EV compensation is adjusted very easily on the K20D. Press the button on the back that is above and left of the AF button. It has a + and - symbol on it. At the same time, turn the front e-dial and check your setting in the lcd monitor on the top plate.

The histogram effectively shows how much of each colour (luminance) exists in the photo.

The scale runs from black on the left to white on the right and all colours of the spectrum in between represented by their grey level.

EDIT: Matt's correction below shows that my understanding of the histogram is partly incorrect. The following paragraph is therefore inaccurate but I've left it in, otherwise Matt's correction is meaningless.

If a spike reaches the top of the graph anywhere along it's length it means that colour is clipped, meaning it has a higher intensity than the camera can capture. These spikes will most typically occur at the extreme left (black) or right (white) of the graph.

I find that the best histogram image for exposure accuracy, and which offers the best chance of getting it right in post processing (PP), is to have most of the white 'hump' of the histogram closer to the right, rather than to the middle, and certainly not the left.

If the bulk of the white hump is closer to the left, the image is under exposed and shadow detail will probably be lost. If it's not lost, you'll find yourself increasing the exposure in PP, only to suffer from noise in the shadows.

Better to have a slightly over exposed image where you can decrease the exposure in PP, than an underexposed image that needs an increase in exposure during PP.

For a more complete and illustrated explanation, see this.

Hope that helps.

I think both George and myself routinely dial in + 0.7 exposure compensation to almost all images.

Let the histogram be your guide and use the 'expose to the right' rule. That is, the bulk of the histogram 'hump' should be as close to the right hand side as possible without clipping highlights. By doing so, you'll expose shadows more correctly and you can reduce the exposure if necessary in post processing.

I'm guessing you are still shooting JPG, when you've 'matured' into Pentax DSLR photography, you'll switch to RAW and find out how much better it as for compensating for incorrectly exposed images.

These build silky thread nests in pine trees over here. Spray the nest with hair spray, cut it down, set fire to it in a safe place.

They are very dangerous to any curious animal that might sniff them. Those little hairs contain a poison and if they get into a dog's nose, mouth or throat there's not much hope for it.

Sad to see you leaving Spain Mike, good luck in UK. Hopefully you'll be back one day.

Any charger suitable for NiMh batteries will do fine.

Does the Hot Shoe Grip include the bracket (as AF400T)?

If so, is it a metal or plastic one?

FWIW: Some/most of your prices are on the high side, especially the body prices.

So the white one could be described as "Alpine Camo" ?

Yes, but it's use is not limited to that scenario.

I see where the misunderstanding arose. I think "There no good" should read "They're no good".

We have rechargeable batteries here in Spain with the name GP on them, they are coloured orange and green and are totally rubbish.