Pentax *ist DS Review: Digital Photography Review

Top of camera controls (right)

Just three controls on the top right side of the *ist DS, the power / DOF preview switch, the shutter release button and the exposure compensation / aperture value button.

Button Controls

Av	Exposure compensation / Aperture value Hold this button and turn the command dial to set exposure compensation (-2.0 to +4.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV steps) - not available in all modes. In manual exposure mode hold this button and turn the command dial to set aperture, turn the dial on its own to set shutter speed.

Top of camera controls (left)

On the left top of the camera is the exposure mode dial. This is noticeably different to the *ist D and hints at the target audience for this camera, the novice photographer. The 'Auto Pict' mode is highlighted with a large green surround indicating that this is the recommended mode. Counter-clockwise to that are seven picture modes, clockwise from Auto Pict are the standard SLR exposure modes.

When you turn the exposure mode dial the camera will indicate the selected mode on the LCD monitor along with a brief description.

Exposure Mode Dial

AUTO PICT	Auto Exposure In this mode the camera automatically 'guesses' the correct picture mode depending on the lens used, focus distance, metered light level and other details. This is subtly different to the Auto mode seen on other digital SLR's as the *ist DS actually chooses one of the picture modes. The automatically selected picture mode is displayed on the viewfinder information line.
P	Program Auto Exposure In this mode the camera automatically selects aperture and shutter speed based on the current metered exposure value, exposure compensation and selected ISO sensitivity. Note that the *ist DS does not have program shift or 'hyper program'.
Tv	Shutter Priority Exposure In this mode you select the shutter speed and the camera will calculate the correct aperture depending on metered exposure, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity. Turn the front command dial to select shutter speed (0.3 or 0.5 EV steps). The camera automatically calculates the appropriate aperture for correct exposure. 1/4000, 1/3200, 1/2500, 1/2000, 1/1600, 1/1250, 1/1000, 1/800, 1/640, 1/500, 1/400, 1/320, 1/250, 1/200, 1/160, 1/125, 1/100, 1/80, 1/60, 1/50, 1/40, 1/30, 1/25, 1/20, 1/15, 1/13, 1/10, 1/8, 1/6, 1/5, 1/4, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.3, 1.6, 2, 2.5, 3.2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 20, 25, 30 sec
Av	Aperture Priority Exposure In this mode you select the aperture and the camera will calculate the correct shutter speed depending on metered exposure, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity. Turn the rear command dial to select aperture (0.3 or 0.5 EV steps). The camera automatically calculates the appropriate shutter speed for correct exposure. (Exact range depends on lens used)
M	Manual Exposure In this mode you select the aperture and the shutter speed from any combination of the above. Turn the command dial to select shutter speed, hold the exposure compensation / aperture value button and turn the command dial to select aperture.
B	Bulb Exposure In this mode the shutter is open for as long as you press the shutter release button. Select aperture by turning the command dial.

Picture Modes

We will add more detail to each of these modes as soon as we receive a user manual from Pentax. Note that the selected mode is indicated on the viewfinder status line.

Normal	Portrait	Landscape	Macro
Moving object	Night scene portrait	Flash off