Yes, I'm a notorious researcher, and realize that I enjoy this phase a lot. Thanks for the welcome--- I'll say a bit more, in case anyone would like to share some advice.
As I mentioned, my plan is to start building towards a FA limited prime lens collection because they are cheaper than the DA lenses. (not a typo) Cheaper, because I know myself well enough to understand that if I get the DA Limiteds I will end up wanting the FA Limiteds and end up paying for both eventually. I think I'm less likely to chase the DAs if I start slowly toward the FAs.
I'm still torn between the K-3 (new $1300 offer from site sponsor, including a battery grip and the 1.8 50mm), a 5Kiis for $400-500 cheaper (but no grip and 1.8 50mm, so effectively it is close to the same price), or riding my K100d with some new/dramatically better glass for longer. I'm open to suggestions, here (and I continue to utilize search for insights on this topic).
I've been a JPEG shooter, mostly due to simplicity and a lack of experience with RAW. I'm sure I could get there, and the idea of shooting in both is intriguing. I haven't made large prints very often. Historically, I've taken pictures to share with friends and family online, but this could evolve as well.
I am in no way a pro. "Re-aspiring hobbyist", perhaps. My uses are typically candid family pictures (3 kids), portraits, occasional non-professional event shooting (think church or neighborhood stuff), family weddings (but not as the professional photographer), golf shots and travel/vacation shots ranging from street to landscape (primarily domestic urban US). For me, indoor speed is important, although some of that is primarily due to my older body. I find myself shooting inside with lower light a fair amount. I feel more at home when shooting wider angles, but like the good candid portrait shots too (this could have something to do with my results being better when shooting wide, and my tendency to never bring a tripod). I love the artistic effect of really good bokeh.
My gear: I currently have the k100d, the kit 28-90, DA 50-200, a Promaster 24-200 (3.5-5.6), a used/slightly damaged but functional SMC-F 50mm 1.7, a manual JC Penney 28mm 2.8, the Zenitar 16mm manual, and a manual 200mm Cosina (4.0). The Promaster 24-200 came used with the K100d, and it lived on the camera because of the long zoom range. As I got further into using the K100d, I found myself collecting some of the primes, and going out with a few of them vs. the zoom lenses. I like using the primes, but I'd like to move towards a kit with AF. My best pictures have come with the 50mm AF, but it feels a bit long in many indoor situations, and a bit short in settings when I've wanted to be more candid (my kids on the playground). I've also gotten some good pictures with the Zenitar 16mm.
I also built a small strobist inspired collection of hobbyist lighting gear, including the Pentax AF360 flash, two other speedlights, some cheap umbrellas/stands, ebay RF triggers, gels, etc.
Regards!
---------- Post added 03-03-14 at 10:04 AM ----------
I can't edit my post yet (lack permission), but shooting video with my DSLR is not something that I expect I will do... although I guess that could change, too.
