Pentax *ist DL2 goes after entry-level SLR shooters

by Marc Perton, posted Jan 27th 2006 at 9:02AM

Pentax will update its presence in the crowded market for entry-level DSLRs with the 6.1 megapixel *ist DL2, a successor to the company's *ist DL. The camera includes all of the manual features found in most DSLRs, but adds some functions designed for new users, including an Auto Picture Mode. The flash is also designed to pop up automatically in low-light situations. The DL2 has eight pre-set scene modes, uses SD cards and can run on AA batteries. Some limitations include a relatively anemic burst mode (just 5 frames at 2.8 fps) and, apparently, no JPEG RAW mode. Pricing has yet to be announced; however, given that other 6 megapixel SLRs, such as Nikon's D50, are available for as little as $600, we expect this one to be priced well below the $750 street price of the *st DL.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

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Zadillo @ Jan 27th 2006 9:50AM

Just out of curiosity, how exactly do you pronounce *ist? Is it supposed to be Starist? Asterist? Asteriskist?

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kevinc @ Jan 27th 2006 10:09AM

it's pronounced 'first'

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Tim @ Jan 27th 2006 10:16AM

Wierd. I've got an *ist DL and 'auto' mode and pop-up flash are nothing new.

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NeoteriX @ Jan 27th 2006 11:05AM

*snore* Yet another update/variation on the same old Pentax SLR developed and released in 2003. Not a bad SLR, but certainly not a "new" one.

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John Stracke @ Jan 27th 2006 3:12PM

Well, if "*" is a wildcard, "*ist" could be pronounced *lots* of ways. "Grist", for example.

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Ian @ Jan 27th 2006 3:40PM

Seems strange that Pentax are still only releasing 6Mp SLRs.
Any idea when it will be released though?
I'm off to the arctic in April and need an SLR that takes AA sized cells for ease of recharging with a solar charger.
Wonder if it will available in time
www.polarKAT.com

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Philip @ Jan 27th 2006 6:34PM

Just so y'all know, according to my friend at Pentax, this camera will not be sold in the USA. Best stick to real photo websites if you want info about what cameras you'll be able to buy near you.

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Yem @ Jan 29th 2006 7:23AM

The point is moot since no one actually attempts to pronounce *ist. We just put it down to pentax-eccentricity and call it the Pentax DL2. :-)

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Cuba @ Jan 30th 2006 12:13AM

Good one Pentax, a DSLR without RAW, you just killed the product before it was even released.

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ep @ Jan 30th 2006 12:27AM

p.s.: they mean there's no JPEG+RAW mode. RAW mode is still available, as mentioned in the actual press release ;)

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