Colour is, IMHO, one of the strenghts of Pentax. My recommendation is don't over-think it and you'll be fine.

sRGB (both camera and Photoshop)
Daylight setting (to preserve the variation in natural light)
Switch off the variable setting for WB and change to fixed value
Natural
+1 sharpness, everything else neutral.
JPEG best possible quality.

That's where I am and it's working for me.

I've always used Epson printers and they do a good job.

Canon have a good reputation for printers as well.

Nothing wrong with Photoshop 7, it's fast and does most things needed of it.

I still use it alongside CS2. CS2 is useful as it has Photo Filters - just like the ones I used with film!

Some of the more recent Hoya filters are only retained by a springy metal ring. Dropping a filter onto a carpet would be enough to make it flick out.

I would have accep0ted 3, 4 and 8.

Elements is the way to go - extensive controls without unnecessary complication or cost. It will take a while to master though.

I'm happy to report I did not have any SDM failures today....doesn't sound great as news stories go!

The statistic is right by the way, but very misleading as I don't own any SDM lenses....beware statistcs as well.

If you have passed the window of opportunity to edit, then either place a reply adding the detail or PM me the info and I'll add it for you.

I wish I could find an excuse for an X90, but unfortunately I can't. I quite fancy one though.

Is this really about vinyl or more about losing qualities in the rush to digital in all its forms?

Both vinyl and film have a character of their own, enjoyed and appreciated by those who can still tell the difference. Vinyl has a warmth, CD has a clinical razor sharp edge. But it does resolve more detail, previously unheard. I would suggest the very best vinyl has some advantages over the very best CD, but you do need the very best equipment to hear the difference. For most people, CD is better quality and more reliable and certainly more convenient.

Film has many characters, depending upon the film, but it is as false as a digital image or a painting. If we like it anyway that's perfectly reasonable, but it isn't better or worse, just different.

In the case of digital, some photographers IMHO would benefit from loosening up a bit and not being so caught up with white balance and low noise. These are characteristics that can be exploited, just like using different films, and defects can be turned to our advantage.

David Hamilton did very well with a totally rubbish 50mm lens...