Technical quality does matter, but it's only one part of the story. To think it's irrelevant just encourages sloppy working and that filters through into other parts of the equation.

In the OP's image I feel the blown out highlights are less than ideal and that overall the picture could have been darkened considerably. The problem may have been right from the start with the exposure, so avoiding pools of sunlight falling on the main part of the subject and using exposure compensation when needed will go a long way towards solving that.

Having said that, if some small areas are still blown out and the picture is otherwise a cracker, then so be it. If the picture isn't in that category, then I would look for another.

I think it's all pretty straightforward. Changing the setting from Bright to Natural seems like a good plan, as is putting +1 sharpening in. Otherwise, it's all pretty fine at default settings.

Don't forget to change the power auto off timing and things like that, if you want to. A quick run through the custom functions might reveal some alterations that you want to make.

Perhaps you have the exposure compensation set. It doesn't automatically cancel unless the camera is set up to do that.

There are no issues if the lens has an aperture ring. If not, then you need a body that has Tv or P modes available, otherwise it's not possible to set the aperture.

There are no physical reasons why you can't use a new lens on an old (bayonet of course) body.

What a rubbish job! You don't need a grip to look professional.

They are identical optically.

I think it might be best just to phone them up and ask.

Don't forget the K-r, although lower specified, is also excellent.

Canon and Nikon have had their own problems. No marque is ever going to be completely free of these sorts of issues.

If you're near Colwyn Bay!
www.cambrianphoto.co.uk

25th May 2011
10am - 7pm

Annual Open Day
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We bought two recently and both are fine.