sorry guys, with dyslexia, I don't often pay much attention to numbers.
(makes about as much sense as asking for directions from somebody you know will lie to you).
but it is over exposed by about 1.5 stops on my laptop screen....
so did you try the fix that was suggested?
there are other ways to fix...you may have to experiment with more than one.

too many dark tones....a -1.5 ev would've worked.
now for a fix....
get into photoshop (or elements)
duplicate the layer...set blend mode to "multiply"
repeat as many times as it takes with new layers.

now hide the blown highlights with some grain...
add a new layer at 50% grey.

filter...."add noise"
adjustments invert, set blend mode to multiply...adjust opacity to 10-30%

slightly grainy, contrasty but workable.

Gwen, I love the zebra shot.
I'm canadian, should I say "ZEDbra"?
It's got MOMMIES DAY greeting card written all over it!

Well Matt, love the images.
I think the one of the little boy is a little oversharpened for printing....I like my skin tones a little smoother.
is that where you were going with this experiment?

if your camera scores high on its' IQ test can it join Mensa?

I think you made some good points also.
My position comes from the perspective of the guy who gets asked by everybody, to "fix" things that aren't broken, and come with manuals they can't understand.
Really, you get into a new car, how long does it take you to figure out how to drive it, versus how long does it take you to set the clock and find your favoritte radio stations?
your computer, vcr and radio are all recieving signals from vast networks, all of which have time scheduals...why is it your responsibility to wade through a manual to figure out how to set the clock? Why shouldn't you be able to just plug it in and have it find out on it's own? (we're getting there...)
The list goes on and on...

difference in personal preferences is a good arguement...
Cost however....as an argument, fails to account for having a paper manual written, printed, distributed. environmental impact, and increased packaging, and weight. All of which add to increases in cost (even shipping costs when you load up a container with thousands of units, the weight of those manuals does add up).
If I choose not to use a software function, or delete a file off a memory card...no additional loss....throwing a paper book out adds to other problems we have to pay $$$$ to fix.
anything with a micro chip in it should be intuitive enough to use, and complex functions should only be a click away from explaining how to use it.
It's called design. and good design should take the headaches and complexity out of the user experiance, especially for items that cost as much as a camera!

How about this for an idea....

You have the pentax lab software cd....you check a box in the software and the software sets your clock and date to match your computer. it also installs a copy of yuor manual into a file on the camera's memory card, and your camera you keep it with you, easily acessible in the menu. (Uncheck the box and it's gone).
in the menu mode, have a setting that works off the green button that makes the camera explains what is doing, and why, referencing the manual, as it does so. That way people who are learning, have only to look at the lcd and push a green button, or scroll through the menu section called "user manual".
could also add interactive problem solver function to the software that goes on your computer...help button in the menu bar....

have you camera your way.....
then throw the paper manual out, becuase the reason it exists is because nobody thought to build it into the software/hardware, which is in my opinion, an oversight. As I said...if I have to read the manual...there must be something wrong with it.

if I have to open the manual...there must be something wrong with it.
If I have to buy a manual...there must be something wrong with me....
seriously....
when you're dropping a grand on a worktool, it had better be intuitive in design, the sales clerk knoweldgable, and come with a good manual (prefer interactive multimedia cd's to paper) for problem solving.
that is your right as a consumer.

JR said:
...they're after you....