My first recommendation would be to find someone experienced with a DSLR local to you, that you can 'buddy up' with and go out on a few relaxed shoots. All the better if it's someone from this forum.

I've found that it's a great way to learn some basic skills.

Regards
David

There are a good number of members on here who have recently moved to other Brands. AndrewA for example remains an active member who often contributes to the Gallery and Forum threads, he sold his K-5 kit in preference for a Nikon D7100. Maybe Andrew could give us some unbiased feedback that won't be deleted?

Regards
David

These shots are impressive for a compact camera, albeit a high quality one. Details, colour, contrast all seem spot on to me.

I love my K-01 and often use it 'one-handed', I just wish it was a little more 'compact' than 'DSLR'! I can see the attraction in this little gem.

Regards
David

Very nice Barrie, I like the second one in particular. These birds are so graceful and I think your shots illustrate that perfectly.

Regards
David

The last two are my favourites, the fourth has bags of character and the last has the best lighting. I also like the bloke in the bowler hat! I would have liked to see a bit shallower DOF on these as they are maybe a bit 'clinical' looking, but that's just my preference and not a criticism of the shots. I don't have an issue with the harsh light, this is how it was on the day.

Regards
David

I suppose it all depends on why images are posted. Some of mine (like the last set shot with the 1.4TC) are more for information and although I always invite critique, I won't take much from it in terms of artistic comment as I wasn't taking the shots with artistic impact in mind. For others, the comments about artistic and technical skill are more important. Yes. I like people to say they like them, but I also want honest feedback on what's wrong with them and it is this type of feedback that is very difficult to attract. There are a few exceptions, e.g. DrOrloff and Blythman for example.

Regards
David

I don't think you'll regret the K-3 Chris, it's a fine camera.

You mention above:

[quote:3496ace15f="ChrisA]
What I want from a forum is interesting discussion from members of an online community, and the opportunity to give and receive help where possible.[/quote]That's fine, but there's also a Gallery on this site, not just a Forum and my original post was aimed at both of them. A lot of us do like to see images posted, be they on the Forum or in the Gallery and this being a site about photography and photographic equipment it would seem appropriate to have quality images posted and healthy comments / criticism on the same.

Regards
David

I'm not drawn to train shots, but these are well worth viewing Carl and the second one for me is a stunner. I also really like the last one, in the context of the surroundings, the signals, the crossing and the signal box.

Regards
David

Thanks for the responses guys, these images (bar the first one possibly) were not intended to be artistic statements, more just me testing the TC with two of my best lenses.

Thanks particularly to Alan for the detailed responses, a couple made me smile:

#2 - why? - Because the transfer printed pattern on the mug provided a decent resolution test and because I liked the little brown tea stain!

#6 - originally thought the background was very distracting, but coming around to the idea that this is a spider in the home - it's in the garden Alan, we don't have much field vetch growing in our house!

To answer Brian's question, 'yes', they are all hand held, I don't like using Tripods or even Monopods for these types of shots as I find them too restricting.

Nigel's question about the 'HD' coating is interesting, as far as I know it makes no difference to the transmission of light, the TC loses one stop, which is the same as other 1.4 TC's. It's more to do with preventing flare and increasing contrast.

Thanks again guys.

Regards
David

These are great Roger, very different from many other flower shots I've seen on the site and all the better for it. I like the way you've used lots of different angles on the subjects.

Regards
David