J2R,

I'm in the same position as yourself although my birthday isn't until November and what with Christmas following hard on its heels I can afford to wait a bit longer before committing...probably to a K30.

Talking of 'trigger prices'... for the K30 with 18-55WR kit lens i'm looking at £399.
If the K5 body only dropped to £399 that would make me pause and think, as would a price of £599 on the K5II !

Really nice set there, very sharp. I have to say the animals look alert and happy...something you don't often get with captive creatures in zoos.

Great shots and as you say excellent value for money. I'm half tempted myself to get one. Particularly like your third image, that winding path and stone wall to the left really add something.

Karlo

It's all about educating the masses...

APS-C or FF? Can't make up your mind Pentax...then how about APS-H? Split the difference. Slightly smaller cameras than with FF if that is an issue but a whole new
ratio to play with, with regard to heritage lenses and an almost unique proposition at the moment certainly for non pro users.

Last one for me too.

Karlo

I agree with virtually all the comments above. Personally I can't think of a more stressful situation to be put in. The responsibility of only having 'one shot' at what will be one of the most important days in two peoples lives is a massive undertaking. The problem is that if you possess a DSLR and a few lenses then family members and friends automatically assume that you obviously know what you are doing and are more than capable of doing the deed...not necessarily in my case!

If I really was the only hope then i'd do it to help out but strictly on the understanding that that no payment other than expenses was to be made (to make me feel better and lower their expectations) and i'd try and get another person involved on the basis that the blame could be shared! (only joking...well a bit anyway). Two people make organising the actual group shots easier and over the whole day increase the prospect of getting some usable shots.

I'm far happier like Mongoose taking pictures at weddings as an extra to someone doing it professionally. That way if you get anything good its by way of an unexpected bonus and not expected.

Particularly like nos 2 and 3.

Karlo

Great variety of artists Gary as you say, but all of a very high standard image-wise.

Really like nos. 5, 8, 10 and 12. The 'Toy Soldiers' really look like they have made an effort. Did they get to see out the show or were they taken away for questioning?

regards

Karlo

Well done...again, Gary demonstrating the excellent low light performance of the K5 series.

keep flying the brand

Karlo