CA is a factor in cheap lenses. Even pro lenses can exhibit some, but it sounds like the lens you're using is a dog. Borrow a decent K mount lens and try agin!

Even with whiz-bang computerized metering, there's nothing like pointing the meter at a Zone V object (grass works well) in the same light as your subject. Even easier with a spot meter!

At least it wasn't a plastic pink flamingo. I still have post traumatic stress syndrome from the last time I was in Florida!

That's a good reminder. Thanks.

George, I susect I have a few years on you. I complained bitterly about focusing screens with a lack of focus aids, until I realized my *st D lights up and gives a confirmation when it thinks it's in focus.

I'm also seriously considering the Katz Eye focusing screen for my digitals, I always liked microprisim grids. Split image is a close second. Blinking autofocus confirmation runs a distant third, but it works for me.

Not to mention I only have one working eye. I do allright for a one-eyed cripple!

Multi-point autofocus is one of the most amazingly usless inventions in the history of technology. The camera doesn't know what you're trying to focus on!

Stick witgh single point focus or manual, you'll save yourslf a lot of grief.

Even in a viewfinder, DOF preview is mostly to see if a background goes enough in focus to be distracting, or general stuff like that. You can't get a really detailed view.

But DOF preview is an absolute prerequisite for any camera, for the above mentioned reason.

With my MX cameras (and a few other odd K-mount film bodies) 20mm was the widest I ever needed.

The 12-24 covers that wide end and more on the APS-C sensor. It's a great lens, too. I also use the 16-45 as a general "walkabout" lens. It's a great lens.

The extra stop on the 16-50 is very attractive. And it's about time someone made a 50-135. I've been using a old 45-125 on the *st D and it is an excellent zoom range.

You can always use Adobe Bridge to batch rename files. I use my initials, then the date (YYYYMMDD), then a dash or underscore, then the time (HHMMSS).

At lest I always know when a photo was taken!