Great image!

I think that, regardless of the ISO setting, that's a light level that will be outside the range of the meter. Open up the lens to let in more light or use a wider aperture lens.

I've checked on my K20D and it behaves in exactly the same way if it's reall, really dark.

These are probably "out of range" warnings, so I would look at what settings you have the camera on. When this happens what are the shutter speed, aperture value and ISO settings?

Perhaps we'll come full circle and end up using tripods and carrying a black cloth to put over our heads. At least the image won't be upside-down and laterally reversed.

Let's stay on topic please....which Pentax compact camera?

One hand under the lens, supporting the camera and turning the focusing ring. The other holding the right edge of the camera, ready to press the shutter release. The added stability bonus is pressing the camera to the face to look through the viewfinder.

However, given SR, the K-01 for example should be fine without that third point of stability. The smaller cameras are more difficult to keep still and personally I think it takes much more care to ensure a really sharp image.

The MF issue is a very relevant one - I rarely use a lens on manual focus unless it's a macro lens, but I do use QuickShift as required. I would only use MF with a mirrorless camera or Live View on a tripod, in which case it isn't a problem.

It seems reasonable to me to have cameras that suit various purposes, so for mountain biking how about the W90 or WG-1 cameras? Then come rain, hail or sun and regardless of the roughness of the terrain you'll have something tough and compact to make images with.

There's also the Q if the weatherproof and shockproof features are not an issue and you want better quality and more versatility.

Sold, payment received, many thanks!

Now I've sorted out some of the logistics of using the Q. I have a pouch, meant for something entirely different, that fits the camera plus zoom perfectly, no wasted space, and it now fits in my jacket pocket. The smaller standard lens can happily go in a pocket when needed.

I used the Q on a tripod earlier to do a couple of images for Classified Ads. One huge advantage was immediately obvious compared with the X90. It is possible to remove and replace both battery and SD card without removing the camera from the tripod.

Just details, but it's important to get the workflow right.

PM replied.