The videocam style has been available for stills before from Rollei, Chinon and others, but has never proved popular with stills photographers.

This new camera seems to offer only 1920x1080 resolution, which just isn't enough for stills. Although it may well take DSLR lenses, it's not really a substitute for a DSLR camera.

Logically, SR must use some power, so it must have an effect on battery life. However, this appears to be minimal so I wouldn't worry about it.

That's a good question, but the answer is that it is possible to tell. However, probably not so much on a web image. Stopped down, the differences are sometimes subtle but there are clear advantages to the more expensive lenses when we get to large images for print.

Of course, if there is nothing to compare with, then all Pentax lenses should deliver satisfyingly sharp results. Side by side comparisons make lens differences more visible.

The 18-55mm is good enough, faster lenses are covered in the rest of my lineup. No need to spend extra money on a bulky lens like the 16-50mm unless it's really needed.

Seven lenses? Why seven I wonder....?

1. SMC Pentax-DA 12-24mm
2. SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm WR
3. SMC Pentax-DA 55-300mm
4. SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm Macro

5. SMC Pentax-FA 31mm
6. SMC Pentax-FA 77mm
7. SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm

Only the first four are essential, the rest just very nice to add to the list.

It was also happening on EPZ at the same time, so it was probably a server problem that won't have gone unnoticed. Seems OK now.

The WR version is also a very useful all weather lens, but the 55-300mm is slightly better. I wouldn't dismiss the 50-200mm though as it can produce excellent results.

If you make a Report to IT with full information on the problem they will deal with it ASAP.

Projects. And simplicity.

First simplicity. Try using just one lens for a trip out. Leave all the choice at home and just make do and then try to use every possible facet of that lens. If it is the 18-55mm, for example, make sure you use all focal lengths, all possible distances including close focusing, all possible aperture effects.

Second a project. Go out with an objective. Let's say you decide to go and photograph post boxes. You'll soon discover that there are many, many types of post box, some quite ornate. Take really good images of every type you can find. Put them on ePHOTOzine as a set, even make a Blurb book....and so on.

Lens now shipped and on its way to France!