Product Description

Housed in one of the world's smallest, lightest digital SLR camera bodies, the *ist D comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features. The *ist D is compatible with existing PENTAX 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14723 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Pentax
• Model: 18981
• Dimensions: 2.70" h x 5.10" w x 2.40" l, 1.20 pounds
• Display size: 1.8

Features

• Smallest and lightest digital SLR as of April, 2003
• 6.1 effective megapixels
• Compatible with K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses and 645 / 67 lenses with an adapter
• Compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II cards and MicroDrives
• Powered by 4 AA batteries

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

From the Manufacturer
Housed in one of the world's smallest, lightest digital SLR camera bodies, the *ist D comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features. The *ist D is compatible with existing Pentax 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories.

The Features

• Incorporating an APS-sized CCD (23.5mm by 15.7mm) and driven by high-performance data processing circuitry, the *ist D offers impressive 6.1 effective megapixels to capture super-clear, high-resolution digital images and accurately reproduce subtle hues and fine details.
• One of the world's smallest, lightest bodies, the *ist D's dimensions are: 5.1" wide (129mm) x 3.7" high (94.7mm) and 2.4" thick (60.1mm); and weighs a mere: 19.4 ounces (550 grams) without batteries. With the Pentax industry-leading 3D CAD design technology and a newly developed super-compact glass pentaprism, the *ist D offers outstanding portability and maneuverability in a wide variety of photographic applications. A stainless-steel chassis offers exceptional rigidity, especially against torsion, to protect the interior mechanisms from shock.
• Featuring the acclaimed Pentax K lens mount used in conventional 35mm-format SLR cameras, the *ist D accepts a large number of existing 35mm-format interchangeable zoom and special-application lenses and accessories to help accommodate diversified photographic requirements and maximize creativity and image quality..
• Exclusively designed to complement the high-performance CCD, the *ist D viewfinder offers a super-clear, high-precision view of the subject at a magnification of 0.95 times (with a 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity, diopter at -1m-1), improving focusing accuracy in manual focus operations and assuring precise framing. The display system offers a wide range of information to inform the photographers of the camera's operational status at the shooting position. The *ist D is equipped with a built-in diopter adjuster with an adjustable range of -2.5-1 ~ +1.5m-1.
• With a newly developed SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus system, the camera's 11-point AF sensor covers a wide area of both horizontal and vertical image fields with exceptional speed and precision even under poor lighting conditions. Nine of the 11 AF sensors are a horizontally extended, cross-shaped type, improving focusing accuracy and aligned to effectively cover the middle section, while two additional sensors are positioned at each side of this section. In addition to the versatile "Auto" mode and the pinpoint "SPOT" mode, the *ist D offers the innovative "SELECT" mode, which allows the photographer to select one of the 11 AF sensor points using the four-way controller on the back panel. The user-selected sensor point is superimposed in the viewfinder with a red LED indicator.
• The *ist D's sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering system solves even the most complicated lighting conditions efficiently and instantly to produce beautifully exposed images frame after frame. Spot and center-weighted metering modes are also available to accommodate specialized applications.
• The *ist D features a sophisticated exposure system with six distinctive exposure modes. In addition to the all-purpose Green Program mode and the conventional Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and Bulb modes, it also comes equipped with the innovative "Hyper" xposure modes, which were originally developed by Pentax to simplify camera operations and maximize creativity. The Hyper Program mode allows the photographer to instantly shift the exposure program using the Tv and/or Av dials without the trouble of resetting the exposure modes. The Hyper Manual mode allows fingertip adjustment of shutter and/or aperture settings in Metered Manual operation. In both Hyper modes, the photographer can instantly jump back to the original program or settings using the IF button. In the Hyper Program mode, the user can choose from the High-Shutter-Speed-Priority, Depth-Priority or MTF-Priority programs as the default program, rather than Normal program, using one of the custom functions.
• The *ist D features 22 user-adjustable custom functions, allowing the user to preprogram important camera functions to suit individual preferences. The user-selected function is clearly displayed on the LCD image monitor for at-a-glance confirmation.
• In the continuous AF mode, the *ist D is capable of successively recording up to nine images at the speed of 2.6 frames per second, making it possible to capture the flow of the subject' motion.
• The *ist D offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze the decisive moment of the subject' action or motion. It also offers a high flash synchronization speed of 1/150 second to create dramatic flash images using large apertures.
• The *ist D can operate from three different power sources to maximize user convenience. In addition to the two accompanying CR-V3 batteries and the optional AC adapter, the *ist D can be powered by four AA-sized batteries (lithium, alkaline, and NiMH), which are commonly available around the world. The optional battery grip can also be combined with the batteries to accommodate extended photo sessions.
• The *ist D accepts the widely available CompactFlash ype I and II memory cards and the large-capacity MicroDrive for high storage volume and fast access speed.
• Located on the back panel, the 1.8-inch 118,000-pixel LCD monitor allows the instant viewing of a just captured image and the playback of recorded images with exceptional clarity and high precision. Positioned at the upper right corner of the top panel, the status LCD monitor provides a host of information on the camera's operational status at a glance.
• Using the large image LCD monitor, the *ist D features four convenient playback modes: (1) The single-frame mode displays capture images one by one and allows the photographer to magnify a selected image up to 12 times; (2) The multi-frame mode lets the photographer view nine recorded images simultaneously; (3) The quick view mode shows a just captured image for one, three or five seconds; (4) The slide show mode automatically displays captured images one after another at an interval of three, five, 10, 15, 20 or 30 seconds.
• The *ist D offers a choice of three recording formats: compressed JPEG, and uncompressed TIFF and RAW. The user can select one of three file sizes ("L" at 3008 x 2008 pixels, "M" at 2400 x 1600 pixels, and "S" at 1536 x 1024, 1152 x 768 or 960 x 640 pixels) and one of five image quality levels (good, better, best, TIFF and RAW) to meet specific requirements.
• The *ist D offers a choice of three white balance modes: "Auto," "Preset" and "Manual." The preset mode allows the instant selection of one of eight different white balance settings, while the manual mode recalls one of three settings preset by the user with pushbutton ease.
• Exposure levels can be displayed in graph form on the LCD image monitor during both shooting and playback, allowing the photographer to check the images with greater accuracy.
• Enclosed in the *ist D kit, the S-SW10 CD-ROM contains the RAW-format data processing software "Pentax PHOTO Laboratory" and the browser software "Pentax PHOTO Browser."
• The noise reduction function can be activated at slow shutter speeds to eliminate digital noise that may spoil the quality of captured images.
• Powered by four AA-sized batteries, the optional D-BG1 battery grip prolongs the *ist D's operation time. It can be mounted onto the bottom of the *ist D without removing the battery stored inside the camera, so the battery life is extended considerably. It also comes equipped with a vertical-position shutter release button, a preview lever, Tv/Av dials and an AE lock button. The optional O-CC10 camera case stores an *ist D camera body set with a standard zoom lens and features an inside pocket to hold a lens cap and the optional remote controller.
• When set in a pop-up position, the built-in auto flash automatically discharges in the dark and against backlight to provide supplemental illumination on the subject. Its red-eye reduction function helps the photographer avoid the annoying red-eye effect in the subject's eyes in flash portraits. The flash can be activated or turned off manually to create specific visual effects or to comply with flash restrictions.
• The auto bracketing function enables the capturing of three different exposures of the same subject - proper, under- and over-exposure - with a single shutter release. The photographer has a choice of three orders (proper/under/over, under/proper/over, and over/proper/under) and six exposure ranges (±0.3EV, ±0.7EV and ±1.0EV in 1/3EV increments; ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV and ±1.5EV in 1/2EV increments).
• Using the optional remote controller, the photographer can release the shutter from a distance with a three-second delay or instantly
• Turning the main switch to "preview" position provides instant confirmation of the depth of field (in-focus area) for a selected aperture.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Addition to the Pentax Line
The istD is Pentax's first serious entry into the digital market. Pentax are the people who came up with the K-1000, the no-frills manual camera which was so popular among students and artists. When one thinks of a name brand camera, Nikon and Canon are probably the first names to come to mind. Pentax is the underdog in 35mm, now a serious competitor in the digital world.

The CCD (digital film) is identical to that used in the Nikon D100. The istD accepts all manual focus and automatic focus Pentax lenses. Focal lengths are a bit different - so, if you have a 50mm "normal" Pentax lens, now you will have a 75mm lens when connected to this body.

I plugged in a CF card from my E-10 and all the photos I took showed up in the istD. No drivers or special software required for the USB cable - just plug the camera into a Windows OS and a harddrive appears with your photos on it.

If you are familiar with Pentax's Hyper-Program mode, you have it here again. Pentax is wonderful for tweak-ability. In "green" mode, you can set the program line to favor DOF or shutter speed. Hyper-Program mode allows you to tweak either the shutter or aperture. And, a totally manual mode is available.

There are three user-customizable banks of special tweaks, such as taking a picture before the flash full charges (option) or changing the action of a few of the buttons. In addition to a full bank of pre-set WB settings, there are three custom white balance settings which may be set using a greycard or piece of white paper. And, the viewfinder is loaded with indicators and a bar display light meter.

The best feature which made me say "wow" was the autofocus. Not only will the camera autofocus, but it flashes a red dot to show you what it is focusing on. You can manually select the focus point, or just override everything and put the focus dead center. If you don't like the red dot overlay, even that can be tweaked off.

It's fast. I took a few frames in rapid succession and was not left wanting for something faster. Of the most frustrating features of the Olympus E-10 was trying to fire off another frame - so many missed photos. Not the Pentax. When you need that little extra burst of speed, it's pretty quick.

The camera is also surprisingly light and small. The more common settings are off the program dial, such as ISO, image compression, and pixel depth. Other settings, such as sharpness, contrast, and color saturation are quickly accessed though the menu. The camera turns on fast and ready to fire. Matrix metering, center weighted metering, and spot metering all available. PC socket for external flash plus a hot shoe. Manual, automatic, and predictive continuous autofocus.

And, of course, the images are clear and crisp. It accepts up to a 1gig CF card or microdrive. A single connector provides USB and video out. If you want the LCD display on while the video output is used, well - that's a tweakable setting as well.

A great camera with a one serious flaw
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!

Great camera
I've lived with the *istD for 2,000 shots. It's a camera that's easily loved. Here's some points:

1. Body is small for a DSLR and seems rugged. It feels like a metal SLR from the 80's, which is to say "a real camera". I have large hands but have adapted to the camera very well.
2. The flash card is hard to access. Some brands of cards are worse than others, but you can remedy that by putting a small piece of tape on the card to act as a pull. Shouldn't have to do this on this level of camera, but it's a minor problem after you get to know the other advantages.
3. The photo editing program that comes with the Pentax isn't much, so be prepared to use something else. Unlike consumer point and shoot digitals, the Pentax and other DSLRs require post processing to get the best results for web display and enlargements. For 4x6 prints, they look just like film SLRs (other than the have more of an appearance of slide film than print film).
4. The Pentax will use most Pentax lenses, with some adjustments. If you have a lens with an "A" setting and autofocus, then you're good to go out of the box. The selection of true-digital lenses are limited right now- but they offer a savings in weight and sometimes money but not quality. The Sigma two-lens set gives the best option with two fairly good quality lenses for the price of one. The Pentax 16-45mm zoom is excellent, being much, much better than the "kit" lens.
5. Autofocus is very quick and accurate.
6. Camera has several auto settings and a manual setting. Noise reduction kicks in when doing a long exposure.
7. ASA200 is the minimum and has low noise. I've shot ASA800 shots at night and they looked great. If you change the ASA, there is no visual prompt in the viewfinder to remind you to set it back though.
8. I'm at frame number 2,000 and am on my third set of batteries. You can count on about 700 to 800 shots per set of batteries, with each set costing $15 to $20. You can use rechargeables, but really you don't need them. I've found the Pentax setup to be a lot better than trying to worry about recharging. The CRV3 batteries can be found in almost any town in the corner pharmacy chain, national mega-store, or local photo shop.
9. Has a mirror lock up feature that can be used for night shots, macro shots, etc.
10. Out-of-the-camera sharpness seems to be intentionally set low. You can move this up, but for 4x6 prints it isn't needed and if you post to the web, unsharp mask does a great job without increasing the noise.
11. The LCD screen doesn't have a protector on it. I haven't scratched it yet, but it is always on my mind.
12. The viewfinder is exceptionally bright. Much more so than the Canon.
13. You can shoot several shots in rapid succession. Maybe not on par with a higher level camera, but I have always been able to snap off 4 to 6 rapid shots without problems, even when using slow CF cards. It may do more, but I haven't had a reason to try it.