Positano, Italy.

In SilkyPix, when you save the file you are given the option of what size to save. The proportions are kept for you automatically as you change the size of one side.

Cloning out stuff? True, SilkyPix does not do that. (Spot removal would be a nice addition, but I like the idea of a dedicated tool that does its job very well, rather than a toolbox that does a lot of stuff OK.)

Sharpening? Yes, sharpening should be the last step before printing or before posting.


Have to agree with how well and fast SilkyPix works. The UI is a little different, and the screen updates are a bit slow for my taste, but something about the workflow and available tools allows me to do a lot less in PhotoShop aftewards. Like others have said, SilkyPix is often the only tool I need to use.

Great job judging.
Thanks for the comments. Didn't think about the the cow-cutting as being a detriment. Hmmm... good point.
Anyway, the scene was intended to be a bit disturbing, so I'm happy with the comments.

Congrats Malo1961, very nice photo.

Oh dear lord! What has Christmas become?!?!?

Some painting with light, and just a touch of Photoshop...
Well, I had better put the real Nativity figurines back in place before I burn in Hell for this... or is it too late?




K10D, DA* 16-50 @ 29mm, f/22, ISO 100, 13s

Generally red-eye reduction looks for red colors. Some software such as PaintShop has an animal "red-eye" reduction which actually works fairly well and has some really nice functionality.

Basically Don's tip gives the best results. i.e. just make the selection yourself.
Although I generally just desaturate the color rather than pay with color wheels. (not good with moving parts, myself). Then adjust lightness to taste.

I never found the automatic red-eye any easier. I spend more time playing with getting good results than if I just simply worked from scratch.

No explanation... had to have it shipped to the main repair facility 1500+ miles away. So I wasn't really able to talk to anyone directly about the issues.

Anyway, the invoice says they "replaced the printed circuit board and image sensor, adjusted and calibrated all circuits. Replaced memory card contact pins and adjoining circuit board".
The body/case is definitely mine, but I don't know what internals are left untouched.

I'm just glad it was still under warranty.

Apart from a few spots of dust that I cannot blow off, the camera works better than ever. Guess I'll have to get some eclipse2 or maybe even try the Pentax cleaning kit.
Just sort of peeved that sticky dust is on my brand new sensor, but I'm not sending it away for eight weeks for dust!!

Starting back a few months ago my K10D started getting errors writing to the card. Finally sent it into repairs and after two months of issues there,

I finally have it back after they replaced almost every electrical component in the poor thing.
The repaired camera is suhweet! It is like Christmas came early. (been making due with an istD that cannot fire PTTL flash at all -- yeah, if it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all... )


Anyway... for the past year I've been having issues with metering, focus and flash. Today none of those issues exist!!
It is really nice to point at something and not have to adjust focus on a mythical point in space. PTTL flash, although not perfect is a lot more consistent and predictable.


I know other people on here have reported similar issues with less than sympathetic ears at times. Although I am all for blaming one's own lack of skills before blaming the hardware... I don't believe my skills have improved that dramatically in the time that the camera has been away.

So, just a note for those that read all the tips (which are honestly quite helpful), and have done well controlled tests. If you find that your camera is still dud, you may want to try a loaner for a while to compare or just send it back and have it fixed.

Well, must say I had a very similar experience - well, showewhat.
I took my camera to a local shop a while back. In the end it was six weeks and they did not yet send it for repair. (not a Pentax issue, but the service people at this shop)

Anyway, they did finally send it off to Pentax on Dec 1 and expected return date was well into January. Lets say I was less than pleased as well!!

But somehow the camera was back on the 18. Don't know how it got back that quickly. Should have been a two to three day ride to the Pentax repair facility alone!
But Pentax did a great job and replaced almost all of the internal components.


Face it, some people suck. I wouldn't blame the whole company for what is likely a localized issue.
I haven't heard enough stories one way or the other to say how good or bad Pentax is in general.


Anyway, is it possible to rent a replacement at this point?

Pretty much as shot. (i.e. no color mods)

Beer (liquid bread) on toast. Prosit, Cheers, Nasdravia, etc...