The I would really just take a backup body, it's a painless approach. We always take one backup body between us.

It's not as good optically as the 55-300mm, but it's a nice lens that has a very pleasing character to it.

These sort of artificial comparisons really miss the point entirely. If you need a backup, just take a spare body. This can be any Pentax DSLR as you are unlikely to need it, but if you do...

It's the boring solution in many ways, but mixing systems doesn't gel and enable trouble free shooting. You need to know what you are using backwards and forwards and not be casting around for an instruction book. If you want to take a compact for the causual moments then any compact that appeals will be the one. It doesn't need to be a fancy one, but a W90 or WG-1 would expand the possibilities.

You say an example where DOF "doesn't work" but DOF always works. It is what it is, an unavoidable result of optical laws.

I would seriously look at your lenses if you can't make a landscape sharp front to back with a wide angle lens.

It may not be rare, but if it is indeed stunning then it's starting at a great price.

Glad you're pleased! I always liked the magazine and I was sorry to see the printed version stop publication.

You've received good advice!

It's very difficult to judge properly on a small image, but if you want a proper answer you can e-mail me a full sized picture to have a look at.

Just PM me and we'll take it from there.

I think they can afford to pay you and that they should pay you, but of course only you can decide if this publicity would have any tangible benefits for you.

There's a special form here that has to be used:

http://www2.pentaxuser.co.uk/static_files/PUservice.pdf

I would put your username as memb no, but PentaxDan will be the one to confirm this - why not drop him a PM?