Thank you Daniel. The link proved to be quite an eye-opener for this relative novice. I am one of those people who tend to believe what they're told, what they read, etc. Naive perhaps, but trusting. I'm pleased to have stumbled across this site, so much helpful advice from experienced and enthusiastic photographers.

I've been reading favourable comments on this site, regarding SRS Microsystems. After weeks of dithering, I decided it was time to plunge in, and have this morning ordered a K200D + Tamron 18-250 lens. I have subsequently received an e mail saying my order has been despatched, so it could arrive tomorrow. Excited! Also feeling a tiny bit apprehensive, as I haven't actually held one in my hands, as I had planned. The assistant in Jacobs was pushing Canon, but I'm set on Pentax. Foolhardy perhaps, but I am confident I'll like the camera. On not much more than a whim, I chose a more expensive option as far as the lens is concerned. Most reviews have rated the 18-55 kit lens as being mediocre. I would have gone for the Pentax 16-45 f4 if it had been available as part of a bundle, but was intrigued by what I've read about the Tamron 18-250. Fingers crossed.....

I am feeling way beyond envy when I look at some of these great pics of the Moon. Only my second day on this site, and I'm gripped (in the nicest possible way) and impressed by the mixture of friendly banter and sound advice. Pentax people, I salute you!

Thank you for the speedy responses, I appreciate your comments. There are two decent camera shops in my home town, both of which have the K200D in stock, I asked last month when I replaced a pocket compact. I chose a Canon on that occasion, the A650. At the weekend, I played around briefly with a friend's Canon Eos 400 DSLR, it was OK. I have two older 35mm SLRs, both by Pentax, an ME Super and an MZ-7. There's a lot to be said for brand loyalty, I think. I've been happy with Pentax, and don't relish being part of the Canon/Nikon set. My mind is already made up really, though I owe it to myself to handle both the Canon 450 and the K200. Thanks again.

I'm getting a new camera for my birthday, in two weeks time. I spent hours reading reviews online and in mags, and narrowed my choice to two models. The Pentax K200D, and Canon Eos 450D. The choice will be made when I go into a shop and handle both cameras. Then, I came across the announcement of the forthcoming Pentax K-m, which has thrown me completely. I like what I've read about it, which is very little, and have looked at the video clip on YouTube. Should I wait until it hits the shops, some weeks after my birthday? Or stick to my original plan? Impatient and itching to get to grips with my first DSLR. Thanks.