Product DescriptionPortability 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.Amazon.com Product Description 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 | ReviewsI'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 which I could immediately jump from to automatic mode. It takes all of my old Pentax lenses and takes wonderful pictures - still better than the photographer can.
It has a sturdy build (the stainless steel frame shows up in the feel) and is very small for ease of carrying and use. It balances best with the optional battery grip which adds better vertical holding capability combined with additional shutter and exposure control.
I have had NO problems with the compactflash facility. Maybe this varies from camera to camera, but I use 4 different cards from 3 manufacturers and added a hand/wrist grip to the camera.
The 4-way controller on the back is fiddly and takes some getting used to. I think the similar controller on the DS works much better.
All-in-all, Pentax has a winner here. There is an extensive world of pre-existing lenses (including the old screw mounts) that work on the D pretty much as they did on their original target cameras, and, to offset the 1.5 magnification ratio, Pentax has come out with some super-wide angle lenses (e.g., 14mm - equivalent to 21mm on 35mm film cameras) with similar outstanding Pentax quality.
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 rechargeable!? WHAT? THANK GOD! This is in my opinion not a mistake but a MAJOR PLUS! Only Pentax would have the forsight and understanding to give the user TWO (more if you consider all the AA posibilities...)onboard options for battery power both available almost anywhere for Pete's sake! Batteries are the life blood of digital photography, more options can only be better! For my part I'm running 2300 milliamp hour rechargable AA's and am thrilled with the performance! Well that addresses the two biggies I've read about. As for the rest of it, the price is now where it should be and the camera performs fantastically. Now that Pentax has a 14mm coming out, all is wonderful in the digital world. My advice, BUY IT and you won't ever look back! The 13x19 prints are superb, I shoot weddings and fine art landscapes, and this camera gets the job done!!!
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 decent Pentax digital camera. The *istD, weird name and all, is such a camera. Overall I'm a happy camper and I have been taking some of the best photographs in my 30 years experience with this camera. Other reviews here will tell you the camera's virtues and those features are real and not over stated. This is a professional class camera - though most professionals use Nikons and Canons when it comes to digital work for a number of reasons - usually due to optics and employers' standards. The optics from Pentax are still well respected and 99% of the folks reading this will be more than satisfied. While battery life with this camera is very, very good, I would recommend considering getting the optional additional battery attachment that screws into the bottom of the camera. It looks like an old fashion motor drive but it provides excellent ergonomics when shooting side-wise (portrait) complete with the thumb and fore finger controls replicated for ease of use. It adds peace of mind by providing redundant power plus if you often shoot protrait framing, you can really hold this camera much better than most other cameras. So what is the single, significant flaw of this camera? It is undoubtedly the flash card interface that is accessed via a door that doesn't swing completely open, tempting the user to push the card in a slightly wrong angle. Of course there are internal guides within the flash card holder assembly but even with care, over time, it is possible to break one of the tiny pins of the camera's interface to the flash card. I know. I have done it. The cost and speed of repair was minor, but suddenly one day out in the field I had a camera that was suddenly inoperable. So that is why I give this other wise great camera only 4 stars. If you have a good investment in 35 mm Pentax gear, you really have no choice but this camera. But the good news, particularly if you are shooting in RAW, the output is incredible. Now that PhotoshopCS has upgraded its RAW import program via a free download from Adobe, the results from this camera can be absolutely stellar. But user beware when swapping out those flash cards!
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