Pros: Pentax backward-compatibility for lenses, good build quality, intuitive and easy to use.
Cons: Manual is poorly written, supplied software is useless.
The Bottom Line: An excellent tool for serious photography. Very good AF and 3fps performance, super clear/bright viewfinder, intuitive in use, and all old Pentax mount lenses (even screw mounts) work great.
mikeball51's Full Review: Pentax *ist DS Digital Camera
Pentax has always gone about the business of quietly making excellent quality cameras and lenses at reasonable prices, without marketing hype, for decades. Their long-standing philosophy of insuring that all of their older lenses work on all of their newer cameras brought me into the fold, and is keeping me there.
The Pentax backward-compatible philosophy is a key issue for me. I have found that the key element for photography is the lens. My older SMC Pentax, Rokkunor, Tokina, and Super Cosina lenses work great on the *ist DS. Just prior to purchase of this camera, I bought a new SMC Pentax 80-320 AF lens for $138 on ebay, and my action photography results have been excellent.
Other aspects of this camera that I like are an extremely bright and clear viewfinder, very good build quality, and the ability to use AA batteries in a pinch. The most often used camera settings are immediately accessible, and the camera's menu system is intuitive. Newer versions of this camera (DS2 and DL) have a 2.5" LCD, a darker viewfinder, and are otherwise no different. Since a large LCD has minimal value to me on a DSLR and a bright and clear viewfinder is essential, I opted for the *ist DS.
This camera is one of the best purchases I ever made. The supplied 18-55mm kit lens is OK, but performance with my older zooms and primes is excellent. Since I bought the camera for $699, I'll have enough money saved up for the upcoming Pentax medium format digital. Meanwhile, all my buddies that bought the Canon 20D are buying all new, very expensive lenses.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 699.00 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Solid Enough for a Professional
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
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