Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 tryout (1)

Tried the new Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 on my Mac today.
The software interface is somewhat similar to Lightroom's panels and is so much better than the preceding Pentax Photo Browser and Photo Laboratory 3.

In a nutshell, it is a simple software to manage and process your images. Documentation is sparse but it is easy enough to work out the controls. But what is interesting for me is how the Silkypix processing engine manages the RAW files, especially when converted to jpegs. Control on the jpeg output is pretty basic and the conversion to jpegs is simple enough. In spite of the basic nature of the program, I kinda like the output from Silkypix. It has a nice punchy yet pleasant colour rendition akin to increasing the Vibrance slider in ACR/Lightroom/Photoshop.

Used a K20D DNG file of my chihuahua as an initial test. As I don't have a pretty model so poor Pepe the chihuahua will have to do. Taken with the DA 50-200mm.


DNG to jpeg conversion Pentax DCU4 (Silkypix)


DNG to jpeg conversion Adobe ACR/CS4

The software can convert PEF to DNG easily enough but I have encountered an issue in that if a jpeg is to be extracted from the converted DNG within the software (PDCU4), that new jpeg file has a problem and can't be opened up by any program, including PDCU4 itself. No problems if it is a straight conversion from an original DNG or PEF file to jpeg. My experience may be a one-off but hopefully this is not common to all and a quick software fix can be worked out.

Hexagon Bokeh

A shot of reflections off the sea with the K20D and DA 50-200mm with a Hoya colour polarizing filter. The specular highlights from the waves plus six sided aperture blades combine to create an interplay of interesting patterns.

Personal favs

Just two images converted to black and white from my Pulau Ubin trip that I like a lot. A study in symmetry and simplicty.


*ist DL2 DA 18-55mm II


K20D DA 50-200mm

Silhouette abstracts

Took these close-ups of a metal sculpture that was made up of outlines of human figures. Meant were to represent different poses and expressions of the human body, they were connected into many branches to form an interlocking tree. K20D with DA 50-200mm.

Abstraction

A look at some air vents from my walkabouts. Thought they made a nice pattern. One of my last shots from the kit telephoto zoom before I replaced it with the DA* 50-135mm. A very light compact lens that's great for travel.


K20D DA 50-200mm f/4~5.6

David in Pink

Went to the National Museum with my son and took this pink replica of Michaelangelo's David. The centrepiece as one enters the building, this large sculpture is so recognizable because of its representation of strength and youthful human beauty. This work is by Indonesian artist Titarubi and made of fibreglass with textile ornaments.


K20D DA 50-200mm

Kimono

I was drawn to the rich colour and texture of a kimono that a young lady was wearing. A quick snap without too much thought to the composition. Happy that the K20D's white balance was pretty spot-on.


DA 50-200mm

Where's Everybody?

Came across this young boy playing at the water fountains. All his friends had gone somewhere else. K100D Super with DA 50-200mm.

White Flowers

Recently on one my my trips to meet a client, I passed a new office building that had a pretty big landscaped area. What caught my eye was the large bed of white flowers which were starting to bloom but sadly I didn't carry a camera. Fortunately I had a chance to pass by the building a few days later and took just a few minutes to shoot with the K100D Super using the small and handy DA 50-200mm telephoto zoom.