I don't possess a 'smart' phone so can't comment personally on using such a device for photography...however my family do, and I have to say for 'everyday' strolling about use they can take some very good images. They are great for taking images of paperwork and documents to then email/text.

Given that most people will always have a phone on them these days where as most DSLR users usually won't have their camera with them most of the time...the chance of 'getting' a usable image on occasion must surely trump not being able to get that image.

However...I much prefer the creative process involved in using a DSLR both during and after taking the image and as people have mentioned there are certain types of shot that currently would be very difficult to achieve with a phone.

Given that funds are not unlimited as well...if I were forced to choose it would be a DSLR everytime.

Manufactured by Zhongyi Optics...info carried by Pentax Rumors site ...very interesting if confirmed.

Click HERE

Also on the same site the results of a satisfaction survey with camera brands on sale in Japan in which Pentax/Ricoh came out top.

Regarding those silica gel sachets...they can be quite expensive and are often quite small...which is fine for some applications...however you might be able to get them for free or a small charge if you get to know your local photocopier dealer.

A relative of mine runs a photocopier business...every copier he takes delivery of in his unit (as opposed to delivered direct to customer) results in one or two medium to large silica gel sachets...they come as part of the internal packaging. I've had loads of them...very useful. Every now and then I ask him or his staff to put them on one side for me and then pick them up when convenient. They were getting skipped otherwise!

Worth a go I would have thought.

Really good.

As well as the 'Heart' I can also see a bird in the image with heart shaped wings and a fantail...anyone else?

Images like this with all the background points of light, each of which could be a whole star system or even a whole galaxy...just blow my mind trying to visualize the sheer scale and complexity of 'that which exists' for want of a better term.

Nice set of images Gary...both bikes and planes.

The Lancaster was recently repainted in two separate paint schemes...

Port side...representing an aircraft W5005 AR-L 'Leader' from 460 Sqn Royal Austrailian Air Force replete with a bag-pipe playing, wellie wearing 'Roo representing the mixed nationality crew .

Starboard side...representing aircraft LL922 VN-T from 50 Sqn. This side retains the coat of arms and name...'City of Lincoln'.

Great to see it back flying again...apparently one of only two airworthy examples in existence.

regards

Karlo

Impressive results for a very reasonable outlay Spad.

Is that setup any good for planetary work or just Deep Space?

Karlo

+1

I see you've got yourself a minibus for carting it all around!

Do you transport it ready assembled or do you have to put it all together and take it all down each time?

I can see the advantage of the 'flippy screen' on the K-S2 for this as well.

Pentax rumour of a specialist K-3III for Astro is unlikely to materialize unless they bring out a version (IV) with such a screen.

Thanks for these images anyway...both of your equipment and results from...keep them coming.

There should really be a dedicated 'Astro' subject box to tick on this and main ephotozine site as 'landscape' or 'specialist' doesn't really do it justice.

regards

Karlo

Just read the review...thanks for posting the link.

A very strong contender for inclusion on my Christmas list!

Look very interesting and at quite a reasonable price as well.

Photorumors site

Really unusual and executed very well.

Reminds me of the kind of illustration one might see in a textbook.

Well worth the effort i'd say...well done.

regards

Karlo