Pentax *istDL

*istDL
Year introduced 2005	Mount Crippled KAF	Meter range 1 - 21.5 EV	Meter pattern m c s
ISO range (expanded) 200 - 3200	Expanded dynamic range No	Exposure modes AutoPict, P, Av, Tv, M, B	Exposure compensation +/-2 EV
Exposure lock Yes	Shutter speeds (auto) 30 - 1/4000s	Shutter speeds (manual) 30 - 1/4000s	Self timer Yes
Mirror lock-up Yes	Continuos shooting 2.8 fps up to 5 frames		Auto bracketing Yes
HDR mode No	Multiple exposures No	Built-in flash Yes, GN 15.6 (ISO 200)	TTL flash No
P-TTL flash Yes	Sync speed 1/180s	Flash exposure comp -2 to 1 EV	Autofocus Yes (3 points)
Autofocus sensitivity -1 to 18 EV	Autofocus with SDM No	AF Assist No	Front/Back focus corr No
Power zoom No	Lens correction No	Viewfinder 0.85x, 95%	Viewfinder type Pentamirror
Diopter adjustment -2.5 to +1.5	AF Points in viewfinder No	Exchangeable screen No	Depth of field preview Yes
Digital preview No	Live view No	Movie No	Sound No
Camera controls 1 control wheel. Most functions accessed though menus	Custom Functions 18	Shake reduction No	Dust removal / alert No
Pixel mapping No	Image size 16 x 24 mm	Sensor 6.1 MP CCD	File format PEF, JPG
Memory card type SD	Back LCD 2.5 in. 210,000 pix	Top LCD Yes	Weather resistant No
Battery 4 x AA	Battery grip No	Size (W x H x D) 125 x 92.5 x 67 mm	Weight 470 g
Comment Program modes: Normal, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night-scene portrait, Flash off. Extra flash functions: Wireless, High-speed, Contrast control. Exposure modes with M and K lenses restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M

[c0y0te]

I own this mean little machine since November 2007, shooting with it more than 30k photos in 2.5 years. It's a pretty basic camera, owning nothing of the fancy mambo-jambo that spoil the modern DSLR user. No SR, no FD and a very basic AF system with only 3 points (frankly, only the center point is usable and it struggles in low light), very loud mirror slap. It's also quite slow, especially when shooting RAW. The viewfinder is big enough (but not that bright), making manual focusing easier, and the focusing screen is interchangeable, making the use of manual lenses a real joy. The construction is sturdy, it feels like you could drop it and it wouldn't break at all.
In 2009 I would recommend this to anyone who shoots Pentax and needs a small backup body.

Price paid in 2007: 400$
Shots fired: ~ 30 000
Used for: macro, portraits, landscapes
Problems experienced: N/A

[dcgibson55]

I've had mine since the spring of 2006. As many reviews pointed out mine was a bit soft out of the box so I went in and cranked up the sharpness a bit. This is my first AF camera and I would rate the AF as not bad but it could definitely be better.

My first serious shoot was my niece's high school graduation. I shot it from quite a distance with a Tamron 75-300mm. The AF hunted a bit but overall I got some great images with both it and the kit lens. I think the kit lens is quite good. Later on I got an FA 28-90mm and have been disappointed with it. Substantial stopping down is necessary for decent images. I haven't tried it on a film camera.

I have a lot of film lenses but have only used my few "A" series lenses with it. Some day I need to sit down and figure out how to use my M-series primes. I've got some good ones.

I took it to Alaska later in 2006 and I was very pleased with the images I got. My wife had some enlargements made of the best Alaska images and they are excellent until you're about to bump your nose into them.

All in all I'm happy with it.

[rayhosler]

I bought the *istDL in March 2006 as my first digital SLR. As a long-time user of Pentax, I did not consider other brands. I was not disappointed in this Pentax. It's reliable, easy to use, and older lenses are compatible.

I have used the camera at work as a photojournalist. Because there are so few controls and options I had no trouble learning how to use it to its fullest. The most frequent change I made was to the ISO setting for low-light settings.

I added a Sigma external flash and from then on I could shoot in any light and get good pics.

Using the veteran Pentax-M 150mm lens I got great portraits with nice brokeh.

I typically only use RAW for photos taken outside of work. While the camera industry has moved on -- since this now a digital world -- *istDL was a solid entry at the time.

[dcgibson55]

Originally Posted by rayhosler

I bought the *istDL in March 2006 as my first digital SLR. As a long-time user of Pentax, I did not consider other brands. I was not disappointed in this Pentax. It's reliable, easy to use, and older lenses are compatible.

I have used the camera at work as a photojournalist. Because there are so few controls and options I had no trouble learning how to use it to its fullest. The most frequent change I made was to the ISO setting for low-light settings.

I added a Sigma external flash and from then on I could shoot in any light and get good pics.

Using the veteran Pentax-M 150mm lens I got great portraits with nice brokeh.

I typically only use RAW for photos taken outside of work. While the camera industry has moved on -- since this now a digital world -- *istDL was a solid entry at the time.

I learned on a Spotmatic and I remember how well it fit in my hand. I didn't forget that and when the time came to buy my own camera I didn't consider other brands either. I got an MX. I've never looked back.

I've had power issues with mine for awhile. Now it won't power up at all. All I get is the dead battery icon flashing, even with new batteries. Spending money on a six megapixel camera without image stabilization made no sense so I upgraded to a K2000. Costco has it with the 18-55mm and the 50-200mm for $499.99 plus a free 2GB SD card. I ponied up $3.79 for UPS Second Day Air and it got here in 36 hours.

Costco - Hot Buy Pentax K2000 Body-Based Shake Reduction 3.5 Frames Per Second

Both of the lenses have plastic mounts and a hood is not included for the 18-55mm.

A long time ago one of my wife's friends gave her an M series 135 f/3.5 and gave me an M series 150mm f/3.5. That 135mm is really sharp. It's a little slow but it gets used outdoors so that doesn't matter. I haven't used the 150mm much but I like it a lot. I like that; brokeh. I'm not sure that I understand bokeh. I'll have to consult Mr. Wikipedia. Like Mr. Google he's a pretty smart guy.

I need to sit down and RTFM to find out how to use non K/A lenses on the digital.

[albrechtnamatdurer]

A great workhorse, bought mine as soon as they became available in Oz. Done SO much work and always reliable. The big negative is the fact that there is no additional battery unit. Carrying a few extra kg of batteries is a real fag, especially when in a theatre venue , shooting a whole show. Apart from that irritation, can't fault it as a great entry level unit.
Works great with all my "legacy" M42 lenses. And just loves those old prime lenses.