Hi Everyone

Hi there everyone,

Although I have posted a couple of times already (and received loads of help - thanks!) I thought I would wait till I actually bought my new camera before introducing myself!

I've been in to photography since I had a saturday job in a camera shop in Basildon when I was 17 (I'm now 35). I bought a second hand OM40 that the manager thought would be a good camera for me, and it has served me very well. I subsequently picked up an OM4 and five years ago before a big trip abroad I bought my first autofocus - an *ist film camera. While perhaps not of the same robustness it was perfect - light, with lots of good features that I could relate to, and has taken some lovely photos. I also have a little Optio WP which I take backpacking. I can't say I'm impressed with the dynamic range, but it has been out in all weather, has survived me falling in rivers and now I intend to take it snorkelling to see if I can finally break it!

So, now I have a DSLR. A brand new K20D with 18-55 II lens, to go with my 75-300 FA-J. I'm afraid I'm probably going to be a pain over the next few months with lots of questions about computers and processing etc as that area is a whole new discipline for me compared to shooting print or slide film, or dowloading JPEGs snaps from the Optio. I certainly notice A LOT of photoshopping going on in images these days and am not sure how I will get on on that front.

I live a bit of a dual life too, in the UK and New Zealand. When I head back over there in late Feb I might see if I can find some Pentaxians to hang out with, but this will hopefully also be a regular home.

Finally, I'm pretty sure that Pentax, Olympus, Sony, Nikon and Canon all make great cameras. I just wish more shops sold all of them so each company had a chance to shine based on merit.

H Spencer

Welcome from a newbie in all the general aspects of photography. I have dived into the deep end coming straight from a compact.

All I can say is this is a great bunch of people and extremely welcoming and helpful. Well, you must have already had experience on that as you mention that you have already cast your requests for help and they have been well received.

Welcome to the forum

Amin

Hello Spencer, and welcome.

Hello Spencer and welcome to the forum - believe it or not, even with a DSLR Photoshopping is optional! Getting things right "in camera" is a worthy skill to have.

Hi Spencer, welcome to the forum.

I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to Photoshopping, but I'm skewing more towards actually getting the picture right (as per Hefty1's post) before relying on PS to do my photos for me.

Hi Spencer,
Welcome from another forum newcomer
At least you have actually got your K20D, looks like I will have to wait a few days until mine arrives.
As rpk20d, I try to keep PP to a minimum if at all possible (I shoot RAW and use CaptureOne4). And I agree about your comment about some (most) shops not stocking a wide range of camera manufacturers products, can be quite frustrating can't it.
Hope you enjoy your new equipment.

Welcome Spencer!!!

I'm eagerly waiting my K20D too (i've yet to buy the thing - just waiting for payday...9 days to go....)

Greytop - tell us how you get on when yours arrives!

And Spencer - please ask as many questions as you care to with your K20D...It'll be a great help for me too!

Hi and welcome

Thanks very much everyone! I'm glad there are a few people around in the same boat, or at least on the same ocean. I now feel free to ask stupid questions with reckless abandon in the name of public interest!

I'm encouraged about your PP thoughts too and also will be trying to take good photos first and foremost, but will hopefully also learn some basic editing skills to get the best out of the RAW images.

Good luck with your new cameras!

Hi Spencer, Welcome to the forum.
Best wishes

Welcome to the fora. It is a friendly place.

As to "photoshopping" (how did that get to be a verb?) getting right "in camera" always helps. The main thing is that most compacts do quite a bit of editing before you download the image, whereas with your K20D you will probably do it yourself for more control.

Have fun with the new camera.

Best wishes, Kris.

Hello and welcome Spencer

Hi spencer and welcome to the forum