Hi there.

Please can you describe your set up for storing and managing all your photos?

For years I've struggled to settle on a satisfactory means of storing our family photos.

I have a Synology NAS sat unused because it seems so clunky in use. I have a number of other unused external drives.

Pics from our phones are backed up to Google Photos.

At the mo I stuff photos from the DSLR onto a PC then fret about deleting them from the camera's sd card.

Then I can never remember what I do next, usually it's allow Picasa to import the pictures.

Ideally what I'd like is simple importing, automatic organisation, easy reviewing and most importantly robust back up.

Hi there, just after ideas really.

I used to use a sandisk card reader and settings on my windows PC that automatically downloaded the photos via Windows then wiped the card.

This was pretty straight forward as I have a PC always on in the living room, so I could just walk in, stick the card in the reader, leave it and then stick it back in the camera whenever I next thought about it.

I've managed to lose the cable in a move, and I was wondering if anyone has any tips or improvements.

Is there a Pentax bespoke program that does a better job of downloading the photos (taking across more data perhaps - I can't remember if Windows takes the data on image rotation for example).

Is there a faster reader?

Thanks for any help.

Thanks a lot for the replies, especially from forumites with cameras made by Nikon and Canon.

I guess my first real disappointment was when I used a friend's 6D and it was so quick to focus, much quicker than the K5 in all lights.

I know it's unfair to compare the 2. It made me want to spend more and to get something better though...

On SRS the prices are currently:-

K5ii £579
K511s £698
K3 £889

To me it seems like the K3 isn't much more and seems impressively specc'ed...

I love my K5, - it has taken some fanstastic shots for me.

However, it does get frustrating when it starts to hunt in (not even very) low light.

I recently got to use an older, but higher-specc'ed Nikon, and it did seem to get better pictures and take less time doing so.

So, my quandry: do I stick with the K5? Stick with Pentax and go for the K5ii or the K3, stick with Pentax and die of old age before a full frame option is released, or jump ship for Nikon or Canon!

As an aside - what sort of Nikon and Canon models would you say are the equivalent of the K5, K5ii and K3?

For what it's worth, I've been in the market for a similar tablet and I've put in an order for one of these:-




Sumvision Cyclone voyager 297 Tablet PC

It's got a lot of heat on HUKD.

Sumvision seem to have a good reputation regarding build-quality and this model's got a very decent screen which should be great for viewing photos.

I'm in a very similar position. Not sure if you're aware but there is a new version of the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.

It has a "C" or "Contemporary" demarcation. It sells for £350. The older version sells for £250 new.

After my research I've decided on the new Sigma.

I want a decent lens for everyday, but firstly for a wedding. I enjoy taking candid portraits but also like getting decent bokeh and nice sharp images.

I've found my K5 picky in low light, and I'm drawn to the Sigma's fast and quiet AF, but the Tamron's quicker speed even at a slightly longer reach means it has an appeal.

Do you have either? - What do you think?

Which would you go for?

I've been looking at similar lenses for the same purpose, but I think I wouldn't use the upper end of that range so much.

I'm thinking about buying the new Sigma C 17-70mm f2.8-4

It seems to get good reviews, is quick and silent focusing, and is a pretty fast lens.

Should have said - I'm interested in a straight swap for a smaller Pentax lens case to fit my FA 50mm.

Picked these up on eBay because the one I have for my 55-300 is the best lens case I've found and I wanted one for my FA 50mm with a rubber hood.

Unfortunately they're bigger than I expected.

Pentax S90-160 Soft Lens Case - Fits the Pentax FA* 300mm f/4.5, FA 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6, DA* 50-135 mm

Pentax S120-160 Soft Lens Case - Fits the Pentax DA* 200mm

£20 each inc postage to the UK.