Pentax X-5 -- I think I blew it
Aug 4, 2019 23:42:00 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
About a year ago, I gave my granddaughter, Sarah, a Pentax X-5 camera. Yesterday she asked me how to set it for aperture priority, as required for a photo class assignment. I searched back and forth in the User Manual but could find NO way to set aperture priority.
Good grief, my 20-20 hindsight tells me I should have bought her a better camera. So I have 2 neophyte questions:
1) Can anyone here tell me how to achieve Aperture Priority on this Pentax X-5?
2) What is a better camera to buy for Sarah**?
**Sarah is 11. She is taking a 7th grade photo class. Her instructor said it's okay if her camera cannot do aperture priority. He just wants the students to understand the principle. However, Sarah says her best friend's camera CAN be set to aperture priority. So Sarah wants to set her camera that way, too. Her wish is my command. If the Pentax can't do it, I'll get her a camera that can. I am *super-Papa*! (^_^)
Good grief, my 20-20 hindsight tells me I should have bought her a better camera. So I have 2 neophyte questions:
1) Can anyone here tell me how to achieve Aperture Priority on this Pentax X-5?
2) What is a better camera to buy for Sarah**?
**Sarah is 11. She is taking a 7th grade photo class. Her instructor said it's okay if her camera cannot do aperture priority. He just wants the students to understand the principle. However, Sarah says her best friend's camera CAN be set to aperture priority. So Sarah wants to set her camera that way, too. Her wish is my command. If the Pentax can't do it, I'll get her a camera that can. I am *super-Papa*! (^_^)
Aug 4, 2019 23:57:15 #
First the bad news:
To be perfectly honest, an aperture-priority mode wouldn't do much good, because this camera, like many "super zoom" cameras, has a tiny sensor, and those sensors don't handle wider apertures the way larger sensors do.
I won't ask where you managed to find this camera, because they were introduced seven years ago, and I wasn't aware they were still available anywhere.
Now for the good news: I hate to recommend a particular camera, but most cameras on the market today do have an aperture-priority mode. To get good advice, I would suggest that you tell us what your financial limits are {otherwise someone here will recommend something priced at $3K} and something about the characteristics wanted {for example, do you want one with removable lenses}
reviewer wrote:
https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/pentax-x5/pentax-x5A.HTM Nor does the X-5 support Aperture- or Shutter-priority shooting; you have a choice of Program Auto or Manual exposure modes, plus the usual raft of consumer-friendly Scene modes.
To be perfectly honest, an aperture-priority mode wouldn't do much good, because this camera, like many "super zoom" cameras, has a tiny sensor, and those sensors don't handle wider apertures the way larger sensors do.
I won't ask where you managed to find this camera, because they were introduced seven years ago, and I wasn't aware they were still available anywhere.
Now for the good news: I hate to recommend a particular camera, but most cameras on the market today do have an aperture-priority mode. To get good advice, I would suggest that you tell us what your financial limits are {otherwise someone here will recommend something priced at $3K} and something about the characteristics wanted {for example, do you want one with removable lenses}
Aug 5, 2019 00:59:46 #
I’d recommend a used DSLR. I love Pentax, but looking at the available used lenses and accessories for cameras I think I’d go for Nikon, Canon or Sony. (I’m an Oly user and don’t have a dog in the fight.). Those three have a large used market.
I’d suggest something like a Canon 60D with an 18/135 zoom lens and perhaps a 50 mm prime. That setup is several generations old but still capable of excellent photography. I’d guess you could get that set up for about $500 or less. (I onced owned this camera with quite a few lenses and gave it to the local high school. The camera really is a good value.). If she broke the thing it would not be the end of the world. At Sarah’s age I’d not recommend spending a lot of money on a camera because of kids’ ever changing interests.
I’d suggest something like a Canon 60D with an 18/135 zoom lens and perhaps a 50 mm prime. That setup is several generations old but still capable of excellent photography. I’d guess you could get that set up for about $500 or less. (I onced owned this camera with quite a few lenses and gave it to the local high school. The camera really is a good value.). If she broke the thing it would not be the end of the world. At Sarah’s age I’d not recommend spending a lot of money on a camera because of kids’ ever changing interests.
Aug 5, 2019 06:47:36 #
There are many inexpensive point and shoots that have all the setting and on the outside.
Aug 5, 2019 07:40:48 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
@rehess, RWebb76, & pithydoug -- Thanks to the nth degree for your kindly guidance! I made an offer on a *slightly used* Canon EOS Rebel T6 with 2 Canon lenses (an 18-55mm plus a 75-300mm). I should hear in the next 10-12 hours as to whether or not my offer is accepted. I figure my odds at around 12-5, so I'm still looking in the meantime.
@pithydoug -- I never thought a point & shoot (P&S) would let the user choose aperture priority and shutter priority. I will broaden my search to cover P&S as well as DSLR. Can you suggest a P&S for me to check out?
@RWebb76 -- By "Oly" you mean Olympus, right. They're still making cameras, aren't they?
@pithydoug -- I never thought a point & shoot (P&S) would let the user choose aperture priority and shutter priority. I will broaden my search to cover P&S as well as DSLR. Can you suggest a P&S for me to check out?
@RWebb76 -- By "Oly" you mean Olympus, right. They're still making cameras, aren't they?
Aug 5, 2019 08:25:07 #
If your granddaughter is really into photography, you might want to look at a Canon Rebel T6 or 7 or Nikon 3000 series with a kit lens to get her started. You might also look at something like a Canon G5X which is a really great point and shoot with view finder, all the capabilities of a DSLR, and a lens with a decent zoom range.
Aug 5, 2019 09:00:10 #
No, the Pentax X-5 apparently doesn't have an Aperture Mode setting.
But here's a very easy work-around:
Turn on Program Mode ("P" on the mode selection dial). Then, while composing the shot, shift through the aperture/shutter speed combinations (by rotating the wheel) until the desired aperture value comes up. And there you have it. Essentially, this method is just like using Aperture Mode - you pick the aperture value and the camera does the rest. The only drawback is that you will need to compose first before selecting the aperture value, as you can't lock in the aperture value ahead of time (aside from actual exposure lock) as you can with Aperture Mode. But I think in most situations this won't be all that much of an issue.
But here's a very easy work-around:
Turn on Program Mode ("P" on the mode selection dial). Then, while composing the shot, shift through the aperture/shutter speed combinations (by rotating the wheel) until the desired aperture value comes up. And there you have it. Essentially, this method is just like using Aperture Mode - you pick the aperture value and the camera does the rest. The only drawback is that you will need to compose first before selecting the aperture value, as you can't lock in the aperture value ahead of time (aside from actual exposure lock) as you can with Aperture Mode. But I think in most situations this won't be all that much of an issue.
Aug 5, 2019 10:15:17 #
a nikon D3500 KIT or equivalent in other brand would do it if needed , under $ 500 new . if this camera does not do AP , then she will use it the way it is .if after awhile she show a interest in photography , then move on to a more manual mode kind of camera .
Aug 5, 2019 10:39:41 #
bellgamin wrote:
@rehess, RWebb76, & pithydoug -- Thanks to the... (show quote)
Here are two Sony's. Don't know if the price range is two high. I'm not partial to the Sony product but was looking at HX100V with zeiss lens that good super-zoom.
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydschx100v
Aug 5, 2019 10:51:01 #
Yep. Oly means Olympus. Prob not appropriate for your needs at this point. Looong conversation on why...sensor size, menus, etc. I’d stick with the Canon, Nikon, Sony lines.
Aug 5, 2019 13:18:25 #
bellgamin wrote:
About a year ago, I gave my granddaughter, Sarah, ... (show quote)
No wonder I never heard of it, a X-5 is a Digital Bridge Camera not a DSLR. I've been a Pentax user since 1977. What camera does her best friend have? A possible hint for ya!
1) Not possible as it has no Av or Tv or M modes, Just P and I am not sure what else. It is pretty much an all auto camera. Not something to learn about photography on.
2) Virtually any DSLR, new, used, any brand. But again stay away from any older (style) bridge cameras. And most P&S cameras are not great for actual learning. A used MILC might be cool though. There are a lot of old Pentax and even Takumar lenses that can be used on modern Pentax DSLRs. Of my 35-some lenses most are vintage "film" lenses. A used Pentax (DSLR) K-20D, K-7, K-5 would be rather inexpensive and yet pretty full featured and can use virtually any lens Pentax has ever manufactured. But there are many choices for full featured new or used or refurbished DSLRs from Canon, Nikon, Sony; and MILCs from Fuji or Sony.
Sorry you may have to look up all the acronyms I used.
Aug 5, 2019 13:25:24 #
On the top of the camera is the mode dial, set it to "AV" which is "aperture priority"
Aug 5, 2019 13:30:07 #
rehess wrote:
First the bad news: https://www.imaging-resource.c... (show quote)
The last time I checked the Pentax K-5 was a DSLR, not a "super zoom".
Aug 5, 2019 13:34:15 #
Ched49 wrote:
The last time I checked the Pentax K-5 was a DSLR, not a "super zoom".
We are talking about X-5
Aug 5, 2019 13:39:54 #
Ched49 wrote:
On the top of the camera is the mode dial, set it to "AV" which is "aperture priority"
Please show me which spot on the dial you are talking about.
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