Pentax announces consumer digital SLR (UPDATED)
By
Mike Tomkins
(Monday, September 13, 2004 - 18:07 EDT)
Pentax has today announces its new *ist DS digital camera (pronounced ist dee-ess), an entry-level digital SLR squarely aimed at Canon's EOS-300D Digital Rebel and Nikon's D70.
US pricing for the camera, expected to reach the market in November 2004, has not yet been announced - but can be expected to be similar to the Canon and Nikon models, which currently retail in the $800 - $1000 range for the camera body only. (In England, we understand the camera will have a body-only price of £699, which is competitive with the Canon and Nikon camera's list pricing). The *ist DS has a feature set that closely parallels those models, with a 6.1 megapixel (effective) CCD imager, which should yield an image resolution of 3,008 x 2,008 pixels.. Other similar features include a 1.5x focal length multiplier, RAW / JPEG recording, and a built-in pop-up flash. In some areas, there are notable features where the *ist DS looks better equipped than its rivals, though. For one thing, it is significantly smaller and lighter, at just 605 grams (ready to shoot), with dimensions of 125 x 92.5 x 66mm. Where both the Rebel and D70 use eye-level pentamirrors (which are generally dimmer), the *ist DS has an eye-level pentaprism with a significantly better magnification of 0.95x, and a wide dioptric adjustment range of -2.5 to +1.5 diopter. Unlike its rivals, it also offers interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screens (an AF Frame Matte screen is included with the camera, and AF Split-Image Matte / AF Scale Matte screens are optionally available). The *ist DS uses an 11 point SAFOX VIII autofocus system that works from EV 0 ~ 19, as compared to a 7-point AF system in the Rebel, and 5-point in the D70. ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 ~ 3200 (the Rebel offers a low of ISO 100, but neither the Rebel or D70 offer higher than ISO 1600). The *ist DS's LCD display is both slightly larger, and significantly higher resolution than those of its competitors, at 2.0" with 210,000 pixels. PC connectivity is via a USB 2.0 Hi-speed connection, as compared to lower-speed USB 1.1 in the Rebel and D70. A few other features are worthy of comment. Where both the Rebel and D70 use CompactFlash storage, the *ist DS uses the smaller Secure Digital cards - which are not available in comparably large capacities, but permit a commensurate reduction in camera size and weight of the camera body. The *ist DS limits use of its AF-continuous mode to the Action setting only, similar to the Rebel's limitation of AI Servo AF to Sports mode only. Metering modes are either 16-segment multi, center-weighted or spot, with a working range of EV 1 - 21.5. Burst-mode shooting allows up to 8 frames (resolution / quality unspecified) at a swift 2.8 frames per second. The maximum flash sync speed is limited to just 1/180 second (the Rebel allows 1/200, while the D70 offers an impressive 1/500 second). Power comes courtesy of four AA, or two CR-V3 batteries. Full specifications courtesy of Pentax follow, along with a comparison with the Digital Rebel and D70 (although for some points, we don't yet have data on the *ist DS). | Pentax *ist DS |  | | Type | TTL autofocus, auto-exposure digital SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL auto flash | | Effective Pixels | 6.1 megapixels | | Sensor - Total pixels | 6.31 megapixels | | Sensor - Type | Interline interlace CCD with a primary color filter, 23.5mm x 15.7mm | | Color Depth | 8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW) | | Recorded Pixels | | JPEG: [6M] 3008 x 2008, [4M] 2400 x 1600, [1.5M] 1536 x 1024 | | RAW: [6M] 3008 x 2008 | | | Sensitivity | 200 / 400 / 800 /1600 / 3200 (Standard Output Sensitivity) | | Recording Formats | JPEG (Exif 2.21), RAW, DCF (Design rule of Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Form), PRINT Image Matching III | | Image Formats | | Compressed: JPEG - Baseline (***: Best , **: Better, *: Good) | | Non-compressed: RAW | | | Storage Media | SD memory card | | Lens Mount | PENTAX KAF bayonet mount (by using AF adapter) | | Usable Lens | | PENTAX KAF2-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses. | | * Power zoom function not available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses usable with adapter. | | 67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions. | | | Focusing System - Type | TTL Phase-matching 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX VIII) | | Focusing System - Applicable illumination range | EV0 - EV19 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 50mm F1.4 lens) | | Focusing System - Mode | | AF-single (with focus lock); Manual focus | | AF-continuous available when you select Action mode. | | | Exposure Control - Metering System | TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information) | | Exposure Control - Metering Mode | (1) Multi-segment metering (2) Center-weighted metering (3) Spot metering | | Exposure Control - Metering Range | EV 1 - 21.5 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 50mm F1.4 lens) | | Exposure Control - Modes | | (1) Auto Picture mode (2) Picture mode (3) Program AE (4) Shutter-Priority AE (5) Aperture-Priority AE (6) Metered Manual (6) Bulb | | Picture mode: Standard, Portrait , Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait, Standard Flash-Off | | | Exposure Control - Exposure Compensation | ±2 EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps) | | Exposure Control - Auto-bracketing | 3 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps) | | White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N), Manual setting | | Shutter Type | Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter | | Shutter Speed | 1/4000 - 30 sec. and bulb | | Drive Modes | Single-frame advance, continuous advance, self-timer, auto bracket and remote control | | Viewfinder - Type | Pentaprism | | Viewfinder - Focusing screen | Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen | | Viewfinder - Field of view | 95% | | Viewfinder - Magnification | 0.95X (with 50m F1.4 lens, -1m-1) | | Viewfinder - Diopter adjustment | -2.5 - +1.5m-1 | | Viewfinder Indication | (1) AF frame; (2) Spot AF frame; (3) Focus point indication (high lighted in red) | | Viewfinder LCD | Indication (1) Flash information; (2) Picture mode (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait); (3) In-focus; (4) Shutter speed; (5) Aperture value; (6) Exposure compensation factor; (7) Manual white balance; (8) Manual focus; (9) ISO sensitivity warning; (10) Auto exposure lock signal | | Mode Dial Indication | (1) Auto Picture mode; (2) Standard mode; (3) Portrait mode; (4) Landscape mode; (5) Macro mode (6) Action mode (7) Night scene portrait mode; (8) Standard Flash-Off mode; (9) Program AE; (10) Shutter-Priority AE; (11) Aperture-Priority AE; (12) Metered Manual; (13) Bulb | | External LCD Panel Indication | (1) Shutter speed; (2) Aperture value; (3) Flash Information (Auto, Flash-On, Flash-Off, Red-eye reduction); (4) Single frame advance/Continuouse advance; (5) Self-timer; (6) Remote control; (7) Metering Information; (8) Focus point indicator; (9) Auto bracketing; (10) Preset/Manual white balance information; (11) Battery information; (12) Exposure compensation factor; (13) Exposure frame number | | LCD Monitor | 2.0 inch, low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD monitor (Approx. 210,000 pixels) | | Built-in Flash - Type | Series-control retractable P-TTL pop-up flash | | Built-in Flash - Guide number | 15.6 (Standard Output Sensitivity 200 / m) | | Built-in Flash - Angle of view coverage | 28mm wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm) | | Flash Synchronization | | With RTF and via hot shoe | | Sync speed: 1/180 sec. set automatically with RTF or PENTAX dedicated flash unit at recharge completion | | | Self-timer | Electronically controlled type with two-second or 12-second delay. Cancellation possible. | | Custom Function | 18 custom-programmable functions available | | Main switch | (1) ON; (2) OFF; (3) Preview | | Time - World Time | 68 cities (28 time zones) | | Language | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Korean, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Japanese | | PictBridge - Print mode | Single image print, All images print, DPOF auto print | | Interface | USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) | | Video Output | Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats | | Power Sources | | Four AA (lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries, two CR-V3 lithium batteries. | | Optional AC adapter also available. | | | Dimensions | 125(W) x 92.5(H) x 66(D)mm (4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches) | | Weight | | 605g (21.3oz.) loaded and ready | | 505g (17.8 oz.) without battery and SD memory card. | | | . |
| Comparison: Canon Digital Rebel, Nikon D70 and Pentax *ist DS | | Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon | Pentax | | Model | Digital Rebel | D70 | *ist DS | | Pricing and Availability | Price when announced (body only) | US$899 | US$999 | Unknown | | Street price (September 2004) | US$790 | US$999 | Unknown | | First available | September 2003 | Spring 2004 | November 2004 | | Imaging System | Imaging Element/Effective Pixels | CMOS
6.5 Megapixels
6.3 effective | CCD
6.24 Megapixels
6.1 effective | CCD
6.31 Megapixels
6.1 effective | | Effective Sensor Size | 22.7 x 15.1mm | 23.7 x 15.6 mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm | | Picture angle reduction, vs 35mm frame | Approx. 1.6x | Approx 1.5x | | Image Processor | SLR-DIGIC | Not stated | | Viewfinder | Type | Eye-level pentamirror | Eye-level pentaprism | | Coverage | 95% horizontally and vertically | | Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity) | 0.8x | 0.75x | 0.95x | | Eyepoint | 21mm | 18mm | Unknown | | Dioptric Adjustment Range | -3.0 to +1.0 diopter | -1.6 to +1.5 diopter | -2.5 to +1.5 diopter | | Focusing Screen | Fixed, all-matte screen | B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with on-demand grid lines | Interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen (AF Frame Matte screen included as standard; AF Split-Image Matte and AF Scale Matte screens available as optional accessories) | Viewfinder
Info Display | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE lock, exposure level), flash information (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock), shots remaining, CF card information | AF information (AF points, focus confirmtation, AF area mode, AE/AF lock indicator), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE/AF lock indicator, exposure level, flash exposure, exposure compensation indicator), flash-ready indicator, shots remaining, battery level | Flash information, Picture mode (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait), In-focus, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation factor, Manual white balance, Manual focus, ISO sensitivity warning, Auto exposure lock signal | | Depth of Field Preview | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | Via main switch | | Recording System | Recording Media/Quantity/Slot Type | CF card / 1 slot / Type I or II | CF card / 1 slot / Type I or II | Secure Digital / 1 slot | | Compatible File Formats | FAT 16 / 32 | FAT 16 / 32 | Unknown | | Recording Formats | RAW (CRW), JPEG | RAW (NEF), JPEG | RAW, JPEG | | Maximum Resolution | 3,072 x 2,048 | 3,008 x 2,000 | 3,008 x 2,008 | | Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only) | 2,048 x 1,360; 1,356 x 1,024 | 2,240 x 1,488; 1,504 x 1,000 | 2,400 x 1,600; 1,536 x 1,024 | | RAW + JPEG Recording | Yes / Middle Fine JPEG only, embedded in RAW | Yes / Basic JPEG only | Unknown | | Color Space & White Balance | User-Selectable Color Space | Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB | Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB | Unknown | Processing Parameters
(Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone)/# of Increments | Yes/5
(Same as 10D, but new is default sets: one mimics 10D settings and one boosts contrast, saturation, and sharpening for snappier prints. This is the factory default setting) | 6 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat. | Unknown | | Preset WB settings | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) | 6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) | 7 (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light [White, Daylight, Neutral]) | | Manual Color Temperature Setting Range | None | (No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) | Unknown | | WB Adjustment Range | ±3 steps in 1-step increments
5 mireds per step | ±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step | Unknown | | Autofocus System | Type | TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
(TTL secondary image registration, phase detection) | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module | TTL phase-matching by SAFOX VIII autofocus system | | # of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type) / Superimposed Display | 7 points (1 cross-type, 2 horizontal-type, 4 vertical-type) / Yes | 5 points / Yes | 11 points / Yes | | AF Working Range | EV 0.5 ~ 18 | EV -1 ~ 19 | EV 0 ~ 19 | | AF-assist Beam | Yes, stroboscopic flash (Range: Approx. 4.0m / 13.1ft. at center, approx. 3.5m/11.5ft. off-center) Note: Only available when flash is enabled. | Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. | Unknown | | Single AF | Enabled in all modes except Sports mode. | Available in all modes | Enabled in all modes except Action mode. | | Continuous AF | Enabled in Sports mode only. | Available in all modes | Enabled in Action mode only. | | Exposure Control | Shooting Modes | 12 - Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure, ETTL autoflash | 11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait. | 13 - Auto Picture mode, Standard mode, Portrait mode, Landscape mode, Macro mode, Action mode, Night scene portrait mode, Standard Flash-Off mode, Program AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Metered Manual, Bulb | | Metering Zones | 35 | 1,005 | 16 | | Metering Modes | Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted average (set automatically in manual mode), 9% partial | 1) 3D color matrix metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor(2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm dia. circle) given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame(3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area | TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information) - (1) Multi-segment metering (2) Center-weighted metering (3) Spot metering | | Metering System Working Range | EV 1 ~ 20 | EV 0 to 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering), EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) | EV 1 - 21.5 | | ISO Range | 100 ~ 1600 | 200 ~ 1600 | 200 ~ 3200 | | Exposure Compensation | ±2EV in 1/3EV increments (can be combined with AEB) | ±5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments (can be combined with AEB) | ±2 EV in 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments (unknown if it can be combined with AEB) | | Automatic Exposure Bracketing | ±2EV in 1/3EV increments | 2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps | 3 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps) | | Shutter Speeds, Frame Rate, Shutter Lag | Shutter Type | Mechanical, all speeds electronically controlled | Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter | Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter | | Shutter Speed Range | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. (1/3EV increments) and bulb | 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb | 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. and bulb | | Maximum Frames Per Second/Buffer depth | 2.5 fps / 4 frames | 2.92 fps / 9 frames | 2.8 fps / 8 frames | | Shutter lag, full AF | 0.25-0.28 | 0.34-0.49 | Unknown | | Shutter lag, prefocus | 0.142 | 0.124 | Unknown | | Startup time | 3.09 sec | ~ Zero | Unknown | | Flash | Built-in Flash / Guide Number | Yes (13 meters / 43 feet) @ ISO 100 | Yes (11 meters / 36 feet) @ ISO 100 | Yes (15.6 meters / 51 feet) @ ISO 200 | | Max flash x-sync speed. | 1/200 | 1/500 | 1/180 | | Flash Exposure Compensation | No | -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps | -2 to +1 EV (1/2 EV steps) | | Slow-sync flash | 1st curtain only | 1st or 2nd curtain | Unknown | | Flash system | E-TTL | i-TTL | P-TTL | | PC Sync Terminal | Hot shoe only | Hot shoe only | Unknown | | Playback System | LCD Size / Pixel Count | 1.8 in. LCD / 118,000 pixels | 1.8 in. LCD / 130,000 pixels | 2.0 in. LCD / 210,000 pixels | | Enlarged Playback / Scroll | 1.5~10x in 15 steps / Yes | 1.1 - 4x in 10 steps / Yes | 12x max. / Yes | | LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range | 5 steps | 5 steps | Unknown | | Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots | Yes | Yes | Unknown | | Other Features | USB Connection | Yes, PTP-compliant, USB v 1.1 | Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 speed) | USB 2.0 High Speed (PTP compliance unknown) | | Direct Printing (PictBridge-compliant printers) | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Menu Languages | 12 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.) | 11 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean (?), Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) | 9 (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese) | | Camera Default Reset | Yes | Yes | Unknown | | Custom Functions (Quantity) | No | Yes (9 or 25) | Yes (18) | | Remote Control | Optional, Compatible with Remote Switch RS-60E3, Remote Controller RC-5 / RC-1 | Optional IR | Yes, details unknown | | LCD Panel Illumination | Yes (dedicated button) | Yes (dedicated button) | Unknown | | Text Comments | No | Yes, stored in EXIF headers | Unknown | | Body Structure | Body Cover/Chassis | Largely Plastic | Largely Plastic | Stainless steel chassis with plastic body panels | | Power System | Battery Compatibility | Main: BP-511 / BP-512
Backup: CR2016 | EN-EL3,
CR2 pack
(3 cells) | 4 x AA or 2 x CR-V3
Alkaline / Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable | | Rated Shooting Capacity at 20C/68F | 100% AE: 600
50% Flash: 400 | 100%AE: 2000
50% Flash: 400 | Unknown | | Dimensions & Weight | Dimensions (W x H x D, mm) | 142 x 99 x 72.9 | 140 x 111 x 78 | 125 x 92.5 x 66 | | Weight | 560g / 19.7 oz. (body only)
653g / 23.0 oz (with battery & card) | 595g/21 oz (body only) | 505g / 17.8 oz. (body only)
605g / 21.3 oz. (with battery & card) | | Lens Compatibility | Lens Mount / Compatibility | EF and EF-S / All EOS Lenses | - DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposrue modes;
- Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
- AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
- Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
- IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
| PENTAX KAF2 , KAF and KA mount lenses. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses usable with adapter. 67/645 lenses usable with adapter and restrictions |
UPDATED 2004-09-14 11:56ET: Thanks to IR reader Roland Mabo for pointing out that we do know the construction of the *ist DS's body (plastic panels over a stainless steel subframe), as noted in the press release. We've updated the comparison table above to reflect this...
|
Original Source Press Release:
| PENTAX Downsizes Digital SLR In Second Compact Camera: *ist DS Delivers Outstanding Image Quality GOLDEN, Colorado (September 13, 2004)…PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography once again with the introduction of the *ist DS digital SLR. Developed as a second, even smaller, PENTAX compact digital SLR, the *ist DS camera advances the PENTAX commitment to easy-to-use and portable digital. 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. PENTAX will unveil the *ist DS and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City. The PENTAX *ist DS will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004. PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan. # # # Major features of *ist DS include: Compact, Portable Design
Featuring a super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, the *ist DS offers outstanding portability. PENTAX downsized digital SLR technology by including a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and high-density packaging. The result is an extremely portable body, measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces without batteries and SD memory card. The *ist DS is smaller and lighter than the acclaimed *istD. High-definition, maximum-gradation images with 6.1 effective megapixels
Thanks to its large, high-performance CCD image sensor, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels. Coupled with original image processing technology from PENTAX, the camera produces high-definition images rich in gradation and saturation. Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable lenses
The *ist DS offers the outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability that allows users to take advantage of a wide selection of existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.** **PENTAX K-, K A -, K AF - and K AF2 -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. Bright, high-magnification pentaprism viewfinder
The *ist DS comes equipped with a glass pentaprism viewfinder offering a 95% field of view and a 0.95X magnification. The camera features a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity and brightness to viewfinders incorporated in conventional 35mm-format SLRs. This confirmation of the subject's focus much easier, even in manual-focus mode. Large color LCD monitor
With a high-precision 2.0 inch color LCD monitor offering approximately 210,000 pixels, the *ist DS makes it quick and effortless to review recorded images and read menus. Large LCD data panel
The *ist DS features a large, easy-to-read LCD data panel on the top panel to allow easy, at-a-glance confirmation of the camera's operational status and various settings. User-friendly automatic operations
The *ist DS is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically and instantly selects the optimum combination of exposure settings for a given subject or situation, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges. The built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations. Simple, accessible operation system
From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the *ist DS 's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control. High-precision 16-segment multi-pattern metering
The *ist DS incorporates an advanced 16-segment metering system to assure high-precision light measurement, even under complicated lighting conditions. Center-weighted metering and spot metering are also available to meet specialized applications. High-accuracy 11-point AF sensor
The *ist DS features the sophisticated SAFOX VIII AF system incorporating 11 AF sensors (nine of them constituting a cross-type wide-area sensor grid in the middle). It not only offers accurate, pinpoint autofocusing, but also allows the user to select one of the sensors to accommodate a specific image composition. Superimposed AF sensor point indication
The selected AF sensor point is highlighted in red in the viewfinder for easy visual confirmation. 1/4000-second high-speed shutter
The *ist DS features 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. High-speed consecutive shooting
The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of the subject's action or movement. SD memory card compatibility
The *ist DS uses the widely available SD memory card as its storage media, not only assuring high-speed recording and readout of image data, but also contributing to the downsizing of the camera body. Additional features include: -
18 user-programmable custom functions to personalize camera operations to the user's preferences -
Noise-reduction system to minimize annoying digital noise during extended exposures -
Dual power source, with a choice of two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries -
Effortless data uploading to a PC using the included USB cable (USB 2.0 compatible) -
Functional playback functions, including 12X zoom display and nine-image thumbnail display -
A choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better or Good) or RAW -
Interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen (AF Frame Matte screen included as standard; AF Split-Image Matte and AF Scale Matte screens available as optional accessories) -
PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0 RAW-data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.0 browser software included -
PictBridge compatibility PENTAX, smc PENTAX, *ist, PENTAX PHOTO Browser and PENTAX PHOTO Labratory are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.. Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice # # # |
Powered by Coranto
|
