The rumours are that the new Pentax will be a cheaper model, with, presumably, either a smaller feature set or less robust construction - or both!

One problem with a cheaper version is that it might have less compatibility with older (pre "A") lenses.

With new technology, you will always get something better/cheaper if you wait. But how long do you want to wait? What will you do meanwhile? And what will you do if a new cheap Pentax comes out, and there is another anouncement to the effect that there will be an even cheaper model next year? Will you wait longer?

If you've got the money, buy now, and use the camera. You may be dead next year.

It would seem sensible to make this feature optional for those whose computers can't use it.

Thank you.

But why does this problem exist in the first place? I have Adobe Premiere and Photoshop Elelments, and they don't require any special settings. Or is it just a bug in that the software can't recognise my graphics system.

I tried to run from the command line, but after telling me that I have 29 days left of my trial, a message box comes up saying:

"Your video card does not supported or make sure that texture compresion is enabled on your display adapter settings."

The laptop is a Sony Vaio PCG-FX802, purchased last year. The display adapter is a RAGE Mobility M1.

Completely useless. Says the video card in my one-year-old Sony laptop is not supported, then comes up with some gobbledegook written by Babelfish which is completely unintelligible. What is "texture compression"?

All slave flashes are fine, just make sure they are in the light path so that they will trigger correctly.

Demand your money back. It doesn't work.

The F 70-210 4.5-5.6 is generally regarded as one of the best in that range. I personally wouldn't buy an 80-320 because the zoom range (1:4) must cause compromises.

The F 70-210 4.5-5.6 is generally regarded as one of the best in that range. I personally wouldn't buy an 80-320 because the zoom range (1:4) must cause compromises.

Just to clarify this, the *ist D will handle any Pentax 35mm bayonet (k mount) lens.

If the lens has an "A" setting next to the smallest aperture, it will work perfectly. If it has no aperture ring (certain new lenses) it will also work perfectly.

If it does NOT have an A setting, then you have to press a green button to set the correct shutter speed for the aperture you are using. This is quick and easy, but not as quick as using an "A" lens. You must update the firmware as Kim says for this to work, but that is a painless process.

All auto-focus lenses are "A-setting" lenses, even the no-aperture ring ones.

It is possible, but a bit awkward, to use earlier screw mount lenses with an adaptor which costs about £10.00 secondhand. They need to be stopped down first to meter, then opened up to focus, then stopped down again to take the picture. They're OK where the light and subject distance don't change, but not so good otherwise.

All of this means that any lens made in the last 29 years works easily and well with the *ist D, and older lenses from 1955 WILL work, but not so conveniently.

I use two screw-mount lenses with mine, and lots of non-A lenses.