Pentax *ist DS review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: David D. Busch

Reviewed on: 5 May 2005

Tags: Pentax, Pentax *ist DS, viewfinder, camera, LCD

We like:

Most compact digital SLR available; outstanding optical and LCD viewing; easy operation; solid performance

We don't like:

No raw-plus-JPEG or TIFF mode; kit lens is a slow f/5.6 at longest focal length

You might also need:

SD/MMC card with a capacity of at least 256MB; CR-V3 or AA batteries

CNET UK judgement:

A compact design, flexible power sources and a strong feature set make this a digital SLR for the on-the-move photo enthusiast

Full review:

Although the most compact of the sub-£600 digital SLRs, the Pentax *ist DS is not a lightweight when it comes to functionality. Packed into its 850g (with 18mm-to-55mm lens, battery and media), polycarbonate-clad, stainless-steel frame is an array of automated and user-selectable exposure and scene controls, a brilliant optical viewfinder and LCD that are easy on the eyes, and enthusiast-pleasing options such as an eight-frame, 2.5fps drive mode. In some ways, the *ist DS is an upgrade from its more expensive *ist D sibling, trading a few minor features for some significant improvements. Continue Reading...