The Pentax *istDL
By Peter Rojas 
posted June 1st 2005 3:50PM
posted June 1st 2005 3:50PM
Pentax rolled out the *istDL, a slightly less expensive entry-level digital SLR, today. Is it hugely different from its predecessor, the *istDS? Nah, the resolution is the same (6.1 megapixels), the casing is about the same (the DL is a tiny bit lighter), and both use SD, rather than CF memory cards for storage. The main differences are that the *istDL has Auto ISO, a new viewfinder, a bigger LCD (2.5-inches vs. 2-inches on the DS), and 3-area AF (whereas the DS had 11-area AF; this one of the corners they cut to get the price down).
Note that the viewfinder is also a pentamirror with lower magnification than the original *ist D. (I don't know if the *ist D had a pentaprism, but every other site specifically mentions the pentamirror on this camera so I guess it's another difference.) They're de-emphasizing the viewfinder.
This is basically a cut-down *ist D designed to appeal to non-SLR users.
i've always wondered how "*ist" is pronounced. anyone?
any word on the price?
nevermind i googled it. it is plain old "ist". i kept thinking "star-ist" for some reason. i'm just goofy i guess.
nice camera with a stupid name.
"i've always wondered how "*ist" is pronounced. anyone?"
I believe it's pronounced "Prince."
"nevermind i googled it. it is plain old "ist". i kept thinking "star-ist" for some reason. i'm just goofy i guess."
Heh, I was wondering about that too, I was thinking Star-ist or Asterisk-ist, though latter one is not as marketable. :)
According to the Pentax press release, the camera is supposed to retail for $800 USD.
*istD, *istDS, *istDL, *istDown will be next?
*istD, *istDS, *istDL, *istDown will be next?