Guyz, how much does it cost to have your sensor cleaned at Pentax Service Centers? There's a stubborn mark on my shots that can't be removed by the K10D's dust removal system.:(

Also, what software do you recommend for RAW processing (freeware or otherwise) :)

Dunno yet about sensor cleaning but I use the Pentax Photo Lab which came with the camera.

Hey Enzo! Try using a rocket blower first. I recommend holding the body opening down, and blowing upwards into the cavity. If that doesn't work and you don't feel up to the challenge of using a sensor cleaning kit (like Pentax' jelly-tipped bud and papers) take it to Sanly Cubao. If you bought your camera from them (or any Sanly branch) they can usually clean your sensor for free. Cleaning the pentaprism, on the other hand, involves sending it to Japan. Another 2-month wait.

I had mine cleaned when I had my focusing screen replaced a month ago. I'm still getting dirt on my sensor, though - but that's because I keep changing my lenses so damn often.

As for freeware RAW processing, there's RAWTherapee, which everyone recommends. Personally, I haven't tried it. I've only been processing with Adobe tools - Photoshop ACR and Lightroom. I hear RAWTherapee does a much better job at the demosaicing level, but as I haven't tried it I can't confirm that. Another good option (though not freeware) is Phase One's Capture One. Personally, though, for my needs Lightroom does a great job. One thing I'm looking for, however, that it seriously lacks, is local adjustments. Everything you fix is done on a global scale throughout the entire photo.


Are you using the bundled software, so far, for all your RAW processing?

Hey Enzo! Try using a rocket blower first. I recommend holding the body opening down, and blowing upwards into the cavity. If that doesn't work and you don't feel up to the challenge of using a sensor cleaning kit (like Pentax' jelly-tipped bud and papers) take it to Sanly Cubao. If you bought your camera from them (or any Sanly branch) they can usually clean your sensor for free. Cleaning the pentaprism, on the other hand, involves sending it to Japan. Another 2-month wait.

I had mine cleaned when I had my focusing screen replaced a month ago. I'm still getting dirt on my sensor, though - but that's because I keep changing my lenses so damn often.

As for freeware RAW processing, there's RAWTherapee, which everyone recommends. Personally, I haven't tried it. I've only been processing with Adobe tools - Photoshop ACR and Lightroom. I hear RAWTherapee does a much better job at the demosaicing level, but as I haven't tried it I can't confirm that. Another good option (though not freeware) is Phase One's Capture One. Personally, though, for my needs Lightroom does a great job. One thing I'm looking for, however, that it seriously lacks, is local adjustments. Everything you fix is done on a global scale throughout the entire photo.


Are you using the bundled software, so far, for all your RAW processing?

Not really. For the time I'm using IRview and PS elements but lately I noticed that the overexposed areas turn up red on PS Elements. So I rely mostly on IRview though I like the adjustments I could make with the Elements...

What do you mean they turn up red? Like overexposure warnings? Similar to the camera's exposure warning preview (red for over, yellow for under)?

If you can afford it, I also recommend LightZone - especially if you like B&W photos. Loosely based on Ansel Adams' (esoteric) Zone System, there's no better software for adjusting local contrast and exposure. I just picked up the demo a few days ago and I'm trying to find a way to tightly integrate it into my current workflow with Lightroom. :)

A-ha! I found something:

Digital Outback Photo: Working with Lightroom and LightZone in Tandem. (http://www.outbackphoto.com/workflow/wf_a115/essay.html)

What do you mean they turn up red? Like overexposure warnings? Similar to the camera's exposure warning preview (red for over, yellow for under)?

If you can afford it, I also recommend LightZone - especially if you like B&W photos. Loosely based on Ansel Adams' (esoteric) Zone System, there's no better software for adjusting local contrast and exposure. I just picked up the demo a few days ago and I'm trying to find a way to tightly integrate it into my current workflow with Lightroom. :)


I don't think its an overexposure warning... Something might be wrong with the prog. I don't think anyone really uses elements for raw editing. Thanks for the advice. I think I'll get the Lightroom and the Lightzone :)

You're welcome! And I hope you find the workflow that suits you best! I recommend Scott Kelby's Lightroom for Digital Photographers (http://www.amazon.com/Photoshop-Lightroom-Digital-Photographers-Voices/dp/0321492161/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195652916&sr=8-1) as an excellent primer for Lightroom workflow. Then follow the link I posted earlier for techniques on integrating LightZone into it.

I'm sure there are better places to find Lightroom/LightZone workflow tips, but I haven't really gone looking yet. :P

Ok... Thanks again!!! I've got the two programs you recommended but I'm still trying to get the hang of it. Many thanks!!! :)