I would turn off the auto ISO altogether, and stick in Av mode. Then manually set your ISO to something like ISO800. Set your aperture to f5.6 as an 'optimistic' starting point! If this results in shutter speeds less than 1/15, or which are too blurry, you can a) open up the aperture (to let more light in) by selecting a lower f-stop number, b) increase the ISO, and/or c) use a tripod.

Personally I think that any P or Auto mode is just putting off learning about apertures and shutter speeds. It's easy to pick up on digital as you can see the results straight away.

Would it not be cheaper and easier just to buy a D700?

Or perhaps wait for the mooted K1

Personally I would stick with the 1100d rather than waste money changing systems again... The upgrade options from canon, when you get to that stage, will be as good or better than Pentax and they have a wider range of affordable AF lenses. OTOH if you want to play with old manual glass, or want weather sealing at an affordable price point, Pentax is the better option.

They have one in my nearest Jessops

For clarity, the complete items offered for sale are shown below. Price - 260.00 by bank transfer.




I am also thinking about selling my Sigma 30mm f1.4 and Tamron 17-50mm. PM me if interested.

DAL 24mm f2, 85mm f1.8 and 135mm f2

Re 400mm + lenses, if I wanted one I would just get a sigma, and I doubt Pentax could make one for the same sort of price.

We are also pretty guilty of undeservingly bashing the other brands though, just as much as they bash Pentax. People who shoot more than one system seem to have a lot better perspective on it. As for the OP's experience, the Kr is Pentax's entry model, but has more in common with the midrange models from other brands, so is a better deal.

Used but in good condition. Only minimal wear to the flock covering. Box, pouch etc all present and in very good nick. Has taken some very good shots for me, but the DA15mm means I am using it less - although I'll miss the 10mm I'm sure. Bought from this forum for £290. Offers around £260 please!

There shouldn't be an issue with that, but it is obviously slightly better to reduce noise in RAW, before the file is reduced to 8 bit. You could try a different RAW converter like RawTherapee or (if you're on Linux) DarkTable.

Ah, I'll give that a miss then! Thanks Ken.