I've got the 120-400mm Neil and I upgraded from the K10D to K5 for the reasons Gary mentions - higher ISO capability = faster shutter speed and also cropping leaves a bigger image than before.

If you shoot, as I do, wildlife in woodland as well, the ISO performance is also a positive - I can keep taking pictures at dusk now, which wasn't an option before!

I spent yesterday trying to get some red kites around here - and the focusing and 'hit rate' were SO much better than the K10D. I'm just off out to have another go!

Hope you take the plunge! I'm certainlu glad I did!!

Martyn

Hello Vic.. nice to see another Pentaxian close to home!

I haven't been to either for bluebells - I usually end up at Old Sulehay wood or Southwick Wood - but judging by your pics will venture further afield this year!

regards
martyn

[quote:3496ace15f="karma mechanic"]Picasa certainly had a problem with the PEF files a while back, and a pink strp on the right edge of DNG files: ]http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Picasa/thread?tid=6875db76267f5257&hl=en[/...

Thanks for that link... that's exactly the problem I'm having. I guess in the initial excitement I didn't notice it originally! Programs seem up to date though - I guess K5 is just not supported yet.

Thanks for the help
Martyn

You're probably right about the non-supported K5, although I'm using the latest version of Silkypix Dev.Pro - and the band still appears when I view the DNG file in picasa photo viewer... Will check on support and updates tho!

Sorry if it's a question I should know the answer to - but on my K5 images there's a band down the right of the image. See here :


http://www.flickr.com/photos/northamptonshirecouk/5539129061/

I seem to remember in the distant past a similar problem when I first got my trusty Panasonic FZ30 - but can't remember the cause.

I'm sure it's something simple - just having a senior moment!!!

Solution please!

Martyn

I love the buzzzard and kite in No.4 - and very envious of the 600mm AND sharpness of the images!

It's time I visited the Chilterns - having been born in High Wycombe!

We do get kites in Northamptonshire, although nowhere near as many.

Here's my latest with the new K5 and Sigma 120-400mm hand held
link

and one of the rare occassions when there was a garden visitor! Taken with K10D
link

I think I need to improve my PP though, as I'm rarely content with the finished product!

I hope you manage to get some more mating shots with that 600mm!!

I'm debating whether to go for the ACMAXX or a delkin shade on my K5. Any comments on the delkin shade?? Looks more useful, but I wonder if there are disadvantages???

Martyn

We rule the world you know sad, but actually very true.

That's an intersting comment John! When you look at all the magazines etc. they would lead you to believe that anyone who is serious about their photography takes the RAW route! But I've often wondered whether, infact, the in-camera JPEG processing is superior to anything that external programs could produce.

Sounds like I'll be experimenting this weekend!!

Are they wasted on the majority of users??

I'm still working my way through my new K5 manual and looking forward to the weekend - but I'm suprised at the amount of filter effects etc that have been built into the camera - a camera which, I would guess, most people using it would shoot RAW.

I 'assume' I'm not mistaken in thinking that these only apply to in-camera jpegs and that, somehow or other, the effects could be duplicated in photoshop etc.

Is anyone making/planning to make much use of them?? Re-assessing whether RAW shooting is necessary???

I do like the fit in top pocket size manual though!

Martyn