Pentax *ist DS Review
Review based on a production *ist DS, firmware version 1.01
The Pentax *ist DS digital SLR was announced on 13th September 2004 in the run-up to Photokina 2004. The *ist DS is Pentax's second digital SLR and is aimed at a lower price point than the original *ist D. At the time of writing this review the street price of the *ist DS (body only) is $899 in the US and £699 which is just a little more expensive than the six megapixel Canon EOS 300D (Digital Rebel) and about the same price as the eight megapixel Canon EOS 350D (Digital Rebel XT). The *ist DS continues the *ist D's tradition, being one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR on the market. The *ist DS features a six megapixel CCD sensor and has a Pentax K lens mount which supports K, KA, KAF and KAF2 lenses. Just like the *ist D it is also possible to use screw mount lenses, 645 and 67 series lenses with an adapter.
Pentax *ist DS vs. *ist D (differences)
 Pentax *ist DS |
 Pentax *ist D |
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|---|---|---|
| Image sizes | • 3008 x 2008 (Large) |
• 3008 x 2008 (Large) • 2400 x 1600 (Middle) • 1536 x 102 * • 1152 x 768 * • 960 x 640 * * Small size customizable |
| Image formats | • RAW (12-bit) • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - 3 levels |
• RAW (12-bit) • TIFF (8-bit RGB) • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - 3 levels |
| Shooting modes | • Auto picture mode |
• Auto-exposure with hyper-program |
| Picture modes | 7 picture modes | None |
| Program lines | None | • Normal • Hi-S • Depth of field • MTF |
| Metering range | EV 1 to 21.5 (at ISO 200 with 50 mm / F1.4 lens) |
EV 0 to 21 (at ISO 200 with 50 mm / F1.4 lens) |
| Manual WB | One preset | Three presets |
| Image parameters | • Saturation (-2 to +2) • Sharpness (-2 to +2) • Contrast (-2 to +2) |
• Saturation (-1 to +1) • Sharpness (-1 to +1) • Contrast (-1 to +1) |
| Viewfinder dioptre | -2.5 to +1.5 adjustment | -2.0 to +1.0 adjustment |
| Viewfinder info | • Built-in flash status • Picture mode • In-focus • Shutter speed • Aperture value • Exposure compensation factor • Manual WB • Manual focus • ISO sensitivity warning • AE lock • Focus point indication • AF frame with superimposed display • Spot AF frame |
• Built-in flash status |
| LCD monitor | • 2.0 " TFT LCD • 210,000 pixels |
• 1.8" TFT LCD • 118,000 pixels |
| Flash | • Guide number 15.6 (ISO 200/m) • Angle of coverage 28 mm (equiv.) • Flash sync 1/180 sec • Electronic manual / auto release |
• Guide number 11 (ISO 100/m) • Angle of coverage 18 mm • Flash sync 1/150 sec • Mechanical manual release |
| Connectivity | • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed • Video out • DC-IN • Remote terminal |
• USB 1.1 • Video out • DC-IN • Remote terminal • PC Sync flash terminal |
| Mirror lock-up | Yes, with self-timer | Yes |
| Continuous | 2.8 fps, 8 frames | 2.7 fps, 5 frames |
| User memories | One | Three |
| Menu languages | 9 languages | 6 languages |
| Storage | SD card | Compact Flash Type I/II |
| Dimensions | 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 in) | 129 x 95 x 60 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.3 in) |
| Weight (inc batt.) | 605 g (1.3 lb) | 650 g (1.4 lb) |
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital
Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help
you understand some of the terms used).
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Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (typically VGA) image in a new window. To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top. DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C. |
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This article is Copyright 2005 Phil Askey and the review in part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author. For information on reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please contact: Phil Askey
