Customer Reviews

Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR Lens

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I made the decision a few months ago that the time was right to buy a digital SLR. I considered a number of models. What sold me on this one was that I am able to use my very old, but very good, lenses. [...]

I had 4 Pentax ME Super bodies from the 1980's. My lenses also date from that time.

The manual was not very helpful in figuring this out. It does require a setting change and one can shoot in only manual focus mode with aperture priority. It's very much like shooting with the old ME's but with a 6.3 megapixel digital image as the result.

From the menu, go to "Custom Setting," scroll down to "Using aperture ring," set to "Permitted."

I first tried out this camera at a local camera store, and was impressed with its heft, its handling, and its surprisingly simple and intuitive LCD menu. I decided to take the plunge, and haven't looked back!

The pictures are unfailingly good, and the camera performs just as capably as my old Canon (film) SLR. Better still, since it's digital, I can experiment, see the results immediately, and quickly delete my mistakes, and try again until I get it right.

I can't help but think this will be a great tool for learning more about photography, and sharpening my skills. And at this price, it can't be beat! It's easily the most affordable dSLR on the market -- a terrific value for anyone, and an excellent piece of equipment for both beginners and advanced snapshooters eager to broaden their horizons.

After reading the "Wired" magazine buyer's guide for digital cameras, wherein they rated the Pentax *ist-DL with 5 (out of 5) bars, the Canon Digital Rebel XT with 4.5 bars, the Nikon D50 with 4.0 bars and the Olympus e-volt E-300 with 3.5 bars, and awarded the Pentax the "Editor's Pick" award as the best of the bunch, I decided to give one a try. What an amazing little imaging machine. It is small, fast, and, although I have tried to fool the meter with strong backlights and partial frame lighting, I have been unsuccesful. For all those who have been fooled into thinking that Canon makes the best digital SLRs (they certainly spend the most on advertising), you should do your own research. Mine lead me to this Pentax.

I decided that I needed to get on-board the digital wave beyond my Kycocera EVF digital camera, meaning I needed an SLR. I chose Pentax as several newer film cameras, lenses and flash units I own are all Pentax. The flash units, and lenses for Pentax autofocus, autoexposure (KAF mount) 35mm cameras are interchangeable on the *ist DL, a huge plus! I love knowing I can use AA batteries, CRV3 batteries or an AC adapter (on order).

The DL is a joy to hold, the weight is less than my ZX-Ls and the ergonomics are even better. A couple of competitors' cameras that I have handled afterwards actually felt clunky to me. The LCD viewfinder is great (please let it be known, to save battery life it will time out much sooner than many folks are accustomed to with digi pocket cameras). The multifunction dial for auto shooting, or manual settings is pretty muchthe same as other models I have, cutting down the time I needed to read the manual. The "slim" filter feature is a unique feature to Pentax units I believe.

The kit lens is sharp and clear, and the equivalent to a 28-80mm lens in 35mm format, which suits most of my needs. The DA lens does not have an aperture ring, so those of us so accustomed to having one must learn to use the electronic settings (or use an earlier lens, on aperture priority). A few drawbacks I have read about the DL is that for sports/action use the autofocus may not be fast enough for some guys, and the AF360FGZ flash (I have one)does not swivel. I can get around those items; to me a big plus is that's been reported that Pentax digitals have less noise than many competitors at higher ASA/ISO settings, enabling you to use it in low light situations with less noise (I still want to call it "grain") in your images. As soon as the weather improves, I am going to really see what this baby can do beyond the test pics I have taken indoors.

A great camera to learn digital SLR photography with, just as the old K1000 was for 35mm.

I had researched this camera for about two weeks, and decided to buy one. It is my first SLR digital camera. I am very pleased with the size of the camera, the lcd screen, and menu (Very easy to use). It takes amazing pictures when printed on my Sony DPP-FP30 photo printer, I would recommend this camera to anyone thats on a budget and wants good quality.

For the price this is a great entry level DSLR. I purchased it six months ago and have found it wonderful and easy to use. The pictures are crisp and sharp and the functions easy to learn. I use this camera body weekly and love that the lenses for my other Pentax SLR's work with the *ist DL

I have thought about getting into Digital SLR for quite a while. I used to be a point and shoot user and get hooked on Nikon for their outstanding design and vivid pictures. Starting from Nikon 3100, 4600, eventually a 8700, I have tried to shoot in various circumstances and tried to convenience myself that a PS camera is good enough. However, I never felt satisfied.

Before actually purchase the *1st, I have also kept an eye on Nikon D70s, Canon Rebel XT, and even D50. Tried all the models in Circuitcity and BestBuy but didn't feel they were the types I was looking for. I felt strongly against Canon since their covers and rubs felt cheap and the silver color always remind me of the point and shoot cameras.

I eventually decided to purchase the *1st when Pentax offered a $[...] rebate on the camera body. The operatons of the camera is extremely identical to a film SLR camera, and the camera takes in most AF and K mount lens, which actually save a leg while upgrading the system. I purchased a old lens (28-200mm) from ebay for less than $[...]and it worked with the *1st without any problems.

Another good thing is the AA batteries used on the camera. You can purchase 4 AA rechargable Energizer batteries on Amazon for less than $[...]. The camera fits my hand very well and the original 18-55mm lens came with the camera also meet general photograph needs.

I have no complains with the camera so far.

A photography course in school opened my mind to it. I then persued a DSLR, did tons of research, shopping around, and came down to this. If you take advantage of the manual controls, photos that surpass point-and-shoot. The AF is amazing, 100% accurate (so far). It has a nice range of controls to get creative with, which are conveniant and "right there". Noise at ISO 1600-3200 is acceptable. Fast and responcive. Value. RAW conversion software very simple and right down to the point (and advanced adjustments too).


Cons:

If you are switching to DSLR from digital point-and-shoot, it may take a bit of time to get comfortable with having to use the viewfinder all of the time. Not numorus, but only a few times the AF did not lock and release the shutter. I am not optimistic with the auto white balance. Info in the viewfinder (shutter speed, apature, and so on) not so easaly seen when it is really bright outside (not a big deal to think any less positive of the camera).

Final opinion:

Amazing camera when you do not swich it to AUTO. Two thumbs up, highly recomended as a starter DSLR =).

Im new to SLR cameras, but have had digital cameras for about 5 years. I bought this one to enter in the in the SLR world and all I can say is it has exceeded my expectations.
Before this one I owned a Canon Powershot G3 and a SD30, this one feels much better than those.
Maybe for a pro it lacks some features, but for newcomers like me its perfect.
I have a lot to study, but my first impression after a few weeks is that I made the right choice.

Omar

I would have to say for the money, this is the best camera I have purchased. The only downside is the fact that it doesn't have rechargable batteries. I had to purchase the AA rechargable batteries. Other than that is is awesom. I beleive is takes some of the best pictures I have seen in a long while.