Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital Camera with Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR Lens

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00062NT9G
• Item model number: DS
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,970 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 16, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Housed in one of the world's smallest, lightest digital SLR camera bodies, the 6.1 MP *ist DS digital SLR camera comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features. The *ist DS is the next in the series of *ist D cameras and is compatible with existing Pentax 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories.

This camera features:

• Outstanding image reproduction with a 6.1 megapixel CCD
• A high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
• Compatibility with 35mm-format lenses and accessories
• Bright, high-precision viewfinder with superimposed AF-point display
• Fast, high-precision 11-point autofocus (nine cross-type sensors) with SAFOX VIII
• Sophisticated 16-segment multipattern metering
• Versatile white balance control
• User-friendly automatic operations
• SD memory card compatibility
• 18 user-programmable custom functions
• High-speed continuous shooting at 2.8 frames per second
• 1/4,000-second high-speed shutter with 1/180-second flash sync
• Versatile multisource power supply (AA-sized batteries, lithium batteries, and AC adapter)
• High-precision 2.0-inch LCD image monitor and multi-data status LCD monitor
• Choice of recording formats: JPEG (Good, Better, Best) or RAW
• Noise-reduction system to minimize digital noise during extended exposures
• Effortless data uploading to a PC using the included USB cable
• Functional playback options, including 12x zoom display and nine-image thumbnail display
• PictBridge compatibility

This Pentax *ist DS 6.1 MP digital SLR kit also includes a Pentax DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL digital SLR lens. Exclusively designed for use with Pentax digital SLR cameras, this compact, lightweight standard zoom lens features an image circle matching the camera's large 23.5 by 15.7 mm image sensor. It is more portable than 35mm-format counterparts offering similar optical performance, and it assures comfortable, well-balanced operation. When mounted on the Pentax *ist DS, this new zoom lens offers an angle-of-view coverage equivalent to a 27.5-84mm lens in the 35mm format, effectively covering the most frequently used ranges from wide-angle to moderate telephoto. The lens also features the Pentax Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows users to shift the focusing mode instantly to manual without any switching operations once the subject is captured in focus by the camera's autofocus system.

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

Product Description

The *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, the *ist DS also delivers superior image quality in compact design. Despite the size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is designed to be compatible with most PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

178 of 179 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Quality Alternative, February 24, 2005

By	R. Auger - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Introduction

As an advanced hobby photographer, I often compete in galleries in my area. I normally shoot with 35mm and medium format, and I scan the negatives and edit them in Photoshop CS. I hesitantly took the plunge into the world of digital SLRs several months ago, and the *ist ds exceeded my expectations. Like any camera, you will need to learn how to get good photographs out of it; it won't take them on its own. I print everything on the i9900 Canon large format printer. The following review should help decide if this camera is for you:

Size and Weight

The most noticeable advantage of the Pentax is its size and weight. I don't have small hands, but the competition makes them too bulky and heavy (some may disagree), sometimes with buttons out of reach. You can program the buttons on digital SLRs to do different things, but only the ds has the buttons within reach to be useful when shooting. For instance, the "ok" button can be pressed to temporarily switch to manual focus. Many people with other digital SLRs buy a separate smaller digital camera to use normally, which in my opinion, defeats the purpose of buying the SLR, since you'll end up almost never using it. But the Pentax is small and light enough to carry around normally, such as to a party or on vacation, especially now that they created the super slim 40mm lens that weighs next to nothing.

Outdoor Picture Quality and RAW format

For artistic shots, I always use the RAW format, which Adobe recently updated for the RAW plugin. Blowing up these shots to 13x19, I have found them to be quite sharp and clear. Keep in mind that I have read several books in Photoshop, and like in the darkroom, it takes skill to get quality prints out of any media.
I mostly shoot outdoors, and have been impressed at how balanced shots come out in harsh lighting. Even if the sky is partially blasted out, the highlight/shadow option in Photoshop brings them right back in, with virtually no loss in detail in the clouds. Realize that this is not the case with the 8-bit JPEG format, which doesn't blow up nearly as well. For quality prints, you'll need to use the RAW mode, which maintains the sharpness and color detail.
The biggest picture difference in other SLR's and the DS is that Pentax calibrated the camera to interpret with a more neutral color balance. Some may feel disappointed by this, but from an advanced editing perspective, this is a blessing. It allows me to have total control over the photo. If the camera has oversaturated an area from the beginning, and you need to do an adjustment, there may be a lack of detail in that area afterward. The Pentax appears much more natural looking, and with minimal adjustments from the Adobe RAW plugin, you can easily make the photos look exactly how you want. With my Canon i9900 printer, which tends to print vivid photos, the combination produces realistic, vivid photos, not oversaturated and cartooning images.
Even objects far away and in deep shadow areas have been quite clear and detailed, and overall, I have been extremely satisfied with the picture quality. When blowing up photos to 13x19, make sure to use "bicubic smoother" when increasing the resolution size. I have found that this completely eliminates any type of stairstepping that may occur. I had the opportunity to compare with a friend 8mp Canon SLR, and found no difference in sharpness of the image. I also found there was less noise in my camera (we both took them side by side of the same landscape).

Indoor Photography

I have only done this in personal situations combined with the 360 FGZ flash, which is a fantastic unit. The bounce flash works perfect automatically, with uniform and realistic lighting. Red eye has also not been a problem. The built in flash, like with most SLRs, is just a backup, and works O.K.
Unlike the *ist d, the *ist ds doesn't connect directly to the wireless flash units. If you have a wireless flash unit like the 360 FGZ, however, it will connect to other wireless flash units. I have not had the chance to test this out myself.

Portrait Photography

Flesh tones are realistic and pleasing, and hair maintains detail when enlarged. This of course, depends on the lens used, but most results have been surprising pleasing, especially compared with 35mm color and medium format color film. I still, however, prefer B+W film for portraits, but when I shoot in color, I have come to prefer the digital. Against harshly lit backgrounds, shots have come out surprising evenly lit and vibrant.

Night Photography

Long exposures, also during the day, come out quite sharp, especially after the new firmware update that corrects some issues with night shots. The camera is well programmed to handle night photography, and it usually is close to the correct exposure. The camera also has the ability to lock up the mirror 2 seconds before the exposure to minimize camera shake.

Focusing

The actual rotating speed is slower than my 35mm SLR, but this camera is more deliberate and actually gets to the correct focusing spot faster. Red dots inside blink to show where the lens is focused. The 16 segment metering is impressive, and I have found myself rarely using the manual focus option. Even when shooting birds in trees, the focusing system doesn't get distracted by the braches.
In action mode, the camera switches to a continuous focusing system, which has been very reliable for action shots, such as sports or when people are walking toward you. This feature only works in action mode, however.

Custom Settings and Ease of Use

You can program the buttons to do extra functions while in shooting mode. For instance, the OK button can be used to temporary switch off the autofocus or to use center metering. Make sure to go through the easy to read manual and the custom settings menu, since you will find some important features, such as changing the color to Adobe RGB instead of sRGB.
Nothing is "hidden" on the camera, and everything is easy to use and quick to locate. The well written manual is worth reading front to back, and gives useful information. The custom features require some knowledge of how you like your camera to operate, and others require light technical knowledge. Both beginners and advanced users will be satisfied with features and ease of use.


The SD Chip and Camera Performance

Make sure to buy a 60x chip, like the ATP which I have, or the SanDisk Ultra II. I have tested the cheaper media, and they slow down the camera so that when the buffer runs out, instead taking 1.5 frames (I'm guessing) per second, its taking about 1 every 3 seconds. The 60x chips really aren't that much more. The SD chips aren't made quite as large and are more expensive than CP, but it contributes to making the camera smaller.
The buffer is comparable to the competition, with almost 3 frames per second until it reaches about 8 or 9 and then slows down about half way. In RAW mode, it will start slowing down at about 5 or 6 frames. I have never had a problem where it didn't take the picture when I wanted it to.

The Optional Included Lens

For another $100, it is a useful lens, especially for personal shots in small rooms, where you'll need a wide angle zoom lens (and when you don't want to risk damaging a really expensive lens). Its fairly light and compact.
There is also a slim 40mm lens coming out soon, make sure to check it out on amazon. Maybe you'll want to get this one instead, since other people will feel more at ease taking a picture for you.

Batteries

The camera used four AAs or two CR-V3. I prefer this over a propriety battery, since when the battery dies, you can't just pop by Wal-Mart and buy more. Also, with newer NiMH rechargeable AA's, you can buy batteries just as good, and use the same batteries as in your hotshoe flash. With lithium AAs and CR-V3s, you can take over 400 pictures before the batteries die out, making it nearly impossible to have dead batteries on vacation. And if you did, you can just pop by anywhere and get more. I have not yet had a situation where my 2500mah rechargeables died on me. I have heard that CR-V3 batteries fit rather tight into the compartment, but have not had this problem myself.

Summary

Overall, I've found the *ist ds quite impressive. Even if you don't already have a collection of Pentax lenses, you'll find this camera to be a good alternative to the competition, with excellent build quality, easy of use, light weight, and compactness. A large line of Pentax lenses will also impress you, but that is another discussion. Although this hasn't replaced my other cameras, it has replaced my use of 35mm color film, since it's far sharper, with better color and detail.
Like any other camera, it will take some time to learn how to get the best pictures possible out of it. However, even beginners will find that quality results are easily possible. Good luck camera hunting!

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pentax *ist DS vs Canon vs Nikon, May 17, 2005

By	J. Bailey "Jay" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had this camera about 4 months now, and I'm more satisfied than ever that I chose this over the Canon (20D) and Nikon (D70) that I tried for several days each.

First I didn't even consider the Canon Rebel (other than picking it up for a few moments at the store). The Rebel is cheaply built plastic, and feels like toy. I'm sure it's more durable than it feels, but if I had bought the Rebel, I would have regretted it every time I picked it up. Plus, why would you buy one when the Pentax is available for about the same price, and the Pentax feels much more like a professional camera should.

I tried the Canon 20D and Nikon D70 for several days each before deciding to buy the Pentax. First on the D20, there is no doubt that it is a better camera than the Pentax or the Nikon in several ways. First SPEED. The D20 is by far the fastest camera of the 3, and will take something over 5 frames per second I believe. It focused very fast, and had very little noise, even at high ISOs. However it is at least $600 more than the the Pentax or the Nikon, and I decided the extra fps speed was not worth it for what I need a camera for. The Pentax is no slouch at 2.4 fps, and I've found that to be as fast as I need.

Compared to the Nikon D70, both cameras take good pictures (the should, they both use the same 6.1mp Sony sensor), but I like several things about the Pentax better. 1st, the Pentax is a MUCH smaller camera, and I really didn't like the behemoth size of the Nikon. If you've never held the Nikon, be sure to go to a store and try it first. You won't believe how huge it is. 2nd, The LCD screen on the Pentax is bigger and brighter. 3rd the viewfinder on the Pentax is a pentaprism, which gives you a much larger and brighter image than the pentamirror (cheaper) on the Nikon. 4th, I like the menu system much better on the Pentax (much more intuitive). And finally, I like the fact that the Pentax uses SD memory as opposed to compact flash memory, and it uses AA batteries (rechargeable) as opposed to a proprietary battery.

Try the Pentax *ist DS, you will LOVE this camera.

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad to be back with Pentax, April 5, 2005

By	W. Hoover "Advanced amateur" (Poinciana Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My first three digital cameras were Canon. I still own a Canon G3, but when the ist DS came out I was interested.

I did my research on the Canon Rebel and the Nikon D70 and the Pentax and after all was said and done I chose the Pentax! I am very happy with the camera.

It is much smaller size than the others and seems very solid. Pentax lenses are also cheaper than similar Canon and Nikon lenses (You are paying for their marketing efforts). Also Pentax lenses from 30 years ago can be used with this camera.

Pictures thus far are excellent and I work with it each day. I enter many photo contests and this camera holds it own!