Fair enough John. As I said before, I have every respect for Axel in making a considered decision, which must clearly be costing him money. But each photographer has to assess their own unique needs. So, all the best for the future Axel.

That damn zoom lens again! I'm going to have to try and get interested in some birdlife

But really, we're talking about people who may change a whole system, or be choosing their first. I can't believe that the quality of a single telephoto zoom lens is going to be a major factor to any of them ...

Lets think back to the actual cameras - the added value I'm talking about shines right through the fingertips in feel, usability and robustness. My K7 + 18-55WR at £499 blasted the rows of competing options lined up off the table. I didn't know much about Pentax, but I knew what a great DSLR needed to offer. The competing brands only offered plasticy consumer-grade lookalikes at that price point.

Yes, the K7 was an older model, but its 'performance' was plenty for my needs, and the enduring 'pro-spec' usability aids are a life-long plus.

Having a look through, the main gripes on the Rice High blog have to do with the pronouncements of the Ricoh top brass in how they're answering questions on future plans, as well as the suddenly fading prominence of the Pentax name. Seems he doesn't trust the Pentax brand in these new hands.

Is this justified? The blogs and forums may provide a slanted view of the overall user base though - aren't those of us who spend time and effort on such discussions generally those who use the higher end equipment, the one area where there seems to be the most uncertainty over the future.

Yes, but I'm not only talking about lenses. True, lucky Samyang are making K fits, that's a blessing, but as well the back compatibility of the mount allowed me to get going straight away and enjoy the special qualities (handling especially) of the older lenses.

But mainly the K7 offers what I'd term 'pro-spec' features at a budget price (sure, the current model K5II is more pricy). I'm not talking resolution, noise / low ISO performance, more the usability and operating enhancements that I'd always associated with the top of range pro models of the competition - think levers for focussing modes, DOF / Digital Preview, metering modes, focus point selection, the 'control panel' for quick configurability - the WR and quality of the body material, the battery grip and extra power options it provides - and lets not forget that I've got shake reduction on my old manual focus lenses, all included, plus on any future lens I buy.

For a 'start from scratch' system for someone like me it's fabulous value.

We all know these things of course, I don't need to list them ... but maybe its a good time to remember the number of unique positives that attracted us in the first place, and continue to provide added value?

I'm not doubting Axel's judgement in weighing up his own on-going needs. He is shooting for different purposes, and is starting from a different equipment base - I'm just adding my own perspective on our choices.

Nice close framing! Agree that the last one has the sharpness edge.

I also think they would all benefit from a bit less exposure, maybe a half or 2/3rds a stop? This would also give you a bit of extra shutter speed that would help.

And I'd suggest a small contrast boost, mainly in the lower levels to firm up the blacks and deeper tones.

If you can, try this out (and the exposure idea) and post up new versions

I'm also trying to come at it from a positive point of view. To clearly see what is unique and special, and therefore of value to any individual, what we have needs to be viewed in some wider context to add perspective.

I have no interest in any other camera system, and I know what it is that is unique and special about my Pentax gear, and I want that shouted loud and clear to all who see this. For me, and my particular photographic needs, my Pentax equipment has provided a fantastic route to high quality DSLR images - a body with many pro-spec features and customisable fine control, and a quality lens system covering most of the range - 14 - 300mm - with the key components being brand new - and all for not much more than £1000.

No other brand could offer that. That's special and unique for me, and would be for many other similar photographers.

Now some other people will see different needs for their equipment, and may identify advantages in the competition. By acknowledging these differences we can both praise and emphasise the positives for Pentax and look to where the brand could widen its appeal.

What is it that you understand about it? - or are you not allowed to say ?

You could let us know what differences between the two systems you have become aware of, maybe in usability features, or the complete system in general, both the new positives and anything you miss from Pentax.

No please don't .... personally I am always interested in why people choose something different. It is always good to refresh in your mind what it is that unique (both positively & negatively) about our brand.

There will be different requirements for photographers at different levels and pro / amateur needs.

I just remember my visit to that Jessops shop when, after a good hour of trying things out, my K7 with 18-55WR at £499 was so clearly the only choice - the quality & value made it a 'no-brainer'. And at that stage I didn't know much about Pentax and the amazing lens compatibility that would allow me to build a reasonable 'system' so quickly.

Sounds good, except it doesn't seem to be available for Linux. I guess most people stay with Windows or Mac (to a lesser extent) because of the better range of software and the availability of the main players (eg Adobe).

I can see some OK open source options (and I've started to enjoy RawTherapee) but I won't be able to leave Windows - too many of the excellent programs I use for both Photos & Video are only on Windows.

It'll be interesting to see how RawTherapee's batch processing stacks up against Lightrooms - I'll have to draw up a list and post it soon.