Lacie monitors are also worth looking at if you can find them. Not sure how they stand compared to Eizo and NEC but are definitely a step up from the usual. HP marketed a high quality display a while back also.

Whichever you buy, proper calibration is key to getting the best results. If you will be printing photos or sending them for printing then colour matching is important. I've not used Argyll but am sure it will be OK for calibration. X-rite Eye One Display calibrator works well for me.

One final suggestion: why not contact a couple of graphic design studios (beware that not all web designers worry about screen quality - check they do print design) and ask where they source their kit. They may know of specialist suppliers who stock higher quality equipment.

Thanks Greytop.

Hi Greytop

Is Capture One optimised as standard for PEF files or is that something you've programmed yourself?

I think Lightroom does count by itself if the raw engine is built in and it does not depend on ACR. In the same vein, Aperture should be added to the list - no trial version I suspect

The latest version of Adobe Camera raw has some very useful features such as completely customisable ND Grad filters. You may want to balance features which can transform a poor shot into one worth keeping against ultimate image quality for the best shots.

Having said that your original question was for the convertor providing ultimate image quality. We could use this thread to build a definitive list of conversion software. People could then use trial versions to check which is best for them. I suspect personal preference will play a part in everyone's choice - there may not be a single best piece of software just the best for you.

So to get the ball rolling we so far have:

Adobe Camera Raw
Pentax/Samsung bundled software (a version of Silkypix)
Silkypix full version

Any others anyone?

The best design depends on who your audience is. If you're providing services to corporates then version one looks more professional (think accointancy firm). If you're aiming at individuals then version 2 seems more approachable and friendly.

I assume your customers are coming from outside Europe so the design must be relevant to them. Different colours have different meanings in non Europan cultures. For example red means good luck in some Asian cultures.

Version 2 has more potential for SEO due to larger amount of text. Designing the site is only half the story, you need to get it visible on the search engines.

If the majority of your clients are from a specific culture also think about relevant translations. Make sure they are pro translations though.

One final point, think about what you want to get people to do when they visit the site. I assume you want them to contact you. So make sure the copy is written in a way to encourage them and give them every opportunity. Consider giving away some free info in return for an email address. You can then get proactive and contact potential clients yourself.

Best of luck.

I couldn't agree more. Well said.

Well this is possibly the answer why the K-m may be replaced. Competion - economic natural selection. If Pentax can easily take features from the K20 and drop them into a K-m replacement (14mp sensor for example) they can regain the high ground with magazine reviewers.

I agee that the marketing strategy seems ill thought out but I'd bet a new model will be launched.

Hey, maybe we should put together a pitch for Pentax's European marketing

Now a really good 3 camera lineup would be K-m or replacement, K-7 and an affordable medium format which could sit at the same price point as C/N pro/full frame models.

Seriously, just because the K20 had been discontinued it won't stop it being the camera I'll continue to learn photography with and enjoy using for the next 5 years or more. Leica announced they're ceasing production of their R series but how many owners will stop using theirs?

Hi Andy

I'm afraid the chances of you getting 250-300 books, 20 pages, hardback, A4 size of suitable quality for £1500 are virtually nil. Sorry to be negative but that's the way it is. Take a look at inkjet photobooks available online - the prices are even higher than litho print.

There are absolutely tonnes of things to consider and allow for when having a book printed. It is specialised stuff and even a lot of good designers are ignorant of all that is required. (Yves - I'm sure you have had loads of completely crazy requests from designers :lol To explain everything will take forever but I can give you some pointers:

1) If you do want to do all of this yourself and you find a printer to do it, make sure they will take the time to explain what they need from you. Communication is key.

2) Try some of the online places like this. I have no idea if they are any good and have never ever spoken to them. With their online calculator I managed to get a price of £1750 ex VAT for 250 softcover laminated, colour print, smaller than A4.

With any of these online companies make sure you get samples from them. Get samples with similar binding, finish, paper, etc as you think you might want. Walk away from any company who won't provide samples.

3) 20 pages is a little light for binding. Book pages generally go in multiples of 4 so I think you should be looking more at 36 pages plus - it will be easier to bind.

4) Do not be tempted to skimp on interior paper quality, you'll regret it when you see the final images.

5) I strongly recommend, given the budget, that you consider contacting some local Unis or Art Colleges. If you can afford the time, this sounds an ideal project for a final year graphic design/typography/printing student. Find the right student who is interested by the project with a good tutor who will help. There should be a good choice of institutions close to you in Birmingham and Coventry - they may even have access to cheaper printing.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Ooh - so much advice!

Good to know I was on the right lines with the focus chart but as they say: a little knowledge can be dangerous. Thank you for spelling out the complete procedure. Thanks also to Steve and rparmar.

Results of Shake Reduction: testing has determined that it is working fine - I just needed the right shooting technique, as I originally thought.

I'll have to wait a few days before testing and calibrating focus but am very pleased with the sharpness of the SR test shots.

Hi Andy

Can you give me an idea of the budget your company has available for the book and the spec - number of pages, hard back or soft back, etc.

For that quantity you may find it cheaper going to a good lithographic printer, they'll be able to offer/source professional binding also. I would also recommend using the services of a professional designer - or maybe a student on work placement if budget is tight. Both of these can make the difference between a real keepsake that is cherished and a bundle of paper gathering dust on the bookshelf.

I designed a photo book last year for Canterbury Cathedral last year to raise funds for renovation work. A colleague took the shots (he's a pro photographer) and I put it all together. His original idea was to use Lulu - similar to Blurb, maybe less quality - but when I saw a proof I knew the quality was not there.

First print run was digital from a local on-demand short run book printing company. They did a great job within the limitations of the technology. Second print run was litho at my preferred printer - they did a fantastic job.

Feel free to post back if you want more advice.