I think you'll find the 18-55WR OK Dave. I really like mine, it's pretty sharp and really not far off the DA 16-45 in terms of overall performance, plus it's weatherproof too. I dropped on lucky; I ordered a nearly new one from SRS for £49, but Royal Mail damaged it and SRS promptly sent me out a brand new one at no extra cost! Good deal methinks for £49.

Cheers
David

I am really interested to see a range of 'real world' shots with the KIIs and also to hear some proper views about it from real users. Looking forward to you reporting back!

Regards
David

Looks like a promising lens Nigel! The images look detailed (as much as they can do on here) but I agree that the colours do look a little off on some of them. The yellows look a little high and that is making the grass too vivid - I don't know if this is the lens or the processing.

Regards
David

Sincere thanks Smeggy for the comment, I appreciate it. I always find your forum posts interesting, with forthright opinions given. I also agree with you on the flawed nature of the 'processing shootout' thread, which whilst very interesting probably ended up serving no useful purpose. However, it's always good to stimulate some debate.

Regards
David

The Jessops price doesn't look that cheap to me. You would be better buying the 'body only' from SRS Microsystems, or even watch out on the Forum for a second hand one with low usage; they appear on here quite regularly. You can then spend the difference on quality lenses (very important).

Regarding performance differences between the K-x and K-5, this has been well documented on the forum in previous posts and I do own both cameras so I can probably give you some useful pointers:

- Firstly, the K-x is a superb camera, I have kept mine as a backup body and still use it a lot. I'm always impressed by the images it produces, but it is not designed for professional use

- Secondly, the K-5 is a much different beast, much more suited to Wedding Photography than the K-x

- K-5 is better in low light (but K-x is still very good in this regard)
- K-5's images are better - more detail and better colour depth
- K-5 handles better and is much more responsive, e.g. more ergonomic and the front wheel helps tremendously (shutter speed adjustment on the front, aperture on the back = rapid adjustments!)
- K-5 is more rugged (metal body) and is weathersealed
- K-5 has more accurate and rapid autofocus
- K-5 works better in manual with old lenses (exposure is more accurate)
- K-5 has better viewfinder, 100% view and brighter
- K-5 has a better rear screen, higher resolution and brighter
- K-5 has flash sync socket
- K-5 has infra-red remote sensor on both front and rear (K-x only has this on the rear)
- K-5 has a very quiet and smooth shutter, whereas the K-x's is harsh and noisy

All in all, the K-5 is really much more of a semi-professional camera. If you are serious about wedding photography I would suggest a couple of K-5's with the K-x as emergency backup only. You will also need some high quality glass - the kit lenses whilst good will not be up to commercial wedding photography and you will be competing against professionals with expensive gear.

Good luck in your venture, I hope it works out well for you.

Regards
David

I think you need to explain a bit more about what you would plan to use it for Dave. The two lenses you mention are poles apart and I think most of us would struggle to advise without a bit more information!

Regards
David

I have no expertise in this subject so my views are probably not very valid. I like them.

Regards
David

Thanks to everyone that has contributed to what has become a really interesting thread. More opinions please!!!!

Regards
David

I can highly recommend the Pentax-M 28mm F3.5. I know this is an old lens and manual focus, but for landscapes who cares? It produces some fabulous images with a real '3D' quality and I love it. Not perhaps as ultra-sharp as some of the more modern lenses, but a real gem IMHO. You can pick these up for about £30 to £40 if you look hard. There are plenty of pics in my gallery shot with this lens if you want to have a look.

Regards
David

These look great Dave, I'm very jealous! The DA*300mm is my 'most wanted' lens. I would rather have this than the Sigma 50-500mm I currently own, I just need to convince myself!

Regards
David