Just read the blurb about the K20D in the Pentax User mag, I get the impression that there is no Depth of Field preview on this camera other than the Live View, is this correct or is it possible to turn Live View off in the munu so the DoF switch works as it does on the K10D.

The ommision of a conventional DoF preview would seriously put me off upgrading to a K20D.

I should have added more about shooting in hot sunny climes, here in the UK the general rule of thumb is not to take photographs between 10am and 3pm, during the summer that is. the sun is far too high in the sky and way too bright (occasionally ) I suppose you could extend those times for 1-2 hours in Spain. I should add that this old guideline harks back to the days of film, digital is a little more forgiving with high contrast but its still a good idea to stick with the rule.

Unfortunately we cant always work around these times and have to do the best we can, if your keen on shooting flowers then try concentrating on just a few blooms or even single flowers, this will also allow you to get close and use yourself to put the subject in the shade, or better still get someone else to provide the shade, there will still be plenty of light reaching the subject but it will be more evenly distributed, the colours will be more saturated and less bleached out. Dont forget to adjust the white balance setting for shade, or even better still leave it on AWB untill your more familiar with the camera.

Sorry just noted your location of course the lights harsh, you get ALL the sun, even OUR share

I suppose you want us to be brutally honest

.....the flower shots are a bit "ordinary" and the pillar on the Pagoda isn't vertical in the third shot, lighting is also a bit harsh, nay too harsh.

But dont worry about it, I've been snapping for over 25years and still take stuff like this, many of the users of this forum probably do too if their honest about it just keep snapping and posting and you'll eventually get to the stage I'm at..........1 decent image out of 250

It isnt all bad news though because I love the dog, thats the dog not the pic

AHEM! sorry I couldn't resist that. Seriously, I really love the Pic of the dog. nitpicking I dont think its 100% sharp and youv'e clipped the dogs right ear but who cares, its just about positioned right in the frame and you've also filled the frame which is also a good point.

As part of the learning curve I think all budding photographers should be allowed to access the image banks of those that have been at it a long time, one look through my folders and you'd never get discouraged

One other point, DONT think these are rubbish pics and delete them, they serve as a comparison for the next batch you take.

[quote]What are the "rights" of an amateur photographer?[/quote

You have;
the right to be embarrased in public by some upstart official.
the right to be frogmarched to a side street and searched.
the right to be told not to take photographs.
the right to have your time wasted.
the right to be arrested when you try and tell the "officer" he doesn't know what he's talking about.

It would seem you also have the right to a feeble apology after the event providing your prepared to complain enough.

I haven't got a clue about your lens question but I love your Avatar.

I thought there was something on my monotor at first

Just heard this...........

The Devil is walking around with a brand new Canon around his neck and happens to pass the Pearly Gates, he notices they are ajar and no-one is about, he sneaks in for a quick look to see if there are any photo opportunities, he is just raising his camera when he hears a shout.

He turns to see St Peter approaching with a brand new Pentax round his neck, "you shouldn't be in here" says St Peter, "This is private property"

The Devil apologises and explains he is a keen photographer and couldn't resist the temptation, he then points to the Pentax artound St Peters neck and asks if they have a photography club in heaven, adding they should get together and have an interclub competition.
"That wouldn't do you much good" says St Peter, "we have all the best photographers"
"Thats no problem" responds the Devil........

...........we have all the Judges

I just love the pose of that bee, definately looks like its been in someones beer.

Just picked up this link on another forum, at first I thought it was an "april fool" but the article is dated the 10th. this is seriously bad news if it goes ahead.

http://mag.awn.com/?ltype=pageone&article_no=3605

I'm the one with the Rice Krispie stuck by the side of my nose, but I'm much better looking in the flesh, at least my mother told me I was