Just had confirmation that unfortunately no photography is allowed on the day except by the official photographer - Archant have asked to do an interview during the afternoon though so they can publish an article on the competition/afternoon etc, sounds good!!

I can see the thinking here but I'm not really convinced that using a prime instead of a zoom makes you any less obvious, a DSLR isn't exactly a "stealth" option - in fact a thief familiar with DSLRs may well recognise the prime and consider it a more valuable target.

I had some concerns when visiting China recently but DSLRs were everywhere and no-one gave them a second glance - I think as with anywhere the basic rules apply, personally if I felt that the area I was visiting seemed very risky I probably wouldn't use any camera - DSLR or compact.

Simon

As the title says I'm looking to buy a soft case for my DA12-24, the original Pentax one ideally (S100-120)

thanks

Simon

Thanks for the info - all I need to do now is find one for a decent price!!

Simon

They're certainly capable of producing decent results, do they produce noticeably better results than the new compact "super-zooms" such as the Panasonic TZ10 etc though, the bulk of Bridge cameras in comparison seems to make them much less "user friendly". I think the "bridge" they used to gap is disappearing

Simon

I used to own the KM A200 too and as bridge cameras go it was pretty good, having said that the bulk of these cameras does seem to make them rather obsolete to me now that DSLRs are getting smaller and the new "Pen" cameras have come along.

I don't see any reason to buy one aswell as owning a DSLR, I think a much better option is something like the Panasonic TZ10 type compact - still pretty reasonable IQ, very versatile and drops into a pocket so you can take it everywhere

Simon

Thanks for that John, do you happen to know if the lens fits in the case with the hood attached in the reverse position?

Simon

Thanks for the tips on etiquette guys - think you'll get me banned before I even get there

I wonder if cameras will be allowed on the day too?

Simon

Can anyone recommend a soft case for the DA12-24, I don't really want one of the heavily padded Lowepro cases more something on the lines of a neoprene case?

thanks

Simon

The camera sounds pretty decent, I was thinking of buying a Panasonic TZ10 so won't bother now.

Apparently the prize for the overall winner is a one-to-one photography workshop with one of the UKs top photographers - not sure who though.

Either way I'll be making the most of any publicity etc I might be able to get from this

Simon