Thanks, Dave. That was my feeling, knowing nothing about birding. He has a top-of-the-range scope and this may come into play at some point, although an all-in-one solution would have advantages.

Al

Thanks, chaps. I'll pass along your comments. The Q looks like a definite contender. Whatever he buys, I suspect the shortcomings will become clear and he'll have to step into the world of DSLRs at some point to get the results he wants. It looks like time's running out to get a K-30 at a bargain price. Could be the incentive he needs.

Al

Has anyone used an X-5 for bird photography? A pal of mine is looking for a relatively inexpensive superzoom to capture our feathered friends. Birders are keen on Panasonics, but Andy has set his budget lower (oddly, for someone who lives a rather pricey lifestyle) and I'm trying to convince him the X-5 might do the job. It can't match the main competition's constant f2.8 but looks like it could do the job. Any user comments would be appreciated.

Al

Technically, you should be able to text from a 3G-enabled tablet. In practice (as I found during a frustrating hour-long Google search and after downloading a couple of texting "apps"), it's easier said than done. Still haven't managed to do it. Most of the apps seem to involve going through Google Mail or setting up a separate account with a company you've never heard of. This shouldn't be necessary since your 3G connection will have its own phone number and the hardware to operate pretty much like a mobile phone. On the bright side, you'd have full access to email and the internet.

Al

I'm delighted with my Archos 80 Turbo. It has a micro-SD socket and a micro-USB connection, which I use use to port images from SD cards into the machine through a mysterious "On the Go" (OTG) cable. I've also fitted the optional 3G adapter (or dongle, as people still insist on calling it). Comparing images with pals who swear by iPads, I can't see much difference, to be honest. And certainly not enough to justify the difference in price. But there again I don't have to pander to the quirks of big-paying customers.

Al

Looking back at Cabstar's GX-20 gig photos, which test a camera to the limits, I'd think that this camera, or a K20D, would take you to whatever level you want to achieve. The K10D is a great camera, but if you can pick up a GX-20 or K20D for under £200, it really is a no-brainer. I recently bought a K30 because of its much-vaunted low-light capabilities, but I can't see getting rid of my GX-20 any time soon.

Al

Yup, that works, Mac. Mine doesn't default to "LCD on", as Cabstar found. It retains the last setting, which in my case is "off". Could be a firmware upgrade fix. Like many, I don't find the lack of top screen a problem. And the low-light AF is spectacularly good.

Al

I've run into moire with PhotoPlus from time to time but it seems to be a screen problem. It disappears when the zoom level is changed. It all cases, there's no sign of moire when the image is printed. I've found this effect with files from a Samsung GX-10 and 20. Don't know if the same's true with Photoshop et al because I now use PhotoPlus exclusively.

Al

It's clearly a reference to the rather sad end that interesting and educated men (represented by the scull) are consigned to, when, after a lifetime of learning through the likes of Britannica, they end up dead. Then, their cherished belongings, reflecting a wide range of interests developed through that education, are put up for sale in an auction house (the gavel). Judges (and indeed sheriffs north of the border) don't use gavels, so there is no legal imagery -- in the same way that the lady with the scales of justice above the Old Bailey is not blindfolded.

It's well photographed, John, and I'd be interested in your interpretation. Doubtless not as pretentious as this one.

Al

That's exactly why I moved away from Acronis a few years ago. There was no way of telling if the files were still intact until you restored them. And then it would be too late if things had gone wrong. I much prefer saving "carbon copies" of files that I can check easily, or import into software as they are. The cost of storage is so low now that the extra space they take up is irrelevant (at least for the number of photos I take).

Al