I use my camera mainly for taking pitures at motorcycle events and I think I'm getting a little better with every event I snap at. My only problem is that the initial, unedited shot looks pretty good and clear, but once you start to zoom in (even only a little) the image appears to loose a lot of it's clarity. For example, see below (please click on the link as I wanted to use the larges image res that Photobucket allows so that you can see what I mean)

Original,

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/viperbiker/a10f60f6.jpg

Zoomed in a little,

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/viperbiker/b3041d59.jpg

The info on the shot it,

180mm Focal Length, F/8, 1/250 sec and ISO-200.

The settings I feel were best for the situatation, but the only other thing I'd like to add is that it's a free-hand shot with SR on. As a comparison to the shots I take, a friend of mine is at the same stage of photography as I am (both relatively new at it) and shoots with a Nikon D40, and even when I use his camera, I get a better picture. His suggestion to me was that it's down to the SR being set to 'On' whereas his wasn't. Is there any truth in this or is it that his D40 takes a better shot than my K100D?

I am still relatively new to both DSLR and this site, but I can't help but notice that a lot of 'Your Photo's' are macro shots, or 'still' life. Is that the nature of a Pentax, is it reflective of the type of Pentax owners? I'm not looking to create any bad vibes or pee in anyones pond, it's just an observation. Certainly a lot of the shots (actually, most of them if I'm honest) are better than anything I can take so kudos to you all, I was just maybe hoping to find a few more action/panning shots and maybe ask a few more questions.

Thanks for the comments guys. I did the re-sizing to 800X600 using 'Image Resizer' from the Powertools options on XP then PB did the 600X480.

Yes, that is an NC30 you see getting pushed. I have a few NC30's myself so I have a fond eye for them.

pnjmcc - I was using a 300mm lense in a cracking spot. We more or less have a free reign to go about an take some shots so long as there is no flash photography and that you don't step past the boundaries.

It seems that Photobucket has lost a lot of the image quality, does anyone know of a better host that will give a clearer picture?

I have a few friends that race at Club level as well as National level (and some even road race) and here are a few shots from this weekends racing. This is the reason I bought my camera and with nearly 4000 shots under my belt, I think I'm getting better.

Her face could do with an ironing

Sorry, couldn't help myself. I don't think I'm qualified to comment on the picture, but I like it, well done.

So far, the only pictures that I've been taking have been mostly panning shots of motorcycle racing, and this is all I know. I can set the Tv and ISO no problem, but the rest of the camera capabilities are beyond me. EG, how/what gets the best rewards from lanscape pictures throughout different times in the day, what if I want to take some of the kids or portraits, I am completely stumped. As my signature says, I have the K100D Super, kit lense and a Tamron 75/300

What are the best settings to have for the main situation? Do I have to go to each selection ie Tv, Av etc and set them then shoot in M mode? I really am starting afresh here people so please be nice. I took a few shots yesterday of my mum, sister, her partner and my nephew, but they are not sharp, seem over-exposed and flat (I'll stick them up after work tonight)

Help please.

Thank you for your honesty. I have been told that the shots look 'noisy' (whatever that means) and I agree with you, the images are lacking sharpness. I want to get to the point where I can put my pictures up on the wall in the garage and out of the 3000 or so shots I've taken to date, there isn't one worthy of the honour yet, but hopefully it's come at some point.

I am aware that action shots (especially high speed ones) are really difficult to capture so all I can do is as for help and keep shooting (part of the reason why I signed up.

Thanks again all for the warm welcome, I'm feeling at home already.

That is Conor Cummins on the Van Fit Yamaha R1. Shot at 300mm, ISO-200, 1/90sec and F16 and was a hand-held shot.

Thank you for you help Mr Riley.

I promise that no more of my images will be watermarked (at least until I get a bit better). I only did it as I have never used CS2 before and a mate showed me how to