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 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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