using the optional external flash AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ, AF200FG or AF160FC enables a variety of flash modes, such as P-TTL auto flash mode, depending on the external flash being used. See the chart below for details. (z: Available #: Restricted ×: Not available) Flash Built-in...

  • Page 165: Using P-Ttl Auto Mode

    About the Display Panel for AF360FGZ The AF360FGZ itself does not have the function to set the FORMAT size to [DIGITAL]. However, when it is used with a SLR Digital Camera, the difference in focal length between a 35 mm camera and the a is automatically calculated based on the difference in angle of view and is displayed on the panel (when using DA, DA L, D FA, FA J, FA or F lens).

  • Page 166: Using High-Speed Flash Sync Mode

    Confirm that the external flash is fully charged and then take a picture. • P-TTL auto is only available with an AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ, AF200FG or AF160FC flash unit. • The b will light in the viewfinder when the flash is ready (fully charged). •...

  • Page 167: Using Flash In Wireless Mode

    Using Flash in Wireless Mode By using two external flashes (AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ) or using the built-in flash with one or more external flashes, you can shoot in P-TTL flash mode without connecting the flash units with a cord. • Set the power switch of the external flash to WIRELESS. •...
  • Page 168 Using the Built-in Flash in Wireless Mode Set the camera to wireless flash mode when using an external flash in combination with the built-in flash. Press the four-way controller (3). The [Flash Mode] screen appears. Select r and press the 4 Flash Mode button.
  • Page 169 Wireless Shooting Using a Combination of the Built-in Flash and an External Flash Unit Remove the external flash unit after the channel is set on the camera, and place it at the desired location. Set the camera flash to r mode, and press the K/i button.

  • Page 170: Red-Eye Reduction

    Wireless Flash Control (P-TTL Flash Mode) When using external flash units (AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ) for wireless shooting, the following information is exchanged between the flash units before the flash is discharged. Press the shutter release button fully. 1 The flash directly connected to the camera emits a control flash (relays the flash mode of the camera).

  • Page 171: Trailing Curtain Sync

    Trailing Curtain Sync When using the built-in flash with an external flash (AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ) that is set to the Trailing Curtain Sync mode, the built-in flash will also use this mode. Confirm that both flash units are fully charged before shooting.

  • Page 172: Multiple Flash Shooting Using Extension Cords

    Multiple Flash Shooting Using Extension Cords You can combine two or more external flashes (AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ or AF200FG) or you can use two or more external flashes in combination with the built-in flash. You can use the extension cord connection terminal on the flash to connect the AF540FGZ.

  • Page 173: Contrast-Control-Sync Flash

    • Do not combine with accessories that have a different number of contacts, such as a Hot Shoe Grip, as a malfunction may occur. • Combining with flashes from other manufacturers may cause equipment breakdown. We recommend using PENTAX automatic flashes. Connect the external flash to the camera indirectly. Refer to p.169.
  • Page 174 Memo...

  • Page 175: Shooting Settings

    Shooting Settings This chapter describes how to set the save format for pictures taken and other settings. Setting the File Format ........174 Setting the Green Button Function ....179 Setting the White Balance ........182 Correcting Images ..........189 Setting the Image Finishing Tone .....

  • Page 176: Setting The File Format

    Setting the File Format Setting the JPEG Recorded Pixels You can select the number of recorded pixels from E, J, P and i. The more pixels there are, the larger the picture and the bigger the file size. The file size will also differ according to the [JPEG Quality] setting. The default setting is E.

  • Page 177: Setting The Jpeg Quality Level

    Use the four-way controller JPEG Recorded Pixels (45) to select the number of recorded pixels. When the number of recorded pixels is changed, the number of recordable images appears at the top right of the screen. MENU Cancel Press the 4 button. The camera returns to the control panel.
  • Page 178 Use the four-way controller JPEG Quality (2345) to select [JPEG Quality] and press the 4 button. AF.A The [JPEG Quality] screen appears. JPEG 10/10/’09 10:30AM Use the four-way controller JPEG Quality (45) to select a quality level. When the quality level is changed, the number of recordable images at that quality level appears at the top right of the screen.

  • Page 179: Setting The File Format

    When you perform the development process by using RAW Development function (p.233), or using the provided software (PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4) after transferring RAW data to a computer, you can create JPEG images with these effects.
  • Page 180 (p.79) when capturing images in RAW format. Live View Status Screen Instant Review 1sec. Color Space sRGB RAW File Format MENU Cancel PEF PENTAX’s original RAW file format (default setting) General-purpose, publicly available RAW file format designed by Adobe Systems...

  • Page 181: Setting The Green Button Function

    Setting the Green Button Function You can assign one of the following functions to the | (Green) button and access the function by simply pressing the button while shooting. Green Button Resets the values being adjusted. (default setting) Custom Image Sets the Custom Image settings.

  • Page 182: Setting The Raw Button Function

    Use the four-way controller Green Button (23) to select a function to Green Button assign to the | button, and Custom Image Optical Preview press the 4 button. Digital Preview Digital Filter RAW Button Function Center AF Point MENU Cancel Press the 3 button twice.
  • Page 183 Use the four-way controller (23) to choose a file format. The left side is the [File Format] setting and the right side is the file format when the | button is pressed. Press the four-way controller (5), Green Button and use the four-way controller RAW Button Function (23) to select a file format when Cancel after 1 shot...

  • Page 184: Setting The White Balance

    Setting the White Balance White balance is the function for adjusting the color of an image so that white objects appear white. Set the white balance if you are not satisfied with the color balance of pictures taken with white balance set to F (Auto), or to intentionally apply a creative effect to your images.
  • Page 185 Set the mode dial to e, K, b, c, or a. Press the four-way controller (4) in Capture mode. The [White Balance] screen appears. Press the four-way controller White Balance (23) to select the white balance. Auto INFO MENU Cancel Check Available operations mc button...

  • Page 186: Adjusting The White Balance Manually

    Color Temperature The color of light shifts towards blue as the color temperature rises, and towards red as the color temperature falls. Color temperature describes this change in light color in terms of absolute temperature (K: Kelvin). This camera is capable of setting the white balance to enable taking pictures with natural coloring under a variety of lighting conditions.
  • Page 187 Select K in Step 3 on p.183 and White Balance press the four-way controller Manual (5). MENU Cancel Check Under the light to measure the white balance, fully display a white sheet of paper in the viewfinder or select a white area as the subject.

  • Page 188: Fine-Tuning The White Balance

    Press the 4 button. Manual The white balance fine-tuning screen White Balance SHUTTER Adjust appears when measuring is completed. Adjust the white balance as necessary. A A A ±0 ±0 (p.186) ±0 INFO MENU Cancel Check Press the 4 button. The camera returns to the [White Balance] screen.

  • Page 189: Setting The Color Space

    Fine-tune the white balance. Shade Seven levels (225 patterns) are available on the G-M and B-A axes. A A A ±0 ±0 MENU Cancel Check Available operations Four-way controller (23) Adjusts the tone of the colors between green (G) and magenta (M). Four-way controller (45) Adjusts the tone of the colors between blue (B) and amber (A).

  • Page 190: Color Space

    Set [Color Space] in the [A Rec. Mode 3] menu (p.80). Movie Live View Status Screen Instant Review 1sec. Color Space sRGB RAW File Format AdobeRGB MENU Cancel File names differ depending on the color space setting as shown below. For sRGB: IMGPxxxx.JPG For AdobeRGB: _IGPxxxx.JPG “xxxx”...

  • Page 191: Correcting Images

    Correcting Images The camera and lens properties can be automatically adjusted when taking pictures. Adjusting the Brightness Adjusts the brightness and prevents bright and dark areas from occurring. Highlight Correction Expands the dynamic range and the light level expressed by the CMOS sensor and prevents bright areas from occurring.

  • Page 192: Shadow Correction

    • When [Highlight Correction] is set to [On], the minimum sensitivity is set to ISO 400. If [3. Expanded Sensitivity] in the [A Custom Setting 1] menu (p.81) is set to [On], the sensitivity is set to ISO 200. • When Capture mode is set to n (Stage Lighting) or l (Night Snap) of H (Scene) mode, [Highlight Correction] is fixed to [On].

  • Page 193: Hdr Capture

    HDR Capture Enables capturing images at high dynamic range. Takes three frames (underexposed, standard (proper exposure) and overexposed) to create a single composite image with them. Press the M button in the status screen. The control panel appears. Press the M button when the status screen is not displayed. Use the four-way controller (2345) to select [HDR Capture] and press the 4 button.

  • Page 194: Lens Correction

    You can also change the setting from the [A Rec. Mode 2] menu (p.79). Lens Correction Reduces distortions and lateral chromatic aberrations occurring due to lens properties. Distortion Distortion is the phenomenon in which the center of the image appears inflated (barrel distortion) or the center of the image appears pinched (pincushion distortion).
  • Page 195 • Corrections can only be made when using a DA, DA L or D FA lens. [Distortion Correction] and [Lat-Chromatic-Ab Adj] cannot be selected when an incompatible lens is attached. • [Distortion Correction] is disabled when using a DA FISH-EYE 10-17mm. •...

  • Page 196: Setting The Image Finishing Tone

    Setting the Image Finishing Tone Setting Custom Image You can set the image finishing tone before shooting when the capture mode is set to e (Program), K (Sensitivity Priority), b (Shutter Priority), c (Aperture Priority) or a (Manual). Select from the following seven modes for Image Tone: Bright (default setting), Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Muted and Monochrome.
  • Page 197 Use the four way controller Custom Image (2345) to select a custom Bright image and press the 4 button. The [Custom Image] screen appears. AF.A After the power is turned on, the last JPEG image taken is displayed in the 10/10/’09 10:30AM background.

  • Page 198: Setting Cross Processing

    Use the four-way controller (45) to change the setting. The background image changes according to the settings. You can visually check the saturation and hue with the radar chart. (This is not displayed when Image Tone is set to [Monochrome].) Available operations e-dial Switches between [Sharpness] and [Fine...
  • Page 199 Use the four-way controller (2345) to select [Cross Processing] and press the 4 button. The [Cross Processing] screen appears. Use the four-way controller (45) Cross Processing to select [Off] or [On]. MENU Cancel Press the 4 button. The camera returns to the control panel. •...
  • Page 200 Memo...

  • Page 201: Playback Functions

    Playback Functions This chapter describes how to use the various playback functions in Playback mode. Playback Functions Operation ......200 Enlarging Images ..........202 Displaying Multiple Images ....... 204 Slideshow ............210 Rotating Images ..........213 Comparing Images ..........214 Deleting Multiple Images ........

  • Page 202: Playback Functions Operation

    Playback Functions Operation Perform settings related to playing back images in the playback mode palette or [Q Playback] menu. For details on how to operate the menus, see “Using the Menus” (p.35). Playback Mode Palette Setting Items Press the four-way controller (3) in Playback mode to display the playback mode palette.

  • Page 203: Playback Menu Setting Items

    Item Function Page Joins a number of images together and p Index p.207 creates a new image from them. g Image Comparison Displays two images side-by-side. p.214 Protects images from being accidentally Z Protect p.219 erased. r DPOF Sets the DPOF settings. p.255 *1 This cannot be performed when a RAW image is displayed.

  • Page 204: Enlarging Images

    Enlarging Images Images can be magnified up to 16 times in Playback mode. Use the four-way controller (45) to select an image in Playback mode. 2000 F5.6 100-0001 JPEG Turn the e-dial to the right (toward y). The image enlarges at each click (1.2 times to 16 times).
  • Page 205 Setting the Playback Display Method You can set whether or not to display the Bright/Dark Area warning in Playback mode and set the initial magnification when enlarging images. Select [Playback Display Method] in the [Q Playback 1] menu and press the four-way controller (5). The [Playback Display Method] screen appears.

  • Page 206: Displaying Multiple Images

    Displaying Multiple Images Multi-image Display Screen You can display 4, 9, 16 or 36 images on the monitor at the same time. The default setting is nine image-display. Turn the e-dial to the left (toward f) in Playback mode. The multi-image display screen Frame appears.

  • Page 207: Displaying Images By Folder

    Available operations Four-way controller Moves the selection frame (2345) M button Displays the [Multi-img Display Setting] screen. Use the four-way controller (45) to select the number of images to display at the same time. Multi-img Display Setting Display Type MENU INFO Cancel ([Display Type] cannot be selected when developing...

  • Page 208: Displaying Images By Shooting Date (Calendar Display)

    Select the folder you want to 12345 display. Available operations 100 _ 0105 Four-way controller ( 2345 ) Moves the selection frame. K/i button Deletes the selected folder and all the images in it. (p.216) Press the 4 button. The multi-image display screen for the selected folder appears. Displaying Images by Shooting Date (Calendar Display) Images will be grouped and displayed by shooting date.

  • Page 209: Joining Multiple Images (Index)

    Available operations Four-way controller (23) Selects a shooting date. Four-way controller (45) Selects an image taken on the selected shooting date. e-dial to the right (y) Displays the selected image. Turn to the left (f) to return to calendar display. M button The camera returns to the multi-image display screen.
  • Page 210 Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Images] and press the four-way controller (5). Use the four-way controller (23) Index to select the number of images Layout and press the 4 button. Images Backgrnd. You can select 12, 24 or 36 images. Selection Create an image MENU...
  • Page 211 Picks images automatically from all of the images u (All images) saved. Individually select the images you want to include in w (Manual) the index. Continue by selecting [Select image(s)] and selecting the individual images. Picks images automatically from the folder x (Folder name) selected.

  • Page 212: Slideshow

    Slideshow You can play back all images saved on your SD Memory Card successively. Setting the Slideshow Display Sets how images will be displayed during the Slideshow. Press the 3 button in Playback mode. The [Q Playback 1] menu appears. Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Slideshow] and press the four-way controller (5).

  • Page 213: Starting The Slideshow

    Press the four-way controller (5) and use the four-way controller (23) to change the setting. Start Interval 3sec. Screen Effect 5sec. Repeat Playback 10sec. 30sec. MENU Cancel Starting the Slideshow Select [Start] in Step 3 on p.210 Start and press the 4 button. Or, select u (Slideshow) in the playback mode palette and press the 4 button.
  • Page 214 Stop the slideshow. Slideshow ends when one of the following operations is performed during playback or when paused. - The four-way controller (3) is pressed - The Q button is pressed - The 3 button is pressed - The shutter release button is pressed halfway or fully - The mode dial is turned - The =/L button is pressed *1 After slideshow ends, the camera switches to normal Playback mode.

  • Page 215: Rotating Images

    Rotating Images You can rotate the image displayed 90° counterclockwise at a time and save the rotated image. The image rotation information is saved with the image and during playback it will be displayed in portrait orientation. • When [18. Saving Rotation Info] in the [A Custom Setting 3] menu (p.82) is set to [Off], the image rotation information is not saved when shooting.

  • Page 216: Comparing Images

    Comparing Images You can display two images side-by-side. Press the four-way controller (3) in Playback mode. The playback mode palette appears. Use the four-way controller (2345) to select g (Image Comparison) and press the 4 button. The last image displayed will be displayed twice side-by-side. Select two images you want to 100-0001 100-0001...

  • Page 217: Deleting Multiple Images

    Deleting Multiple Images Deleting Selected Images You can delete multiple images in the multi-image display at once. Deleted images cannot be restored. • Protected images cannot be deleted. • You can select up to 100 images at a time. Turn the e-dial to the left (toward f) in Playback mode.

  • Page 218: Deleting A Folder

    Available operations Four-way controller Moves the selection frame (2345) 4 button Adds O and selects an image. Press again to return to P. Protected images (Z) cannot be selected. e-dial Displays a full screen display of the image selected with the selection frame. When the image is displayed full screen, press the four-way controller (45) to display the previous or next image.
  • Page 219 Use the four-way controller 12345 (2345) to select a folder to delete and press the K/i button. The delete folder confirmation screen appears. 100 _ 0105 Press the four-way controller (2) 100 _ 0105 to select [Delete]. All images in selected folder will be deleted Delete Cancel...

  • Page 220: Deleting All Images

    Deleting All Images You can delete all saved images at once. Deleted images cannot be restored. Select [Delete All Images] in the [Q Playback 1] menu and press the four-way controller (5). The confirmation screen for deleting all images is displayed. Press the four-way controller (2) to select [Delete All Images].

  • Page 221: Protecting Images From Deletion (Protect)

    Protecting Images from Deletion (Protect) You can protect images from being accidentally deleted. Even protected images are deleted if the inserted SD Memory Card is formatted. Protecting a Single Image Press the four-way controller (3) in Playback mode. The playback mode palette appears. Use the four-way controller (2345) to select Z (Protect) and press the 4 button.

  • Page 222: Protecting All Images

    Press the 4 button. The image is protected and the Y icon appears at the top right of the screen. Repeat Steps 4 to 6 to protect other images. Protecting All Images Select [All Images] in Step 3 on p.219 and press the 4 button.

  • Page 223: Connecting The Camera To An Av Device

    Connecting the Camera to an AV Device You can connect the camera to a TV or other device with a video IN jack and play back images. Use the optional AV cable (I-AVC7). Turn the AV device and camera off. Open the terminal cover, face the arrow on the AV cable toward the 2 mark on the camera, and connect the cable to the PC/AV terminal.

  • Page 224: Selecting The Video Output Format

    Selecting the Video Output Format When the hometown is set at the time of initial setting (p.52), the video output format is set in accordance with that region. Depending on the country or region, images may fail to be played back with the set video output format.

  • Page 225: Processing Images

    Processing Images This chapter describes how to process pictures taken and edit RAW images. Changing the Image Size ........224 Processing Images with Digital Filters .... 227 Developing RAW Images ........233 Readjusting Images Shot in JPEG Format ..238...

  • Page 226: Changing The Image Size

    Changing the Image Size Changes the number of recorded pixels and quality level of the image, and saves the image as a new file. Changing the Number of Recorded Pixels and Quality Level (Resize) Changes the number of recorded pixels and quality level of the selected image and saves it as a new image.

  • Page 227: Cutting Out Part Of The Image (Cropping)

    Press the 4 button. The save confirmation screen appears. Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Save as]. Saves the image as a new file Saves the image as a new file Save as Cancel MENU Press the 4 button. The resized image is saved as a new image.
  • Page 228 Specify the size and position of the area to crop by using cropping frame. MENU INFO Available operations e-dial Changes the size of the cropping frame. Four-way controller Moves the cropping frame. (2345) M button Changes the aspect ratio. Select from [3:2], [4:3], [16:9] or [1:1].

  • Page 229: Processing Images With Digital Filters

    Processing Images with Digital Filters You can edit captured images using digital filters. The following filters are available. Filter name Effect Parameter Shading Level: +1/+2/+3 Creates an image that Toy Camera looks as though it was Blur: +1/+2/+3 shot with a toy camera. Tone Break: Red/Green/Blue/Yellow Toning: -3 to +3 Creates an image with...
  • Page 230 Filter name Effect Parameter Creates an image with Soft Focus: +1/+2/+3 Soft a soft focus throughout Shadow Blur: OFF/ON the image. For taking pictures of Effect Density: Small/Medium/Large night scenes or lights reflected on water with Size: Short/Medium/Long Star Burst a special sparkling look achieved by adding cross-like effects to the...

  • Page 231: Applying The Digital Filter

    Applying the Digital Filter Select an image for applying the digital filter in Playback mode. Press the four-way controller (3). The playback mode palette appears. Use the four-way controller (2345) to select D (Digital Filter) and press the 4 button. The screen to select the filter appears.

  • Page 232: Recreating Filter Effects

    Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Use filters in Continue selecting filters Continue selecting filters combination] or [Save as]. Select [Use filters in combination] when Use filters in combination you want to apply additional filters to the Save as Cancel same image.
  • Page 233 To check the parameter details, 100-0001 100-0001 press the M button. Reapplies following digital filter Reapplies following digital filter You can check the filter parameters. effects from previous image effects from previous image 17. - - 18. - - 19. - - 20.

  • Page 234: Searching For The Original Image

    Searching for the Original Image Searches for and displays the original image prior to digital filter application. Select [Searching for the original image] in Step 3 on p.230 and press the 4 button. Applying the digital filter Recreating filter effects The original image prior to digital filter application is retrieved.

  • Page 235: Developing Raw Images

    Developing RAW Images You can convert captured RAW files into JPEG files. Only RAW files captured with this camera can be edited. RAW files and JPEG files captured with other cameras cannot be edited on this camera. Developing One RAW Image Select a RAW image in Playback mode.

  • Page 236: Developing Multiple Raw Images

    Press the 4 button. The save confirmation screen appears. Use the four-way controller (23) JPEG to select [Save as] and press the Saves the image as a new file 4 button. The RAW image is developed and saved as a new image. Save as Cancel MENU...
  • Page 237 Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Develop images as shot] or [Develop images with Develop images as shot modified settings]. Develop images with To change the parameters, select modified settings [Develop images with modified settings]. For details, refer to “Specifying the MENU Parameters”...

  • Page 238: Specifying The Parameters

    Specifying the Parameters Specify the parameters for developing RAW images. The following parameters can be changed. Parameter Value Page E (4288×2848)/J (3936×2624)/ Recorded Pixels p.174 P (3072×2048)/i (1728×1152) Quality Level C (Best) / D (Better) / E (Good) p.175 Bright/Natural/Portrait/Landscape/Vibrant/ Custom Image p.194 Muted/Monochrome...
  • Page 239 Use the four-way controller (45) to change the value. Use the four-way controller (5) to display the setting screen for White Balance and Custom Image. Press the 4 button. The save confirmation screen appears. Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Save as] and press the 4 button.

  • Page 240: Readjusting Images Shot In Jpeg Format

    Readjusting Images Shot in JPEG Format You can readjust Custom Image and White Balance for the image shot in JPEG format immediately after shooting it without deteriorating image quality. Set the file format to [JPEG] and shoot an image. Refer to p.177 for setting File Format. Press the four-way controller (4) to change White Balance, or press the four-way controller (5) to change Custom Image.

  • Page 241: Changing Additional Settings

    Changing Additional Settings This chapter describes how to change additional settings. How to Operate the Set-up Menu ...... 240 Formatting an SD Memory Card ....... 242 Setting the Beep, Date and Time, and Display Language ............243 Adjusting the Monitor and the Menu Display .. 248 Setting the Folder Name/File Number Naming Convention ............

  • Page 242: How To Operate The Set-Up Menu

    How to Operate the Set-up Menu Perform various settings related to the camera in the [R Set-up] menu. For details on how to operate the menus, refer to “Using the Menus” (p.35). Set-up Menu Setting Items Perform the following settings in the [R Set-up 1-4] menus. Press the 3 button in Capture/Playback mode and use the four-way controller (45) to display the [R Set-up 1-4] menus.
  • Page 243 Menu Item Function Page Sets the time until the camera turns off Auto Power Off p.253 automatically. Selects the type of batteries inserted in the Select Battery p.253 camera. Reset Resets all settings. p.280 Maps out and corrects any defective pixels Pixel Mapping p.259 in the CMOS sensor.

  • Page 244: Formatting An Sd Memory Card

    Formatting an SD Memory Card Use this camera to format (initialize) an SD Memory Card that is unused or has been used on other cameras or digital devices. Formatting deletes all the data saved on the SD Memory Card. • Do not remove the SD Memory Card while formatting. The card may be damaged and become unusable.

  • Page 245: Setting The Beep, Date And Time, And Display Language

    Setting the Beep, Date and Time, and Display Language Setting the Beep You can turn the camera operation beep on or off. There are five items that you can set: In-focus, AE-L (AE lock operation sound), RAW (operation sound when [RAW Button Function] is assigned to the | button), Self-timer and Remote Control.

  • Page 246: Changing The Date And Time Display

    Changing the Date and Time Display You can change the initial date and time settings. You can also set the display style. Choose [mm/dd/yy], [dd/mm/yy] or [yy/mm/dd] for the date display format, and [12h] (12 hour) or [24h] (24 hour) for the time display format.
  • Page 247 Press the four-way controller (5). The [X Destination] screen appears. Use the four-way controller (45) Destination to select a destination city. Turn the e-dial to change the region. The location, time difference and current time of the selected city appears. London +06:00 16:00...

  • Page 248: List Of World Time Cities

    List of World Time Cities Region City Region City Honolulu Africa/ Dakar North West Asia America Anchorage Algiers Vancouver Johannesburg San Francisco Istanbul Los Angeles Cairo Calgary Jerusalem Denver Nairobi Chicago Jeddah Miami Tehran Toronto Dubai New York Karachi Halifax Kabul Mexico City Male...

  • Page 249: Setting The Display Language

    Region City Perth Oceania Adelaide Sydney Noumea Wellington Auckland Pago Pago Setting the Display Language You can change the language in which the menus, error messages, etc. are displayed. You can choose from 20 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Chinese (Traditional/ Simplified) and Japanese.

  • Page 250: Adjusting The Monitor And The Menu Display

    Adjusting the Monitor and the Menu Display Setting the Text Size You can set the size of the text selected in the menus to [Standard] (normal display) or [Large] (magnified display). Set in [Text Size] of the [R Set-up 1] menu 2 3 4 (p.240).

  • Page 251: Setting The Display For Instant Review

    Select [Status Screen] in the [A Rec. Mode 3] menu and press the four-way controller (5). The [Status Screen] screen appears. Use the four-way controller (45) Status Screen to select from the six display Display Color colors. MENU Press the 3 button twice. The status screen display color settings are changed.

  • Page 252: Adjusting The Brightness Of The Monitor

    Press the 4 button. Use the four-way controller (23) to select [Histogram] or [Bright/Dark Area]. Use the four-way controller (45) to select O or P. Press the 3 button twice. The screen that was displayed before selecting the menu appears again. Adjusting the Brightness of the Monitor You can adjust the brightness of the monitor.

  • Page 253: Adjusting The Color Of The Monitor

    Adjusting the Color of the Monitor You can adjust the color of the monitor. Select [LCD Color Tuning] in the [R Set-up 2] menu and press the four-way controller (5). The [LCD Color Tuning] screen appears. Adjust the color. Seven levels (225 patterns) are available LCD Color Tuning LCD Color Tuning on the G-M and B-A axes.

  • Page 254: Setting The Folder Name/File Number Naming Convention

    Setting the Folder Name/File Number Naming Convention Selecting the Folder Name You can select a method for assigning the folder names for storing images. The two digits of the month and day on which the picture was taken are assigned as the folder name in the form of [xxx_MMDD]. [xxx] is a sequential number from 100 to 999.

  • Page 255: Selecting The Power Settings

    Selecting the Power Settings Setting Auto Power Off You can set the camera to turn off automatically if unused after a certain length of time. Select from [1 min.] (default setting), [3 min.], [5 min.], [10 min.], [30 min.] or [Off]. Set in [Auto Power Off] of the [R Set-up 3] menu (p.241).

  • Page 256: Setting The Operation Of The Power Lamp

    Use the four-way controller (23) to select the type of batteries. Auto Power Off 1min. Select Battery AUTO AUTO When set to [Auto-detect], the camera will AUTO Auto-detect automatically detect the type of batteries Lithium being used. Nickel-Metal Hydride Ni-MH Alkaline MENU Cancel...

  • Page 257: Setting The Dpof Settings

    Setting the DPOF Settings You can order conventional photograph prints by taking the SD Memory Card with recorded images to a store for printing. DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) settings allow you to specify the number of copies and whether to imprint the date. •...
  • Page 258 Turn the e-dial to select O or P 100-0105 100-0105 for printing the date. O: The date will be printed. The date will not be printed. Copies Date Repeat Steps 4 to 6 to set other images (up to 999). MENU Date Date...

  • Page 259: Setting The Photographer Information Saved To Exif

    Exif data format. You can embed photographer information in this Exif. Use the provided “PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4” software to check the Exif information. Select [Copyright Information] in the [R Set-up 2] menu and press the four-way controller (5).
  • Page 260 Enter the text. Photographer Text selection cursor Finish Text input cursor Delete One Character MENU Cancel Enter Available operations e-dial Moves the text input cursor. Four-way controller Moves the text selection cursor. (2345) | (Green) button Switches between upper and lower case letters. 4 button Enters a character selected with the text selection cursor at the position of the text input...

  • Page 261: Correcting Defective Pixels In The Cmos Sensor (Pixel Mapping)

    Correcting Defective Pixels in the CMOS Sensor (Pixel Mapping) Pixel Mapping is the function for mapping out and correcting defective pixels in the CMOS sensor. Select [Pixel Mapping] in the [R Set-up 4] menu. Press the four-way controller (5). The [Pixel Mapping] screen appears. Press the four-way controller (2) Pixel Mapping to select [Pixel Mapping] and...

  • Page 262: Selecting Settings To Save In The Camera (Memory)

    Selecting Settings to Save in the Camera (Memory) You can select which function settings to save when the camera is turned off. The following function settings can be saved. • Flash Mode • Cross Processing • Drive Mode • Digital Filter •...
  • Page 263 • Set [File No.] to O to continue the sequential numbering for the file name even if a new folder is created. Refer to “Selecting the File Number Setting” (p.252). • When the [R Set-up] menu is reset (p.280), all Memory settings return to the default values.
  • Page 264 Memo...

  • Page 265: Connecting To A Computer

    Connecting to a Computer This chapter explains how to connect the camera to your computer, install the supplied CD-ROM, etc. Using Captured Images on a Computer ... 264 Saving Images on Your Computer ....265 Using the Provided Software ......268...

  • Page 266: Using Captured Images On A Computer

    USB cable and can be managed using the provided software. We recommend the following system requirements to connect your camera to a computer or to use the software “PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4” included in the CD-ROM (S-SW99). Windows...

  • Page 267: Saving Images On Your Computer

    Saving Images on Your Computer Setting USB Connection Mode Set the USB connection mode when connecting to a computer via the provided USB cable (I-USB7). The default setting is [MSC]. Select [USB Connection] in the [R Set-up 2] menu and press the four-way controller (5).

  • Page 268: Saving Images By Connecting Your Camera And Your Computer

    MSC and PTP MSC (Mass Storage Class) A general-purpose driver program that handles devices connected to the computer via USB as a memory device. Also indicates a standard for controlling USB devices with this driver. By simply connecting a device that supports USB Mass Storage Class, you can copy, read, and write files from a computer without installing a dedicated driver.
  • Page 269 Turn your camera on. The camera is recognized as a [Removable Disk] in [My Computer] for Windows. For Macintosh, an icon for the SD Memory Card appears on the desktop. • If the [Removable Disk Drive] dialog appears when the camera is turned on, select [Open folder to view files using Windows Explorer] and click the OK button.

  • Page 270: Using The Provided Software

    Using the Provided Software “PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4” is included in the CD-ROM (S-SW99). Using the PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4, you can manage images saved on your computer and develop (process) and adjust the color of RAW files taken with the a.
  • Page 271 Click [PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4]. For Windows, proceed to Step 4. For Macintosh, follow the instructions on the screen to perform subsequent steps. Select the desired language in the [Choose Setup Language] screen and click [OK]. When the [InstallShield...

  • Page 272: The Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 Screen

    The PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 Screen When PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 is launched, the following screen (browser) appears. The screenshots used in this explanation are for Windows. The Browser tab set (default setting) You can perform the file management functions such as viewing and managing the images.

  • Page 273: Status Bar

    3Control Panel The shooting information and settings for the selected image appear in this panel. You can switch the panel tab sets by pressing the Browser, Laboratory and Custom buttons on the Tool bar. 4File Display Pane The file list or the images in the selected folder appear here. 5Status Bar Information on the selected item appears.
  • Page 274 With the default settings, all control panels are displayed. Viewing Detailed Information on the Software Refer to Help for details on using the software program. Click the button on the Tool bar. Or, select [PENTAX Digital Camera Utility Help] from the [Help] menu.
  • Page 275 Regarding Product Registration To better serve you, please take a moment to register your software. Click [Product Registration] on the screen in Step 3 on p.269. A world map for Internet Product Registration is displayed. If your computer is connected to the Internet, click the displayed country or region and then follow the instructions to register your software.
  • Page 276 Memo...

  • Page 277: Appendix

    Appendix Default Settings ..........276 Functions Available with Various Lens Combinations ............. 282 Cleaning the CMOS Sensor ....... 285 Optional Accessories ........289 Error Messages ..........293 Troubleshooting ..........295 Main Specifications ..........298 Glossary .............. 302 Index ..............307 WARRANTY POLICY ..........

  • Page 278: Default Settings

    Default Settings The table below shows the factory default settings. The functions set in Memory (p.260) are saved even when the camera is turned off. Reset Setting Yes: The setting returns to the default setting with the reset function (p.280). No: The setting is saved even after reset.
  • Page 279 Reset Item Default Setting Page Setting Number of Shots 2times Multi- p.138 exposure Auto EV Adjustment P (Off) AF Mode p.115 AE Metering L (Multi-segment) p.104 Select AF Point b (5 AF Points) p.117 Recorded Pixels Quality Level (Best) Movie Sound g (On) p.148...
  • Page 280 Reset Item Default Setting Page Setting Cross Processing, Digital Filter, HDR Capture, P (Off) Shooting Info Display Memory p.260 Other than the above (On) functions k (On) Shake Reduction p.129 35 mm Input Focal Length p.130 *1 The parameters specified in [Custom Image] are also reset. *2 The setting returns to [Green Button] after reset.
  • Page 281 Reset Item Default Setting Page Setting Delete All Images — — p.218 [R Set-up] Menu Reset Item Default Setting Page Setting According to default setting p.247 Language/u Date Adjustment According to default setting p.244 World Time setting W (Hometown) Hometown (City) According to default setting World Hometown (DST)

  • Page 282: Resetting The Menu

    [A Custom Setting] Menu Reset Item Default Setting Page Setting 1. EV Steps 1/3 EV Steps p.108 2. Sensitivity Steps 1 EV Step p.90 3. Expanded Sensitivity p.91 4. Meter Operating Time 10 sec. p.106 5. AE-L with AF Locked p.120 6.

  • Page 283: Resetting The Custom Menu

    Language/u, Date Adjustment, the city and DST settings for World Time, Text Size, Video Output, Copyright Information and [A Custom Setting] menu settings are not reset. Select [Reset] in the [R Set-up 3] menu and press the four- way controller (5). The [Reset] screen appears.

  • Page 284: Functions Available With Various Lens Combinations

    Functions Available with Various Lens Combinations Only DA, DA L and FA J lenses and D FA/FA/F/A lenses which have an s (Auto) position on the aperture ring can be used with factory default settings. Refer to “Notes on [22. Using Aperture Ring]” (p.284) for other lenses and D FA/FA/F/A lenses with aperture ring set to a position other than s.
  • Page 285 *1 Lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or brighter. Only available at the s position. *2 Lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or brighter. *3 When using the built-in flash and AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ, AF200FG or AF160FC. *4 Aberration correction is available in [Lens Correction] of the [A Rec. Mode 1] menu. The [Distortion Correction] setting is disabled when using a DA 10-17mm FISH-EYE lens.

  • Page 286: Notes On [22. Using Aperture Ring]

    Notes on [22. Using Aperture Ring] When [22. Using Aperture Ring] is set to Using Aperture Ring [Permitted] in the [A Custom Setting 4] Prohibited menu, the shutter can be released even if the Permitted aperture ring of the D FA, FA, F or A lens is not set to the s (Auto) position or a lens Shutter will release when without an s position is attached.

  • Page 287: Cleaning The Cmos Sensor

    Cleaning the CMOS Sensor Shadows may appear in the image on white backgrounds and other shooting conditions if the CMOS sensor becomes dirty or dusty. This indicates that the CMOS sensor must be cleaned. Removing Dust by Shaking the CMOS Sensor (Dust Removal) Shaking the CMOS sensor removes dust that has collected.

  • Page 288: Detecting Dust On The Cmos Sensor (Dust Alert)

    Detecting Dust on the CMOS Sensor (Dust Alert) Dust Alert is the function that detects dust adhering to the CMOS sensor and visually displays the location of the dust. You can save the detected image and display it when performing sensor cleaning (p.287).

  • Page 289: Removing Dust With A Blower

    Removing Dust with a Blower Raise the mirror up and open the shutter when cleaning the CMOS sensor with a blower. Please contact PENTAX Service Center for professional cleaning because the CMOS sensor is a precision part. Cleaning services involve a fee.

  • Page 290: Turn The Camera On

    • The self-timer lamp blinks while cleaning the sensor. • This camera features a CMOS sensor shifting shake reduction system, and it may generate a vibration sound while cleaning the CMOS sensor. It is not a malfunction. Turn the camera off and remove the lens. Turn the camera on.

  • Page 291: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories A number of dedicated accessories are available for this camera. Please contact a PENTAX Service Center for details regarding accessories. Products marked with an asterisk (*) are the same as those supplied with the camera. Power Supply Accessories...
  • Page 292 It is compatible with existing TTL auto flash functions and it can be used with a wide range of AF160FC PENTAX cameras by using the provided adapter rings. Hot Shoe Adapter F Extension Cord F5P Hot Shoe Adapter F...

  • Page 293: For Viewfinder

    For Viewfinder Magnifier F This viewfinder accessory is for magnifying the central area of the viewfinder 2×. You can see the entire view by simply flipping up the accessory from the eye- Magnifier F piece, as it is a hinge-type magnifier. Ref-converter A This is an accessory that changes the viewfinder viewing angle at 90°...
  • Page 294 Camera Case/Strap Camera Case O-CC84 Camera Strap O-ST53 (*) Imagesensor Cleaning Kit O-ICK1 Use this kit to clean the optical parts such as the CMOS sensor and lens of this camera. Others Body Mount Cap K Hot Shoe Cover F USB Cable I-USB7 (*) AV Cable I-AVC7...

  • Page 295: Error Messages

    Error Messages Error Message Description The SD Memory Card is full and no more images can be saved. Insert a new SD Memory Card or delete unwanted images. (p.44, p.75) Data may be saved when you perform the Memory card full following operations.
  • Page 296 Error Message Description Appears during sensor cleaning if the battery Not enough battery level is insufficient. Replace the batteries with power remaining new ones or use the AC adaptor kit K-AC84 to clean sensor (optional). (p.42) Appears during Pixel Mapping if the battery Not enough battery level is insufficient.

  • Page 297: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting In rare cases, the camera may not operate correctly due to static electricity. This can be remedied by taking the batteries out and putting them back in again. When the mirror remains in the up position, take the batteries out and put them back in again. Then, turn the power on. The mirror will retract.
  • Page 298 Problem Cause Remedy Position the subject in the focus frame in the middle of the viewfinder. If the subject is The subject is not in outside the focusing area, aim the camera the focusing area at the subject and lock the focus, then compose a picture and press the shutter Autofocus release button fully.
  • Page 299 Problem Cause Remedy The USB connection with a The USB connection Set [USB Connection] in the [R Set-up 2] computer mode is set to [PTP] menu to [MSC]. (p.265) does not work properly The Shake Reduction function Set [Shake Reduction] to on. (p.129) is off If a lens for which the focal length The Shake...

  • Page 300: Main Specifications

    Main Specifications TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera with built-in Type retractable P-TTL flash Effective Pixels Approx. 12.4 megapixels Total pixels approx. 12.9 megapixels, CMOS with a primary color Sensor filter Still picture: E (RAW/JPEG: 4288×2848 pixels), J (3936×2624 pixels), P (3072×2048 pixels), i (1728×1152 pixels) Recorded Pixels Movie: X (1280×720 pixels), Y (640×416 pixels) Sensitivity...
  • Page 301 Approximate Movie Recording Time SD Memory Card Capacity Recorded Quality Pixels 4 GB 2 GB 1 GB 512 MB 256 MB 128 MB 11 min. 5 min. 2 min. 1 min. 44 sec. 22 sec. 45 sec. 49 sec. 56 sec. 28 sec.
  • Page 302 Start by pressing the shutter release Self-timer button. Operation confirmation: Possible to set beep. Can be cancelled after activation. PENTAX Remote Control F (optional) Release shutter Remote Control immediately or three seconds after pressing the remote control shutter release button Mirror Quick-return mirror, mirror lock-up function (2 sec.
  • Page 303 Flash synchronization speed range at 1/180 sec. and slower, Daylight-sync flash, Slow-speed Sync flash, Auto-popup function Hot shoe with M-contact, which couples with PENTAX dedicated External Flash auto flashes, ISO range = P-TTL: 100 to 1600, Automatic flash, Sync...

  • Page 304: Glossary

    Glossary AdobeRGB Color space recommended by Adobe Systems, Inc. for commercial printing. Wider range of color reproduction than sRGB. Covers most of the color range so colors available only when printed are not lost when editing images on a computer. When image is opened by non-compatible software, the colors look lighter.
  • Page 305 Color Space A defined range of colors from the spectrum which are used. In digital cameras, [sRGB] is defined as the standard by Exif. In this camera, [AdobeRGB] is also used because of the richer color expression over sRGB. Color Temperature This numerically expresses the color of the light source illuminating the subject.
  • Page 306 Dynamic Range (D-Range) Indicated with a value expressing the light level reproducible in an image. This is the same as the term “Exposure latitude” used with silver halide film. Generally, when the dynamic range is wide, overexposed and/or underexposed areas are less likely to occur within the image, and when the dynamic range is narrow, all image tones can be reproduced sharply and accurately.
  • Page 307 JPEG An image compression method. In this camera, select from C (Best), D (Better), or E (Good). Images recorded in JPEG format are suited for viewing on your computer or for attaching to e-mail. ND (Neutral Density) Filter A filter available in different saturation levels that adjusts the brightness without affecting the color tone of pictures.
  • Page 308 sRGB (standard RGB) International standard of color space established by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). This is defined from color space for computer monitors and is also used as the standard color space for Exif. Vignetting The picture edges are blackened when part of the light coming from the subject is blocked by the hood or filter ring, or when the flash is partially blocked by the lens.

  • Page 309: Index

    Index Symbols Adding the date ....256 AdobeRGB ....187, 302 [A Rec. Mode] Menu ..79, 276 AE Lock ....102, 108, 120 [Q Playback] Menu ..201, 278 AE Metering ....104, 302 [R Set-up] Menu ..240, 279 = (Autofocus) ....112 [A Custom Setting] Menu =/L button ....19, 114 ........
  • Page 310 Bulb Shooting ...... 103 Date change ......244 Daylight (White Balance) ..182 Daylight-Sync Shooting ..72 Calendar display ....206 DCF ........303 Camera shake ..... 128, 302 Default Settings ....276 Candlelight U ......85 Delete ......75, 215 Capture Mode ......83 Delete All Images ....218 Card access lamp ....
  • Page 311 External flash ....... 162 Guide Indicator .......30 Extract Color (Digital Filter) ........140, 227 HDR (Digital Filter) ....228 Eyecup ........50 HDR Capture ......191 Help ........272 Face Detection AF ....145 High Contrast (Digital Filter) File Format ....178, 268 ........140, 227 File number ......
  • Page 312 Menu Operation ..... 35 PC/AV terminal .....221 Meter Operating Time ..106 PEF ........178 Metering method ....104 PENTAX Digital Camera \ (Manual focus) ....121 Utility 4 ........268 Miniature (Digital Filter) ..227 Pet Y ........85 Mirror Lock-up ...... 133 Phase Difference AF ....145...
  • Page 313 Pixels ........174 Resize ........224 Playback ........ 74 Retro (Digital Filter) ..140, 227 Q (Playback) button Rotate ........213 ........19, 21, 74 Playback Display Method ..203 Saturation (Custom Image) [Q Playback] Menu ..201, 278 ..........194 Playback Mode Palette H (Scene) mode ....85 ........
  • Page 314 Strap ........38 Sunset K ......85 Surf & Snow Q ..... 85 K (Sensitivity Priority) Mode ..........96 Text Size ......248 Toning (Custom Image) ..194 Toy Camera (Digital Filter) ........140, 227 Trailing Curtain Sync ... 158, 169 Tungsten Light (White Balance) ..........

  • Page 315: Warranty Policy

    Shipping charges are to be borne by the owner. If your PENTAX was purchased outside of the country where you wish to have it serviced during the warranty period, regular handling and servicing fees may be charged by the manufacturer’s representatives in that...
  • Page 316 Therefore, we recommend that you review the warranty card supplied with your product at the time of purchase, or contact the PENTAX distributor in your country for more information and to receive a copy of the warranty policy.
  • Page 317 For customers in USA STATEMENT OF FCC COMPLIANCE This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 318: Declaration Of Conformity

    Declaration of Conformity According to 47CFR, Parts 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers and Peripherals PENTAX Imaging Company A Division of PENTAX of America, Inc. Located at: 600 12 Street, Suite 300 Golden, Colorado 80401 U.S.A. Phone: 303-799-8000 FAX: 303-790-1131...
  • Page 319 Information for Users on Collection and Disposal of Old Equipment and Used Batteries 1. In the European Union These symbols on the products, packaging and/or accompanying documents mean that used electrical and electronic equipments and batteries should not be mixed with general household waste.
  • Page 320 Memo...
  • Page 321 Memo...
  • Page 322 Memo...
  • Page 323 Memo...
  • Page 324 Julius-Vosseler-Strasse 104, 22527 Hamburg, (European Headquarters) GERMANY (HQ - http://www.pentaxeurope.com) (Germany - http://www.pentax.de) PENTAX U.K. Limited PENTAX House, Heron Drive, Langley, Slough, Berks SL3 8PN, U.K. (http://www.pentax.co.uk) PENTAX France S.A.S. 112 Quai de Bezons, B.P. 204, 95106 Argenteuil Cedex, FRANCE (http://www.pentax.fr)

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