Which Pentax digital SLR

If you have a large Currys near you there is a chance they will have one for you to try.

SRS also has an used K20D for £449 which is a good option if you need a sturdier camera and want to have more control however the KX has very good high ISO performance and also handles very well but the camera is just different.

edit: spellings mistakes

The larger Currys currently have both the K-x and K-7 to try, as well as the I-10. They also occasionally have Pentax fit lenses at knock-down prices so always worth a visit as you go past one.

I've checked the Curry's website but they don't have them in store for pickup.. I don't know if they have any to test. PC World do, however there doesn't seem to be any in stock at Medway or Lakeside but they do have them in Basildon and Crayford, if you're in Chatham, of course. They may still have some on display, so you might want to give the local PC World a shot before driving too far.

I have a K200D which is similar in size and shape to the K-7 and falls between the K20D and the K10D as far as specifications (same sensor and basic specs as K10D, same engine as K20D, if I'm not mistaken). It also has weather seals for rain and dust which the K-x doesn't have. The K-x is a bit smaller but is still pretty good in the hand and it's certainly better than anything equivalent from Canon or Nikon! SRS Microsystems currently have the K200D with an 18-55mm lens for £249 and they'll do free shipping if you mention the forum (I believe).

I think if I had it to do over again, knowing what I do now (I was a Fuji pocket-cam person before) I *might* have gone with a cheaper Pentax (K100D) and spent the rest on better lenses. If I were doing it now and didn't need need the high-ISO capability of the K-x I would still go with the K200D and kit lens at £249 and maybe a good FA 50mm f/1.4.

I seem to have rambled on a bit, but I hope it's been of some use to you!

Ultimately the camera is the temporary part, it's the lenses that become part of your family. And Pentax is a great family to belong to!

Try London Camera Exchange. I tried the Pentax K-x and, although not weather sealed, the camera felt as solid in the hand as my K200D. I thought it was really nice.