There's only one answer to that dilemma Mike, and I think you know it already.

I've compared images using my K20D and K5 with my Sigma 150-500mm OS lens at 500mm and can see no difference whether using the lens OS, camera SR, or both (oddly).

I can see a significant difference when no stabilisation is used.

My opinion, yes it does work, and very well.

With a K5 armed with a GPS unit, it'll even track the stars for up to 300 seconds. That's got to mean that, if the stabilisation is digital, it uses very fine stepping increments. I think however it probably uses an analogue sensor positioning system, which is stepless.

As John has stated, you must wait for the hand symbol to appear in the viewfinder, which indicates that the SR system is stabilised. Just as you have to with any in-lens stabilisation system.

I'd suggest upgrading your Lightroom to version 3, especially if you are already familiar with the workflow.

Thanks Don. It was the only decision a responsible parent could make. It was especially heartbreaking because we were on holiday at the time. Needless to say, the holiday was ruined.

We have 10 cats now. At least if any of them bites me, I'll know it was my fault.

Mine is not me either, but a photo of my first dog, Keri, long since departed this mortal coil.

Having bitten me for the second time with no provocation, and with two young children to consider, he went straight to the vets.

I loved him loads, but I loved my children more.

I don't know the Metz flash, but the Pentax flashes have 2 slave modes, dumb and wireless. If you have it set to dumb (trigger from another dumb flash), the Metz flash will trigger on the cameras pre-flash.

You also have to set the K5 to wireless flash in the flash menu, bottom button of the 4 way controller.

Beginners are only beginners for a short time. I think my posts have given the OP's something to think about. Can you say the same about yours?

Strokes for folks, horses for courses. Ludicrous? Maybe to you. To the rest of mankind, or at least, serious photographers? I doubt it.

In one thread, the OP was asking about a strobe setup. I mentioned a possible alternative. It's not a crime to think alternatives.

In this thread, the OP was asking about a basic (INDOOR PARTY) setup. The AF500FTZ is perhaps the best flash Pentax ever produced, and with a little help, would suit the OP's requirements, and more.

Where did I go wrong?

Contrary? No. Informative? Yes. Where do you fit? Did you miss the point that the OP has a month to prepare? Long enough I would have thought.

Now you are being ridiculous. An AF500FTZ comes in at less than £100. That isn't cheap?

My advice is, buy Mattmatic's flash guide, get yourself a Pentax AF500FTZ flash with a Sto-Fen diffuser, then practice, practice, and practice.

All of the above should come within your budget.