Pentax *ist DL2 DSLR

PMA 2006: The Pentax *ist DL2 digital SLR camera is announced today. New features include 8 scene modes, 5 point wide-area AF system, and a new digital preview function which allows confirmation of depth of field, exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the PENTAX *ist DL2 lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera to offer the fun and excitement of high-quality digital SLR photography to many levels of photographers — especially first-time digital SLR users. Developed as a proud successor to the popular *ist DL, this new digital SLR inherits many of its predecessor’s popular features, including a compact, lightweight and easy-to-hold body and a simple, accessible operation system. At the same time, it provides several improvements and additions, such as an increased number of AF sensor points and eight user-friendly Scene Modes. As a result, it delivers greatly enhanced overall cost performance to its users. PENTAX believes that the new *ist DL2 is an ideal starter camera for many different users around the globe, ranging from photographic novices and family snapshot enthusiasts to current digital-compact and film-SLR users who want to take up digital SLR photography.

Major Features

1. User-friendly automatic operations
The *istDL2 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 sharpness. 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
The *istDL2 features a functional, easy-to-access operation system to simplify complicated camera operations. From the large, easy-to-use mode dial and the responsive Av/Tv select dial to the multi-function four-way controller, all switches and dials are designed and laid out for optimum accessibility and maneuverability. Coupled with its ergonomically designed, easy-to-hold grip, it assures smooth, flawless operation at every stage of photography.

3. Auto sensitivity setting
Like many digital compact cameras, the *istDL2 features an “AUTO” position for sensitivity setting. In this position, the camera’s sensitivity is automatically set by the camera, based on such factors as subject brightness and lens focal length, while the user can randomly select the upper limit of sensitivity between the standard output of 400 and 3200. This position is extremely useful to avoid camera shake in poorly lit locations and to prevent sensitivity resetting failures by the photographer.

4. Large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor
The *istDL2 incorporates a large, high-precision 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. With approximately 210,000 pixels, this monitor displays recorded images sharply and beautifully for effortless confirmation of focus and composition, even when the original image is enlarged by 12 times using the digital zoom capability. To maximize the benefit of this large monitor, the menus are displayed on-screen with large characters and digits for easy, quick confirmation. The menu screen also provides an optimum color scheme between menu descriptions and background to assure effortless menu reading under all types of lighting conditions.

5. Compact, go-anywhere body
The *istDL2 offers a compact, lightweight body for outstanding portability and maneuverability, thanks to such advanced downsizing technologies as a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, 10-layer electronic circuit boards, high-density packaging technology, and mirror-box and shutter units that are designed in perfect proportion to the CCD size. By combining a compact, lightweight penta-mirror with PENTAX-original optics and focusing screen, it provides a large, bright viewfinder image for easy confirmation of the subject’s expression and picture framing.

6. 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 *istDL2 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.

7. User-friendly guide screen
The *istDL2 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.

8. High-precision 5-point AF system
The *istDL2 incorporates a five-point wide-area AF system (SAFOX VIII with five cross-type sensors) to assure dependable, high-precision autofocusing. Using the five sensors positioned in a cross pattern over the image field (one in the middle, two at sides, and two at top and bottom), this system automatically and unfailingly selects the optimum sensor for a given subject. It also allows the user to fix the AF detection point at the middle sensor. In addition, the *istDL2 offers a choice of two AF modes: Single AF to lock the focus when the shutter release button is half-depressed, and Continuous AF to adjust the focus continuously to the subject’s movement. *

* The AF-mode switching function is available only when the Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Metered Manual or Bulb shooting mode is selected. In the Auto Picture Mode, Picture Mode or Scene Mode, either the Single AF or Continuous AF mode is automatically selected by the camera according to the mode in use.

9. Eight Distinctive Scene Modes
The *istDL2 offers eight different Scene Modes (Kids, Pets, Candlelight, Museum, Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text and Sunset) to simplify camera operations for particular subjects or certain situations. The user can easily and quickly set the most appropriate Scene Mode for a given subject or situation by selecting the corresponding icon on the mode palette displayed on the LCD monitor.

10. Two preview functions
In addition to the conventional optical preview function, which allows the photographer to confirm the depth of field in the viewfinder, the *istDL2 also comes equipped with a new digital preview function, which allows confirmation of not only the depth of field, but also the exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor.

11. 1/4000-second high-speed shutter
The *istDL2 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.

12. High-speed 2.8-frame consecutive shooting

The *istDL2 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.

13. Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable lenses
The *istDL2 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.

14. Sporty, fashionable design
The *istDL2 is designed to be sporty and fashionable, with eye-catching silver-colored edges around the shutter release button and LCD data panel on the upper panel, and the LCD monitor and four-way controller on the back panel.

15. Other features
1. Eighteen user-programmable custom functions to personalize camera operations to user preferences
2. SD memory card compatibility
3. Storage of recorded images in separate day-by-day files on an SD memory card
4. Versatile three-mode metering system, with a choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering.
5. Noise-reduction system to minimize annoying digital noise during extended exposures
6. Dual power source, with a choice of two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries
7. Effortless PC data upload via USB 2.0 (HIGH-SPEED) connection
8. Functional playback functions, including 12X zoom display and nine-image thumbnail display
9. A choice of image format between JPEG (good, better or best) or RAW
10. Five built-in digital filters (black-and-white, sepia, slim, soft and brightness) for easy processing of recorded images.
11. PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.1 RAW-data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.1 browser software included
12. PictBridge compatibility

Published: Friday, January 27, 2006

Reader Comments

1. Any idea of a possible release date?
   I was hoping to get the original DL but may wait for this now.
   I am off to the Arctic in April and really need a camera that will take AA size cells for ease of topping up with a solar recharger.
   It's just unfortunate that Pentax charge so much for their cameras compared with Nikon and Canon.

   Ian at 08:34pm on Friday, January 27, 2006

2. I too am interested in the Pentax ist D series. The Dl can be had here for a bit less than $600 US and the Ds2 for about $100 more. I have always had great luck with various older film models and want to keep my 6X7 lenses excercised. Anxious to read feedback and reports first.

   nick in japan at 02:07am on Saturday, January 28, 2006

3. The ist DL2 is not yet available in the US, however it is in Canada. It is also available in the UK, exclusive to jessops camera stores.

   Daniel Greenwood at 09:35pm on Saturday, July 01, 2006

4. The new K100D may be in the stores soon too! New cameras are produced faster than spermatazoa, the K100D may get to the stores before the DL2!
   I, too, am interested in Digital Pentax, for the fact that lenses from 35mm, AND, medium format can be adapted. Lottsa folks have had cameras go bad, or, just don't use them, and kept the great lenses. A great chance to get into digital photography by buying a body and adapting one of Grandpa's 6x7 lenses!

   nick in japan at 11:38pm on Saturday, July 01, 2006

5. Well, due to the very low price offered at Jessops (£349), I succumbed and bought this.
   Not had time to fully assess it as yet, but will post a review if anyone wants?
   I have tried one of my old pentax lenses though; almost got stuck! Now worried about the compatibility of my old gear.

   Ian at 09:22am on Tuesday, July 04, 2006

6. Ian, I am thinking of getting one too, and want to use my old M lenses. How are you getting on with the camera a few days on? Andrew

   Andrew at 07:01pm on Thursday, July 13, 2006

7. I bought a Pentax *ist DL2 two weeks ago and am delighted with it. I have never had a digital SLR before but have had digital compacts and film SLRs, latterly a Pentax LX. I think the ist DL2 produces cleaner files than the scanned slides I got with the LX and a Nikon scanner. It is very easy to use and well laid out and, never having had an autofocus SLR before, I find that very helpful. I have mainly had it set on Av with centre spot auto focus which can be set by pointing at the desired object before recomposing - much as I did with the split circle on the LX except quicker. The depth of field preview can be set to optical or digital - the optical DOF preview works the same way as the LX so that's what I have been using. There is a handy fn button which gives quick access to some of the settings. For tripod shots there is a special shutter delay which puts the mirror up and then takes the photo after 2 seconds - very useful - for many purposes better than a cable release. The kit lens seems very good as far as I can tell so far. A bonus for is that you can fill the frame with something about 5 or 6 cm across, which is great for flowers and other detail shots. Buid quality seems quite reasonable - not in the same league as the LX of course. I wouldn't be confident of getting away with dropping it, for example.
   
   I haven't tried the competition - Nikon, Canon,etc, so can't comment about them, but as a former manual Pentax user I love the DL2.
   
   Andrew

   Andrew at 08:35pm on Monday, July 31, 2006

8. Andrew, I too am interested in the Pentax digital SLRs, been too busy to concentrate on them much, just wanted to mention again, that, a great feature of them is the ability to adapt the medium format film camera lenses for some real interesting combinations. I'm NOT suggesting you should run out and buy some lenses, BUT, many folks like myself have alot of old Pentax stuff, and "Used" shops too. Grandpa may even have the adapter, macro and telephoto lenses he used on his 6X7, and 35mm Pentax cameras he loved so much on the top shelf of his closet (left side, behind the hat)

   nick in japan at 09:03pm on Monday, July 31, 2006

9. Nick, Yes. I have 3 M lenses: 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.7 and 75-150 f4, plus a 7 element 2x macro converter. The 75-150 will definitely be useful occasionally as 112-225 equiv, and I may sometimes use the 50mm with the converter for really close shots. Can't see the 28mm ever being much use, though. It seems to work quite well with the 75-150 with stop-down metering. I haven't fully worked out the easiest way of doing this yet.
   
   Andrew

   Andrew at 09:22pm on Monday, July 31, 2006

10. Andrew, I would, if I had those lenses and your camera, perform a homemade test to determine the quality of the lenses. Sometimes there are jewels that we don't actually realize we have, and , on the other hand, also, lenses that are not up to our standards. By performing some tests, with blow-ups in Photoshop, you can be able to qualify a lens as one you may want for some specific work.
    Many times, the standard 50mm lens will out- perform many specialty lenses, and being a prime lens it may be a great close-up lens. I would tend to lean toward using it without the doubler, because any lens you add will degrade the final image. Alot of fun experimenting and being able to qualify your results with facts, good for our self esteem too!
    Good shooting!

    nick in japan at 10:14pm on Monday, July 31, 2006

11. Andrew, forgot to say, if I remember correctly, that 28mm 2.8 is no slouch! Maybe it will be the "Pick of the Litter"

    nick in japan at 10:17pm on Monday, July 31, 2006

12. Nick, you may be right - I always really liked the 28mm lens on the K1000 and LX. It is very sharp. I am giving it a trial on the DL2.
    
    I have worked out how to get the exposure right: you have to have "use aperture ring" set in the custom settings, and then, with the exposure turned to manual, you press the exposure lock button - this stops down for a fraction of a second and takes a meter reading and sets the correct shutter speed. It stays on that setting until you press AEL again. Quite simple to operate really. It doesn't explain fully in the operating manual. Now for some experimentation...
    
    Andrew

    Andrew at 06:29pm on Thursday, August 03, 2006

13. Andrew, sounds like you are a happy camper, good shooting, please stay in touch, you just might persuade me to... well, got too many irons in the fire right now!
    As far as Japanese manuals go, I'm convinced that they are intentionally ambigious in keeping with the Japanese idea that everything should be a puzzle of sorts. It's like driving in japan, out of the cities there are many road intersections that have no signs until you have traveled a few minutes in one direction, usually the wrong direction, new road construction is interesting in that only until the roads are open to the public, will there be stop signs installed, up to 2 months later here in Iwakuni, it's something about common sense that's missing!

    nick in japan at 09:28pm on Thursday, August 03, 2006

14. Thank you for your concern "Leave Now", you are 3 years and 2 days late, we lost our daughter, Ellie, to a drunk driver at an intersection in Itsukaichi.
    Best wishes to you and your loved ones!

    nick in japan at 06:36am on Friday, August 04, 2006

15. Nick, I am so sorry to hear that. Andrew

    Andrew at 07:23am on Friday, August 04, 2006

16. Thank you Andrew. It's almost Obon time here in Japan, a tradition of respect that is one of the positive things about Japan.
    Anxious to hear about your photos!

    nick in japan at 07:38am on Friday, August 04, 2006

17. Nick, I can show you some photos - do you want to/are you able to contact me via this website? I have registered as AndrewB.
    
    Andrew

    Andrew at 02:20pm on Saturday, August 05, 2006

18. If you have a chance, just drop me an e-mail, I will reply.
    
    Thanks!

    nick in japan at 02:37pm on Saturday, August 05, 2006

19. Nick, You have gone quiet...
    
    Andrew

    Andrew at 07:05pm on Thursday, August 31, 2006

20. Hi Andrew! I'm ALWAYS here, or on the other Vaio doing my 20-30-a-day. Kids go back to school today, been a busy summer.
    With the LX-2 coming at 1000hrs tomorrow, I have been busy preparing for it's arrival!
    The Pentax has been put on the back burner, as has a project I started of mounting the KOWA TD-1 on a rifle stock.
    To be truthful, I posted my e-mail, and disengaged my brain about talking with you in expectation that I might talk with you that way! Sorry!
    How is your shooting going? Are you still happy with what you are getting?
    Gotta fix breakfast for some hungry little Nippers, I'll be back!

    nick in japan at 09:21pm on Thursday, August 31, 2006

21. Nick,
    
    Yes, I am very happy with results - I am sure the camera can do as much as I need. If the competitors are even better then good luck to them. I have been trying RAW, and that gives far better control over adjustments to light and shade, etc, though at a cost of increased workflow complexity. I have a Photoshop plugin for DL2 raw files which does not seem to work fully, which means I have to use Pentax software as well. I need to sort the workflow or I may need to go back to jpeg for simplicity. There is another cheap plugin called PTLens which corrects lens distortion for the 18-55DA, among many others - that is useful for horizons or other straigt lines.
    
    By the way, I did email you on 5th and 11th August - sounds like it didn't get through.
    
    Andrew

    Andrew at 07:30am on Friday, September 01, 2006

22. Andrew,
    Thanks for the reply, if you didn't get a reply from me, that means your mail didn't make it! If I'm anything, it's an instant replier!
    I will try RAW someday, I tried it once and wasnt happy with the time involved. For what I do, e-mails and mostly small/ medium sized prints, JPEG does just fine. Of course, tweaking in Photoshop does the lens correcting, Highlight/ Shadow and vast array of filtering.
    Seems like attention to 20, or so pictures every day, takes enough of my time.
    Please try again with an e-mail, I'd love to see some of your Pentax work, and, of course, I'll show you what I do every day.
    I'll probably be asking you alot of questions about how to do RAW easily, the LX-2 arrives tomorrow and if I ever do any RAW , it will be with it.
    As you know, I think, I am a collector, got alot of old Pentax stuff.

    nick in japan at 08:17am on Friday, September 01, 2006

23. Nick, I emailed again just now. Andrew

    Andrew at 06:17pm on Friday, September 01, 2006

24. It's almost 0600hrs, Saturday, 2 Sept. here in Japan, no mail from you Andrew! Please check address
    On the way out for morning pictures in the lotus fields, I'll be back on line in about 4 1/2 hours, weekly shopping at the Base Commissary, and swing by the camera shop on the way back.

    nick in japan at 08:57pm on Friday, September 01, 2006

25. Andrew,
    
    I to bought a Pentax istD L2 in the Summer. My main reason for opting for Pentax was that I had old lens I used with my ME Super.
    
    They work really well but I should now find exposure easier after reading your AE-L tip. Just wanted to say thanks.
    
    Oh! I use Photoshop 7 and CS2 and Adobe have brought out an updated Plug in for the ist D L2. Try the Adobe website for this.

    Murray at 10:09pm on Monday, January 08, 2007

26. Murray, Glad that helped. Thanks for the Photoshop tip. I am still enjoying my DL2, but haven't been using anything except the KIT lens recently - it is pretty good quality and the focal length and distance range cover most needs.
    
    Best wishes, Andrew

    Andrew at 10:45pm on Tuesday, January 09, 2007

27. i have just bought a istDL2 camera for my daughter and have a telephoto lens from my pentax me super camera, a pentax m 75-150mm - can we use this on the DL2 and if so, what do we have to do? would appreciate any help.....

    Paula Farney at 08:04am on Sunday, August 26, 2007

28. Paula, Yes, no problem, though you will have to focus manually and set the exposure manually - see above. Try to let as little dust in as possible when you change to keep the sensor clean. I used my 75-150 smc-m at first but have now sold it - I found that I missed the automatic features of the kit lens and that I rarely need anything outside the 18-55 kit lens range anyway, especially as it focusses quite close as well. A year on I am still pleased with the camera - hope your daughter is too.
    
    Best wishes, Andrew

    Andrew at 07:17pm on Tuesday, September 04, 2007