Pentax *ist DL Digital Camera
Posted by admin | Under Pentax SLR Digital Cameras Monday Feb 2, 2009
Bigger only where it matters most, Pentax delivers better for a third time in the Pentax ist DL digital SLR. Hosting an array of advanced, user-friendly features including an Auto Picture mode for automatic exposure selection, the ist DL features a generous 2.5 inch color high definition LCD monitor that offers an entirely new playback dimension. Add to this, a 6.1-megapixel CCD, convenient SD media card storage, high-speed USB 2.0 data transfer, and a compact high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis design offering simple, accessible operation to delight new and advanced users alike.
Product Specification :
Megapixels :6.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom :3 X
Lens System 
ENTAX-DA 18-55mm lens
LCD Screen Size :2.5 in
Recording Method :Secure Digital (SD) Card
Camera Type :SLR
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Purchased from Dell in Feb 2006 for $539 shipping included, bought 5 Sigma lenses from Samy's for $250. Outstanding value! All of my K mount accesories work from my MZ-10 and K-1000 cameras. Fantastic autofocus, manual lenses from K-1000 work as well in manual setting.
Unit has been flawless, over 800 photos so far. Autofocus DOES take some experience to get right. Features are easy to learn. Great customer support on Pentax website!
Pro : Very reasonable price, many accessories available
Con : Local dealers tend to ignore Pentax
I hate proprietary batteries, and that was a major deciding factor in my choice of this camera. Along with the name and the fact that I've had Pentax cameras for years.
It'd be nice if there were more lenses, flashes, etc. available for this camera.
No complaints at all about the picture quality. Shutter lag is virtually non-existant, especially in manual focus mode.
Pro : Pictures, standard batteries
Con : Support
As a long time user of Pentax film SLRs I decided that I wasn't going to junk all my lenses when the time came to move over to a DSLR.
What I really like about this camera is that for a Pentax user there are very few surprises. The layout is pretty similar to the more recent 35mm SLRs so getting started is fast. I would advise getting a DSLR dedicated lens though, 35mm ones come up a bit lacking at the wide angle end of things.
What I'd love to see though is a Pentax DSLR that has the lovely retro styling and feel of the MZ-5n which is my favourite camera ever.
Pro : Takes all existing Pentax lenses
Con : Not found any yet!
A perfect artists camera! Who has a bajillion dollars to spend on a camera? I know I don't. If it wasn't for the *ist DL I'd still be shooting mostly slide film!
You won't be able to rip massive amounts of underexposed data out of an image (or a high iso speed for that matter) but with patience you can even get wonderful photographs of deep sky objects.
Its too bad that local dealers seem to completely ignore pentax for some reason…
Pro : Price, lens compatability
Con : Bad for long exposures and shadow noise
I went looking expressly for a Pentax digital camera and finally found one! It is a great little camera. So far it has bounced across country on a train ride. Took some great shots out of fast moving train. And most importantly a fourth grade field trip! The best picture so far is one my grandson snapped of his grandfather. The advantage of point and shoot and going manual setting is a wonderful feature. Now on to buying lenses!!
Pro : ease of use.
Con : Why don't camera shops carry Pentax??
Making the transition from 35mm to digital I wanted the same features I was accustomed to with my Pentax PZ1-P which I absolutely loved. At the time of purchase this was the best option I could find and I haven't been disappointed. It's a great camera for the price and I can use my 35mm lenses. In time I'll upgrade, but it will be a Pentax. Love there cameras.
Pro : Versatile, Pentax SLR Pro Features, Pentax Lenses
Con : Low Light Shooting, Shooting Speed
i love this camera, i'm an amature photographer working toward more, this is one of the easiest cams to work.. great pic, great software..
Pro : easy to use, beautiful pics
Con : difficult to find usb cord
My first SLR. The price (and some serious rebates) are what got me into SLR to start with.
Loved it at first, but now I have DOZENS of red, green, and blue stuck pixels that stand out when taking darker photos with 800+ ISO settings.
Boooooooooooh QC.
Kit lense is pretty useful, altho not the sharpest and requires longish shutter speeds.
Other than that, I can't imagine wanting more from a camera.
Also, no one seems to stock or carry any sort of selection of lenses. I guess no one carries the lenses 'cause no one buys these cameras. I guess no one buys these cameras 'cause you can't get lenses for them. Hmmmm, catch 22. Sux to be Pentax.
Still, the price was awesome, and were it not for that, I'd never have bought an SLR and would never have learned beginner photography.
Pro : Great price, good features, good performance
Con : literally several dozen stuck pixels, no one carries lenses for Pentax