Thanks for all your responses and advice. I am not exactly in a rush - I am just doing the research for future upgrading. Such a breathtaking array of types, codes etc - and that's before delving into quality:value for money!!!!!!!

Small to smallish... insects to birds...no wildebeests or mother-in-laws yet!

Seeking opinions for combination of lenses with a cap of 1k for my K5.
This should include - a prime, macro and zoom;my only preference to start with is Pentax SMC 50mm, f1.4 FA - else I am open to ideas!
Main purpose is natural history photography + scenery and my number of posts reflex my experience!

I get the general gist that Adobe cs is the premium editing software!
However, I've used Paint Shop Pro vs7 for many a year & run trial versions of PSP x4 and Adobe CS5 and found the X4 to suit my needs and pocket better than CS. Now I've found Corel Aftershot! I know this is a revamped version of Bibble which I have no experience of. My question is what are the prnciple differences between these programs and do they compliment or compete with each other?

Is there a significant difference in using the HDR setting (K5) compared to exposure bracketing + HDR software?

As another new member who only received the K5 on Tuesday, I find this info very useful for pointers to start experimenting with settings away from the Auto mode.

Andy

Just ordered a K5 from SRS - then started researching cleaning kits etc.. 1st thread I came across mentioned problems with the sensor in a small number of units (blobs/smearing!!) - 2 questions: is this still prevalent? and is there a cleaning kit/system in existence which a majority agree on does the business? I've never come across a topic with so diverging opinions without a clear solution. Apologies if someone finds this is not the appropriate place to ask ... never had a digital slr before means I will be asking some basic questions. Never been a great fan of forums - but I must admit I have found this one informative and responsive.... Andy

Many thanks for all your help and advice - ordered the K-5 from SRS (had a good deal on extra battery swung the decision!). To George L - I was viewing the forum on my mobile - a bit like viewing London with tunnel vision!

Never heard of SRS - had to Google - I assume it's SRS microsystems!! Price is the same as Clifton C. I would really value opinions of what lens option I should chose. I want to start with the best general use camera to develop and learn digital photography.

To respond to your replies - which I am grateful ... I have researched the market and the Pentax seems the best functionally, has a good build quality, and the K5 competes with the semi-pro dslr's of Canon and Nikon. On a personal note - Clifton offer a 0% 12 month payment plan option which would mean such a purchase would fall under my wife's finacial radar!

Thanks for that - has anyone had experience with CliftonCameras.co,uk???
Regards...Andy