Thank you John.
Workflow for me is pretty fast with RAW, i use LR2 and have some presets and since I use manual shooting mode a lot of shots can be batch process so workflow is not a major concern for me.
I wouldn't gain much shooting in JPG I believe.

How big is a Premium JPEG?
Just download a K7 RAW file and converted it to DNG and went from 21.5MB to 16.6MB so curious if you would gain much using lossless JPGS.

There are 4 versions of the 18-55 now.
The original, it went on all the dslr up to the K20D.
The mark II version, it came with the K20D, k200D - it has improved optics and the lens is sharper in the corners.
L version, it came with the KM and is a lighter version of the mark II but it doesn't have a metal lens mount, a hood and quick-shift.
WR version is the newest version and it comes with the K7, this one has the same optics as the mark II but it's weather sealed.

There is not really much between the versions, you would be better off looking for a DA 16-45 if you want something better or get a 50mm f/1.4 prime as John suggest.

It's good to read something good about Pentax, like he said they are quite forgotten nowadays

The 77 is still on my wish-list for the perfect portrait lens, someday I'll get one.
The 31 would be a perfect walk around lens... yeah someday

Here is a ISO RAW test link
Noise is worse, certainly in the dark parts but when comparing the numbers on the scale the K7 wins compared to the K20D so it's hard to say which one is better.
With a noise reduction software you might get a better result with the K7 photos then with the K20D but that's just speculating of course.

You can download the raw file and test that, will have a go

Still haven't installed photoshop and the needed plugins

Ah okay, I thought so Max but just in case

BTW are you sure about those dimensions on the Flipside 400 max, because this is a photo of it.



This are the only bags of Lowe that has a (big) top compartment I believe:
Primus AW - tested that one in the shop, quite a good bag but expensive.
Rover AW
Orion AW

You ask we serve, it's a big pack though but the main compartment can be split in two and you also have a compartment in the lid link
and here is a review link

@ www.imaging-resource.com
It's a very big review and a positive one, almost all the features and aspect are reviewed.

Nice little read on Luminous landscape what is talked about above link
It's a bit outdated though but still true today I believe

Might do the trick but it's quite a hassle handling two backpacks on your back and it tires you out pretty fast

I've looked at hiking backpacks (45+ liter) which might made suited to carry camera inside.
There was a Lowe 60 liter pack I believe which had a small lower compartment that might do the trick.