steve_is's Full Review: Pentax *ist DS Digital Camera
I have been a film SLR user for many years and the *ist DS is my first entry into the realm of digital photography. I’ve had the *ist DS for about nine months and have taken thousands of pictures - many of which I would not have attempted, because of cost, had I been using film. The digital camera has set me free!
I mostly do nature photography - so my criteria in researching a camera may not match yours - I take many long hikes, week-end trips and the occasional 7-9 day vacation. What I was looking for in a digital camera was:
1. Image quality - Of course. The *ist DS compares very well with others in it’s MP/price range - IF you shoot in RAW format. The *ist will also shoot high, medium and good quality .jpgs, but they don’t look as good as the RAW. I shoot in RAW and convert to large TIF format for best quality.
2. Size/weight - At the time I bought the *ist DS it was the smallest, lightest DSLR on the market, I think it still is. SD cards are a positive in the size department. Some DSLRs are huge!
3. Power supply - I wanted a non-proprietary power supply, something available everywhere, the *ist had it. I get around 700 shots with two CR-V3s and 400 with four Ni-MH rechargeables - both of these figures are with ~30% flash use and the instant review shut off. For some unknown reason (I have tried contacting Pentax) rechargeable Lithium CR-V3s are not recommended.
BONUSES - things that have stood out with use:
Ease of use - For 95% of photos, most controls are at your fingertips, there are very few times that you have to access the extensive menu options. Depending on shooting mode selected, EV compensation, shutter speed, or aperture are easily set with the e-dial.
Ergonomics - are great, easy to hold for long periods, controls placed well and easy to use.
Exposure settings - The ability to shoot at 1/4000 sec, at 3200 ISO or with rear flash sync give the creative juices a boost. The auto white balance usually works great, but can be manually adjusted if needed. The AE can be linked to the auto-focus and when focus is achieved, the AE locks - a feature I find very handy.
Toughness - This *ist has traveled many miles with me and, many times, been subjected to less than perfect conditions. One night it was left out, cased, in the rain. More than two inches of rain came down that night and water ran from the case when I picked it up - two days of air drying and it was fine. I also had a set of Ni-MHs that lost their plastic coating in places, they shorted and partially melted the battery contacts…not a problem.
NEGATIVES - other things noticed with use:
Speed - unless used with an ultra fast card the *ist is slow on the draw, the continuous shooting bogs down after just a few shots (at least using RAW).
Auto-focus - While very good in daylight, it is poor in low light conditions, even when using the pop-up flash with P-TTL.
CONCLUSION - This is a well made, small, tough, light, easy to use DSLR that has enough capabilities to satisfy the avid amateur. The purchase of a Wolverine FlashPac or two (see my review on Epinions) adds the ability to be mobile and still capture many images. A good combo!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 999 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
6.1 MegaPixel CCD housed in one of the world’s smallest, lightest digital SLR camera bodies High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis Compatible with...More at Amazon Marketplace
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.