Ian, they delayed the release of the K-5 to get new firmware up and running in it. However there are always things which need updating and re-jigging which can only be found and corrected once the camera is out there and being used in anger.

It is the same as software you buy - that often has updates to it as soon as you load it.

You do not need to be afraid of updating firmware. Follow the instructions and you can't go wrong. Honestly.

It is better in b/w certainly, but as i-Berg suggests I think a little more of her face would have helped. If she had just brushed those front strands of hair back it would have made a difference. As it is you can't see much of her profile, just a lot of hair.

I like the first one best. Well captured and perfect in b/w.
A pity she can't spell Mediterranean .

The second doesn't do a lot for me I'm afraid.

It was Wal(li)es that were beaten by the Springboks .
Ireland beat Samoa.

Off Topic:

Well for one I hope not. Only usable with Apple products, only able to process photos with exclusive and expensive software, and worst of all the object of desire of all those brainless Apple is God fans.

I'll be putting all my gear up for sale if there is so much as a hint of Jobs getting involved.

Simon, I haven't used live view yet, but if you go to the "other" forum they have an article on K-5 live view functionality which may be of help to you.

One major plus from the K-5 is the level - you can get the camera level in three dimensions which is great on a tripod.

No it's in the same place - the K-5 uses the same body as the K-7 after all.

I'm in the same boat but without the excuse of a demanding job. Just lack of inspiration.
No wonderful autumn colours here - they just didn't happen. The leaves are all down now too.

Must start taking photos though - husband is getting bolshie about all that money on a camera that I have barely touched blah blah blah.

I didn't get on with the K20D - it was to big for me, and just didn't feel right.

From the moment I first picked up the K-5 I knew it was right for me. It sits so well in the hand, it just feel right to me.

I like the ergonomics on it too. Everything is in a logical place and easy to find without searching. No risk of hitting the wrong button by mistake.
The mode selector knob is lovely. Because it has a lock on it the camera stays in the mode I left it - it doesn't mysteriously change from Av to B for instance, which I have had with the K20D. It is a bit taller than on the K-7 - one extra layer of knurling, and is easy to use.
My only minor niggle is the SD card slot, but I am even getting used to that.

If you are comfortable with the K20D you may find the K-5 a bit small - but generally it is a much better designed camera (as of course was the K-7). It is a camera, not a brick with a lens on the front

IQ wise so far it is streets ahead too. Far less PP needed with it generally.

I hope can do one or the other - and Scotland sounds more appealing at this point.
A lot will depend on what my husband's travel plans are for the date chosen - he is away three days out of every five at the moment, and as soon as it involves putting the pooches in the kennels it will get too expensive for me.
However since they still haven't renewed his contract who know where he'll be next year.