Pentax's *ist D is the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR (as of April 2003), measuring just 5.0 by 3.7 by 2.3 inches and weighing 18 ounces. It features a clarity of 6.1 effective megapixels, a 16 segment metering system, an-11 point AF sensor, and a continuous shooting rate of 2.7 frames per second. It's also compatible with K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses and 645/67 lenses with an adapter.
Optics and Resolution
Employing a high-performance CCD with dimensions of 23.5mm by 15.7mm and embracing Pentax's unique image processing technology, the *ist D offers 6.1-megapixel resolution for the recording of precise, superior-quality images.
Storage and Transfer
The *ist D is compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II memory cards, and is also compatible with MicroDrives.
More Features
An optical pentaprism viewfinder was developed especially for the *ist D. This makes viewing easy with an ample 95% field of view and 0.95x magnification. There is also a superimposed display function that assists composition by illuminating the AF points in red.
Other features include:
- New 16-segment metering system achieves more accurate exposure
- New 11-point AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) for enhanced focusing
- Fast 1/4,000 second shutter speed and high-speed flash sync at 1/150 seconds
- Custom function allows functionality to be tuned to satisfy user preferences
- Noise reduction function activates for long exposures
- 1.8-inch, 118,000-pixel LCD monitor
- Choice of JPEG, TIFF, and RAW recording formats
- Convenient playback functions, such as nine-image and 12x magnification display
Power and Size
The camera is powered by 4 AA batteries; rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended. It measures 5.0 by 3.7 by 2.3 inches and weighs 18 ounces.
The *ist D and the *ist DS Compared
| | *ist D | *ist DS |
| Effective Pixels | 6.1 Megapixels | 6.1 Megapixels |
| LCD Monitor | 1.8-inch TFT Color LCD | 2.0-inch TFT Color LCD |
| Power Source | 4 AA, or 2 CR-V3 | 4 AA, or 2 CR-V3 |
| Storage Media | Compact Flash (I & II), MicroDrive | SD Memory Card |
| File Formats | 8-bit (JPEG), 8-bit (TIFF), 12-bit (RAW) | 8-bit (JPEG), 12-bit (RAW) |
| Exposure Modes | Auto w/Hyper Program Program AE Shutter-Priority AE Aperture-Priority AE Metered Manual Bulb | Program AE Auto Picture Picture Shutter-Priority AE Aperture-Priority AE Metered Manual Bulb |
| Interface | USB 1.1 | USB 2.0 |
| Flash Sync | 1/150 sec | 1/180 sec |
| X-Sync Socket | YES | NO |
| Continuous Frame Advance | 2.6 fps | 2.8 fps |
| Continuous Autofocus | YES | YES (in Action Picture Mode only) |
| Mirror Lock | YES | YES |
| Wireless Flash Sync | YES | NO |
| Optional Vertical Grip | YES | NO |
| Stainless-Steel Chassis | YES | YES |
| Remote Assistant from PC | YES | NO |
| Interchangeable Focusing Screens | YES | YES |
| PictBridge Compatibility | NO | YES |
| Weight (w/o Batteries) | 19.4 oz | 17.8 oz |
Product Description:
Housed in one of the world's smallest, lightest digital SLR camera bodies, the *ist D comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features. The *ist D is compatible with existing PENTAX 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories.
Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)