Amer,
Partly learned through trial and error. But bought the book "Hidden Elements" (website www.hiddenelements.com )
That "turbo charged" my understanding.
If there's specific stuff, then Katrin Eismann's books "Photoshop Restoration and Retouching" and "Masking.." (can't remember exact title) are in-depth books worth reading.

However, there are also plenty of on-line tutorials. Check out www.russellbrown.com - there's a load of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements video tutorials there.

Hope that helps!!
Matt

Liam, I don't think the tag is required. I think it's there for cases where there's ambiguity - and the conversion from the old has just added the tag.

Looks like you just need ANY tag number. "1" will do

So, probably this is just [ size=9:1 ] and this is [ size=18:1 ] - both with closing [ /size:1 ]

Not too difficult
Matt

Definitely recommend Photoshop Elements.
Even version 2 or 3 have pretty much all the features you'd need. I learned with Photoshop Elements 2, moved up to Photoshop 7 then Photoshop CS2 - full Creative Suite which is expensive . But I still have PSE2 and PSE3 for reference and to help others out with tuition.

There are some tutorials about Layers on my web site: www.photon.me.uk
Hope that helps!
Matt

Liam,
Can you point me to an old thread that you did that with?
Matt

Perhaps a grumpy old man in a younger body?
Matt

Thanks Tel! Actually the images on MattMatic.co.uk are a mixture of *ist-D and K10D (mostly *ist-D).
The K20D shots are on ePhotozine - here (the latest eleven or so shots are K20D with the exception of "Revisited" which was K10D )
Matt

LOL @ Peter
I didn't switch... just thought about it But the sheer cost of it all, plus the fact that there were some things I really can't do without on the K10D/K20D
But it was certainly an interesting exercise.

Now, though, I'm settled on the K20D Even without DA* and Ltd lenses the IQ I'm getting is stunning. (Check out my epz portfolio for some recent examples.)

Matt

My personal list is as follows:
1) The image quality when shooting RAW is better
2) Pentax lenses have much nicer bokeh (out of focus rendering). In fact, some of the Pentax lenses can compete optically with the L-series glass.
3) Ergonomics and intuitiveness of the controls. For example, the fact you can directly control ISO and aperture (with the instant option of getting the camera to choose an appropriate ISO).
4) Weather sealing.
5) In body shake reduction - very useful!
6) Seriously less weight for comparable kit bag! I'm talking probably 50% of the overall weight for a pro kit bag.

Pentax have also been very receptive to ideas, suggestions, and criticism about their camera functions.

Before the K20D I thought about switching to the Nikon D300... but that was around 50% more expensive than a comparable K20D kit. Loving the K20D image quality

Matt

Some on here have met up as part of ePhotozine meets...
Great chance to try out other Pentax gear
Matt

Mike,
The flashgun end should be the simple PC plug to hotshoe. You won't get PC-to-5pin
The Pentax flashguns will work with "dumb" cameras that only have the centre pin - ideally you'll need a plastic adapter since shorting out the Pentax-specific pins can cause a little havoc

But again, if you know what you're looking for you can often rummage around in a camera shop.

Matt