Optical viewfinders on compact cameras are not up to much though - I've always used the screen with this type of camera. At first it seemed odd, but after a while it's fine.

Wrong phrase perhaps, but they do reflect the sensibilities of their advertisers and their public. There are more Nikon and Canon users out there than there are Pentax Users.

However, to be fair, it doesn't matter what camera is used in a general article. The principles are the same.

You can take photos of pretty much anything you like from your own property or from publicly accessible property, such as the street. I don't see any problem apart from the neighbours' behaviour.

This image is with the standard prime at ISO 1000 and in green light from the "LED Tree" that Shaney is looking at. It also demonstares how ell the lens controls flare. The lights are burned out of course as they are very bright, but the shadows show what noise levels can be expected. The whitish vertical lines in the background are white window frames.
[IMG]http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff250/johnriley1uk/017ShaneyinGreenLight800px.jpg[/IMG]

This is HDR with seven exposures:
[IMG]http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff250/johnriley1uk/003-Ripon-Cathedral-1.jpg[/IMG]

I don't think so.

To do that you'll need a locking cable release.

The image has to be out of focus to start with. MF lens. AF on camera.

Then, fully depress the shutter. When the green hexagon indicates focus is achieved, the shutter will release.

Upgarding to the K-5 makes sense for its low light capability and faster AF.

The Sigma 15-500 could be usefully upgraded to the 50-500, which I am told by some very experienced users is a better lens.

It would be useful to have the 18-135mm lens for its range and WR. If the lenses you currently have are DA-L versions then you would also gain QuickShift.

Nikon and canon don't need to come into it at all, you can do just fine with Pentax, Sigma, Tamron and Samyang.

As a seller, if someone has a problem with something I might just refund them and tell them to throw the item away, if the value is very low for example.

If the item is more expensive then I ask for it to be returned so I can examine it and confirm the fault. Then they get a refund as soon as it's received.

If the PayPal process is used it isn't possible to refund until the requisite number of days has elapsed, which can be a nuisance if both parties are being honest and straightforward.

Your choice, but as a seller I prefer the quicker route to resolve issues. eBay processes do say try to resolve matters first...