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The Pentax *ist DL is an updated version of the Pentax *ist DS. Essentially it is the same digital camera with automatic ISO, less magnification in the viewfinder, no 11-area Auto Focus and a bigger LCD (now 2.5 inches). It still has a 6.1 megapixels.
Get the Latest Price on the Pentax *ist DL
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the PENTAX *istDL digital SLR camera. With a compact, lightweight body, simplified operations and outstanding cost performance, the *istDL is designed to extend the advantages of high-quality digital SLR photography, including lens interchangeability, to photographers of all levels, even those who are unfamiliar with digital and SLR photography.
The new *istDL was designed as an affordable starter camera by further advancing PENTAX’s digital camera development concepts of “user-friendliness” and “a harmony between ease of use and portability.”
Despite its compact, lightweight design, the *istDL features 6.1 effective megapixels, an extra-large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor, and compatibility with most interchangeable PENTAX lenses. Combining high-quality image reproduction with simple, user-friendly operations, the *istDL is the ideal digital SLR for a variety of users, including digital photography beginners, families and those who plan to step up from digital compact cameras to digital SLRs.
Pentax *ist DL Major Features
1. User-friendly automatic operations
The *istDL is equipped with the innovative Auto Picture Mode, which automatically and instantly selects the most appropriate Picture mode from Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro or Action for a given subject or situation to assure the optimum combination of aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges. In addition, the built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations. As a result, even first-time digital SLR users can immediately produce high-quality digital images with minimal effort.
2. Simple, accessible operation system
From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic Av/Tv dials and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out on the *istDL’s compact body for flawless fingertip control. The ergonomically designed grip assures firm, comfortable hold of the camera.
3. Extra-large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor
The *istDL’s high-precision 2.5-inch color LCD monitor, with approximately 210,000 pixels, displays recorded images clearly and beautifully, even when the original image is magnified by 12 times using the digital zoom capability. It also facilitates image confirmation after shooting and menu selection during shooting and editing operations. The menu screen also provides an optimum color scheme between menu descriptions and background to assure easy reading under all types of lighting conditions.
4. Compact, go-anywhere design
The *istDL features a compact, high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis and a compact, bright viewfinder combining the PENTAX-original penta-mirror and a newly developed focusing screen. Combining other advanced downsizing technologies, such as 10-layer electronic circuit boards and high-density packaging technology, it offers the outstanding portability — as one of the world’s smallest lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras — to accompany the user anywhere.
5. High-definition, maximum-gradation images with 6.1 effective megapixels
Thanks to its large, high-performance CCD image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm), the *istDL offers 6.1 effective megapixels. Coupled with PENTAX’s original image processing technology using a high-performance engine, it produces high-definition images rich in gradation and saturation. It also offers a choice of finishing touches between “bright” and “natural” to satisfy user preferences.
6. User-friendly guide screen
The *istDL features a user-friendly, multi-data guide screen, which offers detailed description of shooting modes, displays drive, flash and white balance settings using text and sample photos, and presents a comprehensive list of all camera settings on the large 2.5-inch monitor.
7. High-precision 16-segment multi-pattern metering
The *istDL incorporates a sophisticated 16-segment metering system to assure high-precision light measurement, even under complicated lighting conditions. It also offers center-weighted metering and spot metering for specialized applications.
8. High‐accuracy AF sensors
Featuring the advanced SAFOX VIII AF system incorporating three cross-type wide-area AF sensors, the *istDL automatically selects the most appropriate sensor for a given subject. It also lets the user fix the sensor point on the middle sensor for specific applications. Using the menu screen, the user can select the preferred focus mode between Single AF, which locks the focus when the shutter release button is half-depressed, and Continuous AF,* which adjusts the focus to the subject’s movement.
* This focus mode is available in the Auto Picture and Picture modes, only when the Action mode is selected.
9. 1/4000‐second high-speed shutter
The *istDL incorporates a high-speed shutter unit, with a top speed of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second, to assure greater visual creativity. The bulb setting is also available to accommodate extended exposures at night.
10. High-speed 2.8-frame consecutive shooting
The *istDL records up to five images (at “best” image quality in JPEG format) consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of photos of the subject’s motion.
11. Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable lenses
The *istDL offers the outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability, letting the user take advantage of the wide selection of PENTAX interchangeable lenses for use with diversified subjects and applications.**
** PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount 35mm-format lenses can be used without an adapter or modification. PENTAX screw-mount 35mm-format lenses and PENTAX 645- and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
12. SD memory card compatibility
The *istDL uses the widely available SD memory card as its storage media, not only assuring high-speed recording and readout of image data, but also helping to reduce the camera body size.
13. Others
Lets Go Digital reviews the Pentax *ist DL Digital Camera and writes - 'All in all the Pentax *ist DL did an excellent job. The difference with the *ist DS is minimal. It is a choice between some more options, a real prism, a somewhat better auto focus (*istDS) and a larger monitor with a lower price tag (*istDL). But the Pentax *ist DL is not only catching up with its big brother. It's also a strong competitor for the Nikon D50. And had the Pentax *ist DL been equipped with a better auto focus, then market leader Canon would have had to be aware too. The Pentax *ist DL deserves to get every bit of attention, it's a very attractive, affordable camera and will be an excellent choice for many photographers.'
Digital Camera Info reviews the Pentax *istDL Digital Camera and writes - 'The *istDL is a reasonable entry in the entry level DSLR market. The camera's most unique features in that market, the 2.5-inch LCD and the ISO 3200 setting, are real strengths. For some shoppers, they should be enough to decide the issue. The *istDL's other good qualities – very solid construction, relatively small size and clean design – are not unique in the market, but they are still very attractive.'Photographic Magazine reviews the Pentax *ist DL and writes - 'Featuring a tiny body with a high-rigidity stainless steel chassis and metal lens mount, the DL felt better in my hands than the DS or original *ist D did. While I found the others difficult to hand hold steady with a long lens attached, the DL somehow seemed easier to manage. And I love the big LCD monitor with its larger menu type. The controls are easy to figure out and operate. I did manage to pop the SD card door open a few times while hiking with the DL and another camera around my neck, but otherwise encountered no ergonomic problems.'
Pocket-lint reviews the Pentax ist*DL DSL and writes - 'So, if you’re looking to upgrade from a compact or a first-time digital camera this is a good option. You will produce good images once you’ve set the camera up and you will have the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and external flashguns. If you’re looking for a good mid-range digital SLR then maybe you should think about something from the big two – Nikon and Canon - as their models are dropping in price and have better pedigrees, and in my mind are easier to handle despite their comparatively bigger sizes. '
Shutterbug reviews the Pentax *ist DL digital camera and writes - 'The Pentax *ist DL may not be perfect for sports photography enthusiasts, but it’s a very desirable multipurpose camera. It would be a fine choice for families that include both novices and more experienced shooters. Faster than most of the digicams with built-in lenses, it’s also capable of producing superior image quality—particularly at high ISOs—because of its larger sensor. It would also be a suitable choice for anyone who already owns some Pentax-mount lenses, whether autofocus or manual focus. At a street price of $749, including the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL zoom ($649 body only), the Pentax *ist DL is certainly a bargain for a versatile entry-level camera with an oversized LCD monitor.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Pentax *ist DL DSLR and writes - 'We liked the *ist DS2 when we reviewed it in 2005, but thought it was a bit pricey at an MSRP of $799 without a lens. While the *ist DL offers nearly the same feature set with reduced performance, its $599 MSRP with the 18-55mm kit lens makes it a very good value. With a price point that overlaps well into consumer digicam territory, the *ist DL offers a compelling choice to upgraders, providing dSLR versatility and high ISO image quality in a lightweight and compact package. Point-n-shoot upgraders can make the jump to a dSLR without a steep learning curve thanks to the *ist DL's array of automatic and scene modes, while learning how to use the camera's more advanced shooting modes and features at their own pace. Providing only 6-megapixels of resolution, the *ist DL may suffer in a direct comparison of specifications, but its low price, very good image quality, small size and light weight make it very worthy of consideration.'
CNET has a review of the Pentax *ist DL and gives it a rating of 7.2 out of 10 (very good) writing - 'Most casual users won't notice the corners that Pentax cut to reduce the DL's cost: a less sophisticated autofocusing system and a mirror in the viewfinder instead of a prism. Despite its slight stature and modest price point, the *ist DL handily produces crisp, vibrant photos that should please any photographer taking the step up from a digital point-and-shoot. Curious amateurs should definitely explore beyond the DL's simplest options; a few automatic features, such as white balance, are handily outperformed by the camera's manual settings.'
PCWorld has posted their review of the Pentax *ist DL which they were not completely happy with. They write - 'The *ist DL falls down in image quality. In JPEG mode, the camera's shots are soft and occasionally look underexposed. Increasing the default sharpening setting helps make images look crisper; and once you're used to the underexposure, you can compensate for it. We also had occasional trouble with JPEG artifacts, but the *ist DL lets you shoot in RAW mode, eliminating this issue. RAW shooting requires more storage, though, and can lead to a more complicated workflow, depending on the software you use for your postproduction work.'
Digicam Review has posted their thoughts on the Pentax *ist DL DSLR and write "Image quality is excellent, the images have very good colour, with good contrast and detail, with low noise except at higher ISO settings. Images were slightly smoothed but this is adjustable within the camera. Purple fringing was not noticed, and red-eye was not a problem. The camera was very competent at focusing (except on very plain or dark surfaces). Vignetting in photos was very mild and I did not notice barrel or pincushion distortion. There is a good range of image sizes, and the compression options include a RAW mode. Auto white balance and metering, and exposure seemed to be good to very good. The camera gives very good control over image quality - pressing the menu button lets you change saturation, sharpness, contrast and gamma curve. The lack of image stabilisation could cause problems for some people, especially in low light or at the long end of the zoom, although attaching a tripod would be a simple and affordable recommended add-on. (9/10)
Get the Latest Price on the Pentax *ist DL
Posted by Darren in our Pentax category on June 02, 2005