Dave,
Yes, it does affect shooting speed when using low shutter speeds. You'll notice that the time to write the image goes up massively (I think it's about 10 seconds added), when you use slow speeds.
However, I'm not too sure of the shutter speed that's the limit.
You can always de-noise after the shot with stuff like NeatImage and the Helicon noise reducer
Matt

Dave,
I've tried a few and my favourite place is www.photobox.co.uk
Stunning quality, excellent prices, and super fast turn-around.
Although they use sRGB JPGs, you can upload very high quality images (they don't re-JPG like the Pixology based services ), and they don't apply "correction" algorithms, just print what you send them.

Let me know what you think!
Matt

That's a lot of questions, Saso!

First of all, although there have been a few 'teething troubles', and misunderstandings, I find the *ist-D an amazing camera. The quality is awesome, especially when you shoot in RAW mode, and use Photoshop CS or Capture One.

Usability is wonderful - I can pick up the *ist-D and it's very 'natural' so I can think more about the image rather than how to use the camera. Low light performance is astounding, truly astounding. If you've ever used Fuji 1600 ASA film you'll be blown away by the fine grain.

As far as the future - well, Pentax have produced two new lenses, the 16-45 and the 14mm that are only for the APS sensor size. That should tell you something
(Bear in mind the price difference between APS and full frame - just check out the difference between a Canon 10D and a 1Ds - full frame is nice, but definitely not within most people's budget!)

You mentioned 'calculating' when using lenses on the *ist-D. Naah. Just think normally, you don't have to think about it!

Oh yes, and finally, the *ist-D has been good enough to help me realise the quality of true Pentax glass. I've been collecting the older SMC-F series lenses, and they are all stunning with the *ist-D.

Now, as far as studio setups go, I can't comment - I've been using available light more and more, and getting lovely results. However, I've seen plenty of studio produced digital shots with the *ist-D (and the Nikon D100 that has the same Sony APS CCD) to know you can get beautiful results.

Hope that helps clarify things,
Matt

Dave,
Here's what you do:
1. Switch the mode to WB, and select the custom >[]<
2. Switch the mode back to P
3. Hold the white balance button down (next to the lens above the Manual/Auto focus switch) - the top LCD changes and shows "1" to indicate you are about to sample the white balance for custom WB1
4. Point at a white target (A4 paper will do) and press the shutter release while holding down that white balance button
5. Now let go of the white balance button and shoot away!

(Another hint for complex lighting situations: shoot in RAW, then sort the white balance out at the PC!)

Matt

For what it's worth...
The SMC-F lenses are lovely, IMHO. I've just bagged two more from eBay - the 35-70 and the 70-210. First impressions are very, very good on the *ist-D. Image contrast and detail is great! And such small lenses too!
They go well with the 28, 50/1.7, and 100/2.8 SMC-F that I already have.
I'll be giving them a more thorough work out later, but that's the thing that's really brilliant about the Pentax system - you can use 13 year old lenses on new kit Plus there aren't so many users out there, so bargains are to be had!
(Can't do that with Canon )

Matt

Malcolm,
I'm in exactly the same situation. After some research, my lens "hit-list" is as follows:

1. SMC-FA 24-90/3.5-4.5 AL IF - has the same filter size as the 16-45, and is lightweight. Image quality is amazing. But expensive.

2. SMC-FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 AL IF (note the AL) - there are a few in the 28-105 range, but this one's got the ghostless coating like the 24-90. Quite a lot cheaper than the 24-90, but still interesting.

3. SMC-F 70-210/4-5.6 ED. A pretty heavy lens (like the SMC-F 100mm/2.8 I already have). Reasonably priced, as it's an older lens, but has good contrast and detail.

It would be really nice if there was a "DA" version in the 28-100 range or 50-200.

Matt

What can I say? I have had the *istD since September and it rocks!
Low light performance is fantastic, and being able to work with most older Pentax lenses is a real boon.

Picture quality is superb, haven't touched film since getting it.

Watch out though, you'll need to spend some more for: batteries, decent Compact Flash card, editing software (Photoshop preferably, Photoshop Elements will do). Make sure you allow for those too

I've taken well over 4000 images (small fry for some DSLR users, I know), and am continually learning. In fact, since going digital my learning has accelerated, being able to try new things immediately

Still, the choice is yours, but as George said, you could be watching the clouds waiting...

Matt

Not sure, but there are plenty of commercially available album tools.

Adobe do a free version of their Album software, and the full package is often bundled with other products. You have to download the free one from their site - www.adobe.com

Definitely try them all out before you buy! They all have different ways of working...

Matt

See my reply on your other post

(Slow shutter speeds mean you have to hold the camera really steady, preferably on a tripod.)

If you take photos, with flash, indoors the flash will just about light up the room. As the room gets bigger the flash becomes ineffective (you need one hefty flash to light the inside of a church!).
Because the flash can do nothing, the shutter has to stay open longer. If you are holding the camera by hand you get a blurred image.

The best thing is to turn off the flash and rest the camera firmly on a seat, or even the floor. Hold it really steady and gently push the shutter. You should get a much better image. As you have digital, just keep trying it until you've got it sussed. Better still, carry around a pocket mini tripod

Matt