I've defected

What Pentax compact digital camera has a lens that zooms out to 28mm (35mm equiv), has manual and Av modes, and a RAW option? None, is the answer. So I ordered a Panasonic LX2 - received today.

I wish I could have got the spec I wanted from Pentax, because I bet they would have done a better jop with the ergonomics and ease of operation, and perhaps even the image quality too. However, the Panasonic provides the wide angle I want, better IQ at low ISO than my old Optio S5i can manage, and will be more interesting to use.

I'll be taking it out with me on the days that a K10D is too big for. I will still keep the beautiful little Optio as well, for when I want an even smaller and lighter camera.

(LX3 is too limited in range for me, and more expensive).

Pentax, if you are reading this, please keep up with the competition in the field of compact as well as SLR photography.

I have to confess I rather like Panasonic compacts. My brother's got an LX2 and it's really quite capable, especially at lower ISO levels. Lovely rendering from that Leica lens too - good choice!

As for non-SLR cameras; they never really were Pentax's strongest suit even in the days of film, I don't see any evidence of that changing in the near future unfortunately.

I have a Lumix DMC-LZ7 and am haappy with the results in the open.

I find indoor/flash use slow and, at times, alittle diappointing. I miss my long dead Optio 550.

That gave great allround results from only a 5 meg sensor.

I think 5 meg seems to be a sweet spot for compacts. I went through a few (from 1.3 to 4 MP) before I got my Contax TVS Digital (5MP) and have subsequently bought three more (higher resolution) compacts, all of which except one (Ricoh GR Digital) have been sold on in favour of keeping the little Contax.

I've now given up on the idea of replacing it this side of something with a considerably bigger sensor - like the Sigma DP1 but with a bit more flexibility hopefully. If that camera happens to wear a Pentax badge I'll be happy to eat my words!

Us footie fans have a saying which could be applied to your circumstances. The term that comes to mind is fairweather supporter.
I am sure pentax will be making great strides and innovation in the
future whether or not forum members would welcome you with open arms
remains to be seen. I myself feel that as we are in the season of
goodwil you should be forgiven after all the grass always greener on
the otherside.