Compatible with K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses and 645 / 67 lenses with an adapter
Compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II cards and MicroDrives
Editorial Review:
Portability never looked like this. Weighing in at a mere 20 ounces with batteries, the lightweight, stylish *ist D does not sacrifice quality and performance. A 6.1 megapixel CCD with advanced data processing circuitry for astonishing image clarity and detail. A newly-developed 11 point autofocus with SAFOX Vlll for quick and accurate focus. A bright, high-precision viewfinder with superimposed AF-point display for super-clear views of any subject. And featuring a PENTAX K lens mount for compatibility with most existing PENTAX 35mm format lenses and accessories. All protected by a super-rigid, black stainless-steel chassis. Portable and maneuverable, the *ist D is the ideal go-anywhere traveling companion for advanced amateurs and photography enthusiasts.This bundle includes PENTAX lens. The PENTAX smc P-FA J 18-35mm F4.0-5.6 AL is an ideal entry-level zoom lens designed to be used with fully automatic cameras. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver. It features aspherical lens elements to help transmit light more efficiently and Pentax's acclaimed smc multi-layer coating to lower surface reflection, reduce ultraviolet rays, and deliver clear, high-contrast images.
Pentax's *ist D is the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR (as of April 2003), measuring just 5.0 by 3.7 by 2.3 inches and weighing 18 ounces. It features a clarity of 6.1 effective megapixels, a 16-segment metering system, an 11-point AF sensor, and a continuous shooting rate of 2.7 frames per second. It's also compatible with K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses and 645/67 lenses with an adapter.
Optics and Resolution Employing a high-performance CCD with dimensions of 23.5mm by 15.7mm and embracing Pentax's unique image processing technology, the *ist D offers 6.1-megapixel resolution for the recording of precise, superior-quality images.
Storage and Transfer The *ist D is compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II memory cards, and is also compatible with MicroDrives.
More Features An optical pentaprism viewfinder was developed especially for the *ist D. This makes viewing easy with an ample 95% field of view and 0.95x magnification. There is also a superimposed display function that assists composition by illuminating the AF points in red.
Other features include:
New 16-segment metering system achieves more accurate exposure
New 11-point AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) for enhanced focusing
Fast 1/4,000 second shutter speed and high-speed flash sync at 1/150 seconds
Custom function allows functionality to be tuned to satisfy user preferences
Noise reduction function activates for long exposures
1.8-inch, 118,000-pixel LCD monitor
Choice of JPEG, TIFF, and RAW recording formats
Convenient playback functions, such as nine-image and 12x magnification display
Power and Size The camera is powered by 4 AA batteries; rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended. It measures 5.0 by 3.7 by 2.3 inches and weighs 18 ounces.
The *ist D and the *ist DS Compared
*ist D
*ist DS
Effective Pixels
6.1 Megapixels
6.1 Megapixels
LCD Monitor
1.8-inch TFT Color LCD
2.0-inch TFT Color LCD
Power Source
4 AA, or 2 CR-V3
4 AA, or 2 CR-V3
Storage Media
Compact Flash (I & II), MicroDrive
SD Memory Card
File Formats
8-bit (JPEG), 8-bit (TIFF), 12-bit (RAW)
8-bit (JPEG), 12-bit (RAW)
Exposure Modes
Auto w/Hyper Program Program AE Shutter-Priority AE Aperture-Priority AE Metered Manual Bulb
Program AE Auto Picture Picture Shutter-Priority AE Aperture-Priority AE Metered Manual Bulb
Interface
USB 1.1
USB 2.0
Flash Sync
1/150 sec
1/180 sec
X-Sync Socket
YES
NO
Continuous Frame Advance
2.6 fps
2.8 fps
Continuous Autofocus
YES
YES (in Action Picture Mode only)
Mirror Lock
YES
YES
Wireless Flash Sync
YES
NO
Optional Vertical Grip
YES
NO
Stainless-Steel Chassis
YES
YES
Remote Assistant from PC
YES
NO
Interchangeable Focusing Screens
YES
YES
PictBridge Compatibility
NO
YES
Weight (w/o Batteries)
19.4 oz
17.8 oz
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A DSLR up to the High Pentax Standard I've been shooting Pentax SLRs since the Honeywell Spotmatic of the '60s with many photographs published in newspapers and magazines. For a while, I had been jealous of my compatriots as they switched to DSLRs while I waited for one on a par with my latest Pentax - a Z-1 of 10 years outstanding service. When the *ist D came out, I wasn't ready. About a year later, Pentax introduced the *ist DS, and I compared the two with the same lenses. The D works like my Z-1 with similar functions and a hyper-mode... more info
Great camera I've lived with the *istD for 2,000 shots. It's a camera that's easily loved. Here's some points: 1. Body is small for a DSLR and seems rugged. It feels like a metal SLR from the 80's, which is to say "a real camera". I have large hands but have adapted to the camera very well.
2. The flash card is hard to access. Some brands of cards are worse than others, but you can remedy that by putting a small piece of tape on the card to act as a pull. Shouldn't have to do this on this level of camera, but... more info
Answers to the two big on-line Criticisms... OK, if you're here, you probably have read all the online reviews. Here's my answers to some of the major criticisms I've seen about this supurbe camera on the web. (And my opinion is based on a 20 year career as a professional photographer...for what that's worth! :) )
1.)Criticism: Memory card is hard to remove. OK, maybe this could use a little work on Pentax's part. Not really a big deal if you're careful. Just be careful...it's not THAT hard!
2.)Criticism: Batteries are not proprietary and... more info
A great camera with a one serious flaw Over the years I have used a variety of systems ranging from Pentax to Nikormat to Canon to Olympus and eventually back to Pentax. Why back to Pentax? Size and ergonomics. All of the major brands are good and some offer truly best in class - at a price - in optics such as Nikon and Canon.
However, for overall good value Pentax holds its own. While I would be happy to use equipment from any of the major brands, I am quite satisfied with Pentax - but I had to wait until last autumn to get my hands on a... more info
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