I just took delivery of the above yesterday with the 18 - 55mm lens. Haven't had a chance to use it except for putting in the battery (had a 13% charge), fiddling thru the menus and taking one shot in the airport.
Aside from the obvious cool factor, one thing that jumps out at me is how great this will be for backpacking. Up to now, I've lugged the *istD, or K20D or K-7, and a 7 - 10 lb camera bag with 3 or 4 lenses + tripod, does become a burden with a 35 - 40 lb pack and walking 5 - 7 miles in high altitude. This thing will weigh 1/3 or less of what my DLSR pack weighed. Considering the 16mm and the 200mm zoom as well. I've been loathe to bring a P&S, because if I'm going to that much effort to get to the destination, I want my best gear as well. Also, hoping to get it into an upcoming concert where 'pro' cameras are not allowed. I suspect it'll easily make it, because aside from the lens it's the size of a P&S. More later. One more thing. A plug for Rockbrook Camera in Omaha, Nebraska. The big name NY USA camera store who shall remain nameless had the kit on back order. Ritz was out of stock also, though you didn't learn that until you went to the shopping cart. Willoughby's had it in stock, but for $100 more than elsewhere. I called and tried to get it for the same price but got some BS about their buyer having made a special deal and therefore they had it while, "as you may have noted others were out of stock". So what, I should pay an extra $100 for that? I browsed and found Rockbrook Camera. I'd actually purchased through them before (appears they don't have Pentax gear, at least not listed online) but had forgotten. I called them to double check availability. Yes, just one in stock. Right price. Ordered online. They called to verify identity as it was not shipping to home address. Problem-free. Tom C. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
