Welcome to the forum Greg

I agree, my preference is the hard disk approach, at least for my photography backups.
I only tend to use DVD's for storing family video footage. In this case I think it is worth investing in media that has at least the potential for outlasting 'run of the mill' DVD media found at PC world and Staples.

Mike, if you are referring to Delkin, they say quote "Using N.I.S.T.'s (National Institute of Standards and Technology) accelerated aging process to test the longevity of DVD-R media, the Archival Gold DVD-R has been shown to safely store your images for more then 100 years."

Stefan,
have a look here http://www.delkin.com/products/archivalgold/archival-blue-ray-delkin.html

I have some of their Archival Gold DVD-R discs since I had some cheaper DVD+Rs give up after only a few years!

They are now doing a Blu-ray which is supposed to last for 200+ years. Not cheap though

Ditto Mike and Amin's comments, the 100mm has a sufficient working distance for bugs and insects of a more sensitive nature.

Macros are definately addictive

Simon, you have produced a stunning composition there. An excellent photo and worthy winner of the competition. Well done

Hi Phil,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your recent K-m purchase. It really is a fantastic little D-SLR capable of very impressive results

Hefty is spot on with his comments by the way. If you are shooting RAW the world is your Oyster

If you want to give Jpeg a go, from memory (my daughter has a K-m) I believe best results tend to be by using the 'Natural' colour setting and fine sharpness, minimum file compression and naturally lowest ISO.

All the above assumes you are not trying to compensate for under exposure. Also make sure shake reduction is set to on unless your are using a tripod.

Once you experiment a little I'm sure you will quickly be able to produce shots more in line with your expectations. Most of all have fun

No all is A-OK with the Grip + v1.01

Thanks Gwyn,

Danny, I will update mine shortly and let you know if I have the same issue.

I agree with Peter, it was a bit of a 'no brainer' with my new K-7.

Also one of the key reasons I moved to Pentax from Oly was weather & dust sealing (admittedly the E-3 is weather and dust sealed but I felt it was just too big and ungainly for me compared to the K20D).

The DA 18-55 WR adds another to the bag that is very compact and pretty capable at optimum apertures, nice for travelling light in inclement weather conditions