A new K-X owner needs some advise here.

[joycegian]

I set my images file on my SLR to raw image.
Turned out on the computer is PEF file.
I understand this is only for Pentax cameras.

May I know what programms (free downloads) can I use to open this files & edit them?
I've always used photoshop but it cant open PEF files.

Or maybe what programms of converters (free downloads)?

Because from what I've downloaded, the converters to jpegs, are all not free & thus unable to convert.


Also, I love to take DOF pictures.
I'm currently only owning the standard kit lens.

Pls reccomend if this person selling SMC F 50mm f1.7 for $350 is worth it?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695660
(Note: Its without warranty)

Or is it more worth it to top up $200 to get the FA 50mm / f1.4 ?

 

[sabee]

Download ACR 5.7 here -> http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html

Which version of Photoshop are you using?

 

[joycegian]

Download ACR 5.7 here -> http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html

Which version of Photoshop are you using?

I'm using Adobe Photoshop CS2.

 

[Reportage]

the KX also supports DNG format.

 

[fengwei]

I'm using Adobe Photoshop CS2.

IIRIC CS2 isn't compatible w/ the latest raw converter, you probably can't use CS2 to open PEF files from Kx. There are two ways to solve the problem: set the Kx raw file format to DNG or use the bundled Pentax software (in your Kx box) to load PEF files and convert them to some format that CS2 can read.

 

[creampuff]

Adobe Photoshop CS2 does support PEF files except that since the K-x is newer than the software, the metadata embedded in K-x PEF RAW files can't be read.

If you wish to use PEF, the solution is to download the Adobe DNG Converter 5.7 from the Adobe website.
It is a free utility that converts files from more than 275 cameras to DNG, enables you to easily convert camera-specific raw files to a more universal DNG raw file.

If you are a Mac user, download from here:
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4678

If you are a Windows user, download from here:
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4679

You can also use the software that comes with the camera to open the file and convert it to another format but the software is pretty basic. I would not recommend this approach as it defeats the purpose of shooting RAW files in the first place.

Alternatively you can set your K-x to shoot the DNG format directly. Since that is Adobe's open standard file format, any version of Photoshop will be able to open it.

 

[pinholecam]

Welcome!

I don't shoot RAW or use PS, but the others have already given good advice on that question.
My only input on it is that you set the camera to shoot in DNG.


You will need to judge for yourself if $350 is worth it. Its a willing buyer and seller situation.
What I can advise is to look at ebay, PentaxForums, CS BnS for previous transactions to get a gauge of the price.
Do note that prices used to be cheaper across almost all Pentax lenses. The FA50/1.4 sold for around $350 new just 1.5yrs back.
The unfortunate thing is that it costs ~$500 now and inadvertently pushed the price of other older 50mm f1.4 and 1.7 lenses up.
The old price won't come back, so you'd have to decide if the prices are ok.

 

[speedfactory]

Hi welcome, and i'm using Picasa to edit my photo.

 

[fishyfishy]

U mean wen e pixs is taken is nt in jpeg format???

 

[gummy73]

U mean wen e pixs is taken is nt in jpeg format???

U can choose to take raw or JPG format.

 

[flowerpot]

U can use this if u r using mac.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-10051-10672

 

[ranchy]

I set my images file on my SLR to raw image.
Turned out on the computer is PEF file.
I understand this is only for Pentax cameras.

May I know what programms (free downloads) can I use to open this files & edit them?
I've always used photoshop but it cant open PEF files.

Or maybe what programms of converters (free downloads)?

Because from what I've downloaded, the converters to jpegs, are all not free & thus unable to convert.


Also, I love to take DOF pictures.
I'm currently only owning the standard kit lens.

Pls reccomend if this person selling SMC F 50mm f1.7 for $350 is worth it?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695660
(Note: Its without warranty)

Or is it more worth it to top up $200 to get the FA 50mm / f1.4 ?

About the PEF file and software, they have given you good comments and i won't say much about it. I usually use DNG setting in the Camera. Easier..

Whether the F50mm F1.7, is it worth it? It's hard to say. This lens has been discontinued and seeing it in the BNS section is rare. If you happen to see one, and you like it. It really depends whether you think is it worth it. Top it up with $200, you can get a new FA50mm f1.4. If you like it better act fast though? Not too sure it would be there for long. :bsmilie:
If you really love DOF pictures and with budget limitations, there are those manual lens, M50mm f1.4/1.7, A50mm f1.4/1.7 around.. Those are also good lens.

 

[ricsal]

I set my images file on my SLR to raw image.
Turned out on the computer is PEF file.
I understand this is only for Pentax cameras.

May I know what programms (free downloads) can I use to open this files & edit them?
I've always used photoshop but it cant open PEF files.

Or maybe what programms of converters (free downloads)?

Because from what I've downloaded, the converters to jpegs, are all not free & thus unable to convert.


Also, I love to take DOF pictures.
I'm currently only owning the standard kit lens.

Pls reccomend if this person selling SMC F 50mm f1.7 for $350 is worth it?
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695660
(Note: Its without warranty)

Or is it more worth it to top up $200 to get the FA 50mm / f1.4 ?

I have read in some forum (I think Pentax Forum) that the FA 50mm 1.4 is much better than F501.7

Can try Pentaxforum to check.

 

[fishyfishy]

Gummy, meaning the jpeg format can be set in e camera b4 snapping!??? Sry for askg so many questions

 

[gummy73]

Gummy, meaning the jpeg format can be set in e camera b4 snapping!??? Sry for askg so many questions

Yes, u can , u can choose the format before snapping so not to worry too much

 

[ranchy]

Gummy, meaning the jpeg format can be set in e camera b4 snapping!??? Sry for askg so many questions

Think normally when it is new and out of box, the setting would be JPEG in the camera setting, If i remember correctly.

It's when you want PEF OR DNG, then you have to change it to RAW format.
And also, there is option for you to create 2 types of files when you snap. (RAW + JPEG together.)

 

[Joeles]

Think normally when it is new and out of box, the setting would be JPEG in the camera setting, If i remember correctly.

It's when you want PEF OR DNG, then you have to change it to RAW format.
And also, there is option for you to create 2 types of files when you snap. (RAW + JPEG together.)

Sorry, can i ask a silly qns?? what's the difference btw RAW vs JPEG format?

 

[watchthewaves]

Click for answer

 

[ranchy]

Click for answer

Wow, how you do that!! That's so fun and cool.. ;p

 

[ranchy]

Sorry, can i ask a silly qns?? what's the difference btw RAW vs JPEG format?

Ermm , the link below shows the answer. :bsmilie:

Click for answer

But anyway, from this website, http://photonaturalist.net/raw-vs-jpeg-who-wins/
RAW

* allows maximum control in post-processing
* allows you to change white balance later without any loss of quality
* allows you to change exposure, saturation, sharpness, curves, etc with less quality loss than you’d experience with JPEG
* larger filesize means you’ll fill up your memory card faster, and it’ll take longer to download images to your computer
* can only take a few shots in a burst before filling up your camera’s buffer

JPEG

* any post-processing will result in quality loss (especially exposure adjustments)
* smaller filesize means you can fit more on a memory card (usually twice as many), and you’ll download images faster to your computer
* allows you to shoot significantly more shots in a burst

It has a nice summary of the differences. If you don't like to do much editing, JPEG would be better and also instantly you can use the photo. Whereas RAW files, you have to edit it and convert it to JPEG format in the end. JPEG file are compressed formats and are widely used.

Hope this help.