Stefan - believe me - I've done my homework . This course is called Lifestyle - intended for folk like me - retired and wanting some knowledge . The Tutor will talk individually with us to see where we are and will take it from there

I am looking forward to starting with this ' baby ' I do expect to be taking my first shot about an hour after getting it

After that it will get a lot of use

Cometh January - I'll be starting on that improvers course at the local FE College and that should help enormously . I gather the beginners course is really basic starting with " this is a camera " After the 10 weeks I understand they can take simple pics , download them to a Computer , do simple editing and then print their photos . I honestly believe I'm further on than that - hence the Improvers Course choice.

That is indeed a sensible suggestion - would that it would always be possible .

I am meeting someone soon to get a feel of a camera [ agreed not the Kx ] with lens attached [ smallish hands and problems with weight ] and will have another session before I buy the Kx .

I still , from my reading and the advice I have been given believe it is more than likely the right choice for me .

Gentlemen,

I thank you for your counsel.

Aren't we lucky that Pentax produce a range of bodies that means we can all find the one that meets our own individual needs

I know what you're getting at

But I don't completely agree with you .

I drive an automatic - because I think it gives me more chance to be in control of the car - after all I have 2 feet and there are 2 pedals

However I can make it do other things if I wish - with it's bells and whistles and still remain in control

I suspect we are going to have to disagree on this one - but it was a fun conversation

but this is one of the reasons I'm getting the K-x

My P&S was getting me very frustrated - I couldn't get what I wanted .

At the beginning I expect to be using the K-x in a similar fashion - it will allow me to take decent photos while I learn how to take more control .

As I progress I expect to become more confident and start using the bells and whistles - isn't this what education is - start in a simple way and grow ?

Not really arguing against your 'baby'

I just happen to think , having read , thought , inwardly digested etc , that the K-x is what I should start out with .

I don't pretend to be a photographer - I'm a beginner , I don't need all the bells and whistles yet .

K-x is more for folk like me - just moving into DSLR.

We need something that is friendly and will give us good results while we learn

Safari [ 4.0.4 ] with Snow Leopard [ 10.6.2 ] here is not that great some text is superimposed .

Thanks for that