| Latest Review Posted | Pentax *ist DS
This review is written from the POV of a K-5 shooter who used to own an *istDL.
I bought this camera specifically because of its support for the analogue TTL flash protocol, which I found to be stunningly accurate under most conditions. To be sure, it is lacking in many of the bells and whistles of the K-5, and the higher-ISO performance is disappointing compared to that camera, but this is not important; it offers all the basics that a photographer needs, and gives more than adequate performance when given enough light.
So good was the TTL performance with an AF080C ring flash that I have even used this camera in the professional context of medical photography in preference to the K-5. 6MP are more than enough (and I was using the *istDL for the same job before it died). Performance with the AF280T is also stellar within the flash's performance range, but the flash lets the camera down here in view of the low guide number.
It would replace my K-5 completely if not for the lack of weather sealing, the lack of support for DC or SDM lenses that don't have screwdrive (which can't be counted against it, since it predates both), and the absence of an X-sync port (which can be mimicked by various hotshoe clip-ons if I really had to).
The real down-side now is that Pentax technical support and repair for this camera is at an end; many of the spares (especially circuit boards) are no longer available, and critical failure requires complete replacement. The would-be owner ... |
