Regarding the SMC-DA 16-45: yes, it's expensive.

There are cheaper alternatives coming out from the likes of Sigma and Tamron, and these may very well suit your needs. However, in my opinion, the glass is the most expensive part of the lens, and the build hardly figures.

Take for example the SMC-FA 24-90. Why is this so much more expensive compared to similar lenses? It's not just because it's Pentax, it's the optics. If you don't want to, or can't, pay the price then make do with the alternatives. Once you've tried the Pentax glass you'll understand (I've been gradually migrating all my optics to genuine Pentax over the last year and am mighty pleased with the difference )

...it's similar to the Canon L-series lenses. If you want a shock, go and check their prices

Yet, it's true about business - as consumers we all want it cheaper. But then, if you want a year or two you will be able to buy the outdated models cheaper

Matt

Pano,

Have replied to you cross-post on the 16-45mm.
Don't get worked up! The 16mm-45 does actually fit on a 35mm film Pentax (I tried it, and have photos to prove it). In that case it really, really, is a 16mm (but because it wasn't designed for 35mm film, you get some serious vignetting). You can see them here: http://www.pbase.com/mattmatic/smc_da_test

To explain the 1.5x factor diagramatically, check out here: www.photon.me.uk/matt/cameras/pentax/istd_focal.htm

(I have posted these links on other threads on this forum).

Matt

*ist-D discontinued

I understood the new one was to be an entry level addition, not a replacement!

Matt

I have to agree with Philip... the AF360FGZ is amazing
Bought one to use with my Z1, which worked a dream. Also bought a Stofen Omnibounce which gives a lovely result.
Now I have the *ist-D and use wireless, as well as tethered, remote flash. Delicious and definitely worth the money

Matt

The format actually records 16-bits per pixel. However, that doesn't mean to say there are 16-bits of information

The RAW format is 12-bits per pixel (I believe), with the extra four bits packed out with zeroes. This allows for future expansion where a CCD is clean enough to produce more than 12. (ie a smaller step between each level of light).

JPG is always 8-bits per pixel (only JPG2000 can support more), and so the *ist-D throws away some information when converting internally from RAW to JPG.

The extra 4-bits of data in each pixel are the reason why you can push/pull the RAW format without losing too much detail

Hope that explains things!

Matt

Dead pixels are a fact of life with CCDs. Incidentally, the CCD in the *ist-D (where the dead pixels occur) is made by Sony, the same CCD as in the Nikon D100

Some of the issue is down to dead pixel management. RAW is as it says - you get what the CCD saw. Most cameras (and the *ist-D included, I believe) have some form of dead pixel management that hides the duds for regular JPG shooting. The free convertor dcRAW includes the ability to create a dead pixel history so the convertor can map them out of the RAW file on convert.

(Of course the other thing is dust that produces grey blobs on the image.)

Maybe Pentax can improve their dead pixel management in a firmware upgrade...

Matt

Looks like camera shake
When taking photos indoors, the shutter is open for a relatively long time, and any (I mean any) movement will show up as "ghosting".
Both of your images didn't have flash (and in both cases it wouldn't help), so you need to:

a) get a tripod
b) rest the camera on a doorway, chair etc
c) learn to hold really still without breathing

As an experienced user, blessed with a very steady hand I would go as low as 1 second hand-held, but will always brace myself and try and stop breathing!
A tripod (or mini tripod) is your easiest option

Matt

And to add to this post...
Since upgrading to version 1.12 of the *ist-D firmware the AF360FGZ has been consistently stunning With and without the Omnibounce it's great.
Being so small the Metz 50MZ5 is getting much less use
Matt

Hi speed sync with *ist-D is fine.
Works a dream
Definitely, definitely try out the wireless flash features (though you'll have to read the manuals to get it set up!) - position it anywhere, off camera. Really cool.

Oh yes, and think about the StoFen attachment for the AF360FGZ too - gives a really lovely diffused light

Matt

One is a focus restrictor to limit the range (either long-to-mid or mid-to-short). It saves the lens hunting from macro to infinity and back again

The clamp allows you to create some friction for the focus ring. This is useful when you are trying to manually focus with macro and allows more accurate focussing.

You can download a manual: http://www.pentaxusa.com/docstore/index.cfm?show=6
(Look for "SMC FA Interchangeable Lenses")

Matt