PEF's are smaller than the D at 10 - 11 Mb. DNG's are larger at about 16Mb.

K10D PEF's are compressed to save space. DNG's are not compressed. The main benefit in PEF's is you get more on a card. That said, I'm happy with DNG.

More info from PhaseOne for C1LE users

Quote:

Upcoming RAW files support

In the next version of Capture One, version 3.7.7, RAW files from the following cameras will be supported:

Phase One P+ series
Leica Digilux 3
Nikon D40
Olympus E400
Pentax K10D
Pentax K100D

The release of Capture One version 3.7.7 is planned for March 2007.

End Quote:

Brian,

FYI: Updates within the same purchased version to C1LE are free and 1 free version update, to V4, is included when you bought C1LE V3.

I'm going to wait until C1LE V4 is released (first qtr '07) and then compare it to SilkyPix and make my decision. Also, Adobe's Lightroom is due for release in Feb '07 so we'll have plenty of alternatives for Pentax PEF RAW conversion, rather than just SilkyPix as now.

Currently I'm using Adobe Camera RAW and DNG.

Regards,

The following is part of a reply to an email I sent to Phase One in which I asked them about support for K10D PEF's and an expected release date for version 4 of CcaptureOne LE.

Their reply,

Quote:

We expect add support for the Pentax K10D in the next upgrage of Capture One. (version 3.7.7).

As we do not yet have a beta or release candidate ready for Capture One 4.0 it would be pre-mature to provide any information in regards to the final release.

But please follow the news on our website regarding Capture One V 4.0 http://www.phaseone.com/Global/Campaigns/CaptureOne4.aspx

End Quote:

The link worked for me John, second time of trying. It's the latest D-FA version.

Hi, I have no experience of the Tamron lens but I have the SMCP-FA 100mm 1:2.8 Macro and it is simply stunning. Makes a terrific telephoto for portraits too. Of the two, I would choose the Pentax lens every time.

Yes, if both cameras are set to the same ISO, they should give the same result if the aperture and shutter speed are also the same. A comparison test would need to be in all manual mode to avoid differences in metering.

The ISO range on Pre K10D cameras is 200 - 3200. On the K10D the addition of shake reduction has enabled shooting at ISO 100, and/or slower shutter, and/or smaller aperture etc for low light conditions and still get a sharp image. The sensor design also contributes to Pentax's choice of ISO range on the K10D with its limit of ISO 1600.

Can you focus manually at infinity with this lens?. What about other lenses, do they focus manually at infinity?

If this is your only lens which can't be focussed manually at infinity, then the lens is faulty. I've managed to tweak 2 of my older lenses which didn't focus at infinity. They do now, but I'm not certain I would try it on a new and expensive lens like this. If it proves to be faulty, send it back.