I'm sure I'll get used to the grip, it's a small price to pay for the other benefits of the K5 - to add to my list:

Pressing green button for auto iso is very useful as are dedicated Iso and Exp Comp buttons

LCD lighting option is a good idea too

That's definitely good advice...Warehouse Express are a Pro dealer and more than aware of the sensor stain issue - very poor service on their part to send out this model, they certainly wouldn't be keeping my cash.

I only bought mine on Monday and this is one of the reasons I bought from SRS, excellent customer service...I received a March 2011 model with absolutely no dust/stains.

Simon

Photos as promised - one of the scratch in particular, it measures 4mm not 5mm - it looks like a small hair on the LCD, it's not deep although you can slightly feel it with your fingernail.

Forgot to mention that the charger is included too

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/IMG_1261.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/scratch.jpg[/IMG]


Simon

Having just received my new K5 I'm parting with my trusty K20D.

Shutter count = 4650

It's in excellent condition - the only thing I can think of to report is a slight (5mm) scratch on the read LCD.

Supplied in original box with manual/leads etc + spare OEM battery (Samsung version)

If you want examples of photos, many on my website were taken with it.

I'll add photos of the camera etc a little later today.

Any questions please PM me

Price = £290 including RMSD

Thanks

Simon

Plenty of options, thanks - I'll probably go with the Lowepro, not too keen on the last one - doesn't look like the K5 will fit in there anyway

I think it's more than 2 stops better as I never used anything higher than ISO1600 on the K20D as I didn't find the results too pleasant - Iso12800 looks perfectly useable on the K5 too, haven't tried any higher yet

Having just received my new K5 today my first impressions are:

High Iso is way ahead of K20D - ISO6400 is probably equivalent to old ISO1600

Shutter noise is greatly reduced - definitely a good thing

Body wise I must admit I find the K20D more comfortable, especially the R/H grip

Electronic level will be very useful, I've set it to function only with the RAW/FX button though

Personally I'm glad the IS lever has gone, I was always catching it on the K20D and turning the IS off.

Menu system a definite improvement over K20D

That's it for now...I'll post further thoughts once I've managed to take a few photos!!

Just for info I bought it from SRS and manufacture date is March 2011 so shouldn't be any sensor issues - I'll check for certain tomorrow though

Simon

I'm looking to buy a small holster case for the K5, purely for use when I'm just taking the camera + attached lens out, ideally something not too bulky - I'd appreciate any suggestions

thanks

Simon

Regarding the conversion process I use a free photoshop action, unfortunately I can't remember exactly which one I downloaded but here's a good starting point

http://www.atncentral.com/download.htm


Simon

Interesting stuff

I experiment now and again with B&W, although purely having taken the shot with colour in mind - I find that most of my shots taken like this don't convert well to B&W so the "thinking in B&W" sounds a good idea to me.

Funnily enough probably my best B&W image actually sat on the PC for 2yrs doing nothing as a poor colour shot having been taking in cloudy/flat lighting conditions - it does have quite a bit of texture and some stark contrast which probably helps the conversion. I'll certainly be thinking a little more about B&W when I'm out and about next time now

Simon