Thanks Haris. To add the larger the sensor (of film format) generally equals better image quality. M4/3ds & 1" sensors are going the wrong way.
If smaller sensors and noise aren't an issue Don, have you tried a Q for images & video? That's more akin to that camcorder and much more compact and probably similar image quality. If you're not bothered about interchangeable lenses track down an MX-1 or the Olympus equivalent.

If that's really true people wouldn't consider larger sensor digital camera, eg full frame or even the 645s to get better image quality. It's a compromise and depends on what's important to you.

It's not unusual for smaller sensor cameras to give the illusion of faster focussing and that many old 8mm film cameras didn't even require to be focussed with them being set at the hyperfocal distance so everything looked to be in focus. If its video you mainly want then a dedicated video camera is the answer. Yes you can get frame grabs too but don't expect 20"x16" Pentax DSLR quality prints from that. Video and stills are two different formats each working best with their own dedicated equipment. With just f/2.8-4.5 available it doesn't give much scope for stills work; but great for the video use you want! That approach wouldn't suit everyone who isn't much interested in video.
I used to get prints off Super 8 but I'd not call them exhibition items!

What mode was the camera in? A wide aperture in bright sunshine might have been outside the exposure limits for that setting, especially if the ISO had been set high. It might have been better to diagnose the issue at the time rather than in retrospect!

This week's competition Framed is now up and running.
Full details and entry here.

I think that's a little harsh. If the last camera Pentax users purchased was a K20 I doubt Ricoh would be bothered introducing anything new by now. The division would be bust! It's no good complaining they don't introduce new stuff and them blame them for not doing so (even though they certainly have as the suggestions above contest.)
However at the end of the day they were just suggestions to take or leave, no one's forcing you to buy a new camera or anything. If you're content with the K20D so be it, you won't be alone. Have you decided as to which new wide angle lens to go for?

I can second that!

The Samyang is reviewed by Christopher Frost here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tELvxzfbz8
It's definitely full frame without issue.

I've never tried it but does this help Vic?
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/image-stacks.html
also I believe this guide was written a a member here (nass).

If the photos still show in the camera OK it might be worth using a USB cable to see if they can be transferred directly from the camera. That would save purchasing another card reader which may or might not work.
I agree it sounds as if either the card has become corrupted or the PC card reader being used can't read the contents correctly. A rescue program won't be able to recover images off the card if it is incompatible with the reader being used.

Hi and welcome to the forum. Just follow the menu system at the top of the page: Gallery > Competitions or follow this link: https://www.pentaxuser.com/competitions
Also have a look at the rules here as well: https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/view/competitions-12