The lens is not the issue. See correct answers from Gene51 and others.

One immediate problem with this scenario is that LR will open a specific catalog upon starting the program. The catalog is a file that, like all files, exists in one place (path). So, if the two drives have different system IDs (ex., E and F), LR will open the one specified in its configuration. Once LR is open, you can open a different catalog file, but I don't see a way to automate this based strictly on whichever HD is connected.

Pentax allows easy setting of both upper and lower limit on ISO when set in Auto. Fixed ISO is also an easy button push away.

How about the oldie for Keds sneakers - "you'll be a champion with style, you'll hit the ball a half a mile. They're tough, they last a long, long while. Keds, kids, Keds."

I don't see a whole lot of truth there. And directed at the most easily influenced. This generation of ads has no monopoly on lies or half truths.

I second that. Great instructor @ Creative Live.

You don't mention the FL of the lenses you plan to carry. According to the video on the 500AW, it will accommodate a 500mm lens. Unless you carry that big a lens, I think your back and shoulders will appreciate something smaller that, when you succumb to the temptation to fill the pack, will way an awful lot. The Flipside series also requires you to remove the pack to access the camera and lenses through the side that sits against your back.

I went through a similar decision process earlier this year. I created a spreadsheet with features and specifications, then filled in the data from all the major manufacturers' websites. This helped me quickly narrow the field.

Then I tried most of the camera shops in the Philadelphia area, and found that several of the best fits, spec-wise, were not in store to try. I ended up buying three bags from B&H and sent two back. Yes, it cost me return shipping, but I would not have been happy with what I originally thought was the best choice.

I ended up with the LowePro DSLR Video Fastpack 250AW. I am very pleased with its construction and features, and it served me well during two weeks on an Alaska land and sea tour.

While the Pentax FA100-300mm zoom was never known as having the best IQ, the same is NOT true of their 50mm lenses. If the lens is an M,A,F, or FA series, it is known to be very good to excellent, with the possible exception of some CA. The F and FA series permit both auto focus and wide open metering on current Pentax DSLRs. The A series gives open metering, but manual focus, and the M is manual focus and stop down metering only. I suspect that if the lenses were purchased with the PZ1, the are probably F or FA series.

My way around this is to import all the photos to a "Temporary" folder. Then I move them (drag & drop) to their final destination within LR. That way you can split them to as many folders as you'd like with only one import operation.

In addition, I like Laura Shoe (LR Laura). She has been on Creative Live several times. Her website has quite a few free tutorials, but her DVDs, "The Fundamentals and Beyond" and "Producing Great Output" are great. They are organized in a start to finish sequence, but each lesson stands well by itself.

My usage is about 95% LR and I only go to PSE for special issues. Another nice thing about LR is that you can apply adjustments (such as lens corrections) to all your photos when you import them. Not to mention that none of LR's adjustments are actual alterations to the original file.

Unfortunately for Canon or Nikon only at this time.

I hope they expand to other brands, as this seems to be potentially quite useful. :-(

:thumbup:

This sounds like the same discussion I've had with my daughter. The whole iXXXX infrastructure seems to work well for her, but I like the ability to configure as I wish that Android provides.

In addition to the suggestions already made, you might consider increasing the available cache size. It should be larger than the size of one of your raw files. Otherwise LR will have to hit the disk for each picture instead of working from RAM.

I also question the need to imbed the original RAW file within the DNG upon import. You will still have the RAW file, even if you don't imbed it.

Hope all the suggestions help. Slow is very frustrating.

Pentax hoods come with a small removable section on the bottom for just such purpose. Works well. I'm not sure if they patented this, but it would seem that the idea would be copied by others if it is not.

You might want to check pentaxforums.com. Two user/owners have posted reviews, one of which seems helpful.