Thanks for the link Rob I was hoping that the 22-bit output was available, and that it didn't have a gain-control. It would've been great to get a RAW output that encompassed the complete ISO range in one hit (great for HDR stuff). Hey ho!

Rodger - are you talking about the "Workflow Options" in the RAW conversion dialog box? It defaults to 16 Bits/Channel (and the only other option is 8-bits). This is only an output bit depth for the conversion from RAW to PSD.

Photoshop, AFAIK, doesn't have a straight EXIF display (because once you've run it through the RAW converter it'll show the setting you set in the RAW converter, and not the original EXIF data of the PEF file).

FWIW, Adobe Bridge shows "16" as the bit depth for the *ist-D, *ist-Ds and K10D. I can tell you 100% that the *ist-Ds has only 12-bit output (it stores the data as a byte+nibble per sensor site). The *ist-D output a RAW format that was actually 16-bits per site, but on examination the lower 4-bits were always zeroes - effectively wasting 25% space (that's why the *ist-Ds RAW files are correspondingly smaller than the *ist-D - even though both use the same Sony CCD).

Bottom line - the Pentax RAW files are definitely 12-bit.

Hope that helps!
Matt

You didn't mention whether the 3 frames were all the same exposure or still bracketed (check on the preview)... I presume your drive mode is set at single? (Maybe it's been left in continuous drive mode :blush.

Matt

Peter,
The loops are for the Lowepro "Sliplock" accessories.
Haven't yet found out if there's a tripod fitting... would be interested to know!
Matt

Tom,
I have the Slingshot 200. These are some of the combinations that I fit in:

A: K10D+grip+SMC-FA 24-90, SMC-DA 12-24, SMC-DA 50-200, SMC-F 50/f1.4, Lee 100mm filter pouch with 3 ND grads, Lee Foundation filter, 67mm and 77mm adapters, 4 SD cards, battery, Expodisc. And there's room for a kagool or a snack in the top compartment.

B: K10D+grip+SMC-DA 16-45, SMC-F 100/2.8 macro (or SMC-FA 80-320), SMC-DA 12-24, AF360 flashgun, batteries, cards etc. (The flash gun pretty well takes the space of two lenses, but I can squeeze a 50mm/f1.4 on top if I'm careful!)

As far as fitting other bits in - there's a top compartment that's not huge but ok for a small lunch or kagool. The outer pocket can hold a PDA or whatever. The inner compartments are flexible enough to accommodate most arrangements, and there's a second strap that comes from the other direction (forming an upside down "Y" shape) which does a good job if you have to run or climb a lot (stops the bag from twisting round).

For me, with the 200 fully loaded the weight is great on the back. It's heavy to carry by its handle, but I don't think I'd want it any heavier.

There are also tough straps on the outside of the bag for hanging things on (monopod, tripod etc) and I think Lowepro do some extension kits (?) to use that system.

So, I reckon you'll easily fit your requirements in the 200
Matt

I've shot at 1/15s hand held at 200mm with SR and got a pin-sharp image
The biggest problem I find is getting the subject to stay still long enough... perhaps nailing them to the perch would help??
Matt

Nice one
Matt

That's because I moved it (Doing my "job" as moderator you see )
There's still the shadow topic in Film SLRs too... which is where it started.
Matt

Still lurking in the dark room

Some enable the DR on startup.
Personally I find this a touch annoying... so I try and DR after changing lenses (unless I'm in a big hurry - which is usually!).

I have had the odd spot that won't budge with the DR, but using the Sensor Cleaning option and a Rocket Blower cleared the stuff away no problem. So far, in nearly 6000 shots and numerous lens changes in all kinds of environments I haven't (yet) had to resort to any other form of cleaning.

(Which is more than I can say for my *ist-D that had no DR system!)
Matt

It worked this morning... but now looks like the site is down
I copied the URL and pasted it into Firefox's address bar... oddly, having done that, the inline image worked
Matt

Try clicking here.

Looks like they may be fussy about inlining of images...
Matt