Pentax *ist DS Review

Mark Goldstein | PhotographyBLOG | June 25, 2005 | 6 Comments |

The Pentax *ist DS is an entry-level 6 megapixel digital SLR that is also one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs currently available. Highlights of the Pentax *ist DS include a large 2 inch LCD screen, 11 point auto-focus system, interchangeability with a wide selection of existing Pentax lenses and a range of different picture modes for beginners and experienced photographers alike. At a current street price around £650 / $850 / €850 with the Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens, the *ist DS represents Pentax’s attempt to capture a slice of the entry-level DSLR market, and is subsequently competing with the likes of the Canon EOS 350D, Nikon D70s and Olympus E-300. Pentax themselves have recently announced an even cheaper version, the *ist DL. So is the Pentax *ist DS a good choice in what is rapidly becoming a saturated sector of the digital SLR market? Read my review to find out.

Website: Pentax *ist DS Review

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6 Comments so far | Post a comment

#1 Nico Wein

Nice Paris photos as samples...

5:05 pm - Thursday, July 21, 2005

#2 Mark Goldstein

Thanks Nico! They were all taken very near to where I live, near Gare de L'Est.

5:10 pm - Thursday, July 21, 2005

#3 Mark Goldstein

Posted on behalf of GARY POGODA.

Ditto on the Paris photos in the Sample Images. But those red-eye photos in the Image Quality section look familiar. BTW, I thought you hailed from the UK.

6:21 pm - Friday, July 22, 2005

#4 Mark Goldstein

Gary, I come from the UK but have been living in Paris for the last 10 months or so.

6:21 pm - Friday, July 22, 2005

#5 alan briggs

Just got a DS with Pentax FA 28-90 zoom. Love it. Easy transition from Fuji 4900, simple to use, split menus no problem, very quick once you get used to them. Amazing detail blowing up wide angle shots. My 'old' KA mount lenses work, all in all very very happy with it. Feels right, fits the hand well.

4:24 pm - Sunday, April 30, 2006

#6 James Alford

I bought this camera a month ago, and love it. Part of my decision process was reading
of you on Steve's digicam.

6:37 pm - Sunday, July 2, 2006