Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

gryphon · 01-09-2011, 12:29 AM

After weighing all the pros and cons I have pretty much made up my mind to go with a used Pentax over the Canon 350d I had originaly started looking for. A little while ago I posted a question about the k100d and k110d cameras and thought I had pretty much nailed it down to go with either of those. Recently however someone suggested to me that I look into the ist series and in particular the IST DS (if I recall correctly). I see that it's a fairly early model of Pentax DSLR although it got good reviews. It was replaced by the K series but was supposed to have some good points that were left out or changed in later entry level cameras. There must be some members here who own one and I'd really like to get some feedback. I will probably use it for a year or so and then either sell it or keep it as a backup and go with one of the weather resistant cameras. My old camera (non dslr) bit the dust so I'd like to pick up a replacement soon.

Abstract · 01-09-2011, 12:43 AM

I am not so sure the advantages/disadvantages myself, but If you like the idea of weather resistant some guy on Ebay sells them new for like 379 which is pretty low, no clue what your budget is though. Pentax *ist will probably run you 100-150 less though I assume which is nice so if its a fit, go for it...Just a thought.

Spock · 01-09-2011, 12:56 AM

All the later *ist cameras were just cut down versions of the original *istD. The original is the one to get if you are looking at one of the first generation Pentax DSLRs. This way you will get a pentaprism viewfinder, optional battery grip, and other pro features.

Ivan Glisin · 01-09-2011, 01:27 AM - **1 Like**

*ist DS, *ist DL, *ist DS2, *ist DL2, K100D, K110D and K100D Super are basically the same hardware platform with minor variations, but they all share the same 6MP sensor so expect identical image quality from all of them.

K100D adds shake reduction, K100D Super also support for SDM lenses.

I have *ist DS and I am not willing to part with it. It is very simple camera to use, small and easy to carry around, and with great image quality. Compared to the latest bodies, AF is slower, there is no wireless flash support, color LCD screen is smaller, slowish continuous FPS rate (but I never use it), no shake reduction (although it is added to K100D).

If you can find one lightly used, or any from 6MP family, get it. Perhaps avoid *ist DL/DL2 (no AF point indicators and a few other corners cut).

Just recalled, you can go here and check the differences:

Pentax Cameras | Pentax K-5 vs. Pentax K-r vs. Pentax K-x - Pentax DSLR Comparison - PentaxForums.com

Ivan Glisin · 01-09-2011, 01:30 AM

Originally posted by Spock

All the later *ist cameras were just cut down versions of the original *istD. The original is the one to get if you are looking at one of the first generation Pentax DSLRs. This way you will get a pentaprism viewfinder, optional battery grip, and other pro features.

*ist DS/DS2 retained pentaprism, but the rest of the 6MP bodies are indeed with pentamirror and somewhat smaller and darker viewfinders.

**Ash** · 01-09-2011, 04:05 AM

If you're after TTL flash capability, then the *ist D (best of the series) or *ist DS is the way to go. But if this isn't a concern, then I'd suggest the K100D Super.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-09-2011, 05:54 AM

Originally posted by Ash

If you're after TTL flash capability, then the *ist D (best of the series) or *ist DS is the way to go. But if this isn't a concern, then I'd suggest the K100D Super.

+1

The *istD is the camera to get for TTL flash and legacy glass. Otherwise step up to the 10pm bodies

TaoMaas · 01-09-2011, 06:25 AM

When my wife wanted to get into photography, we bought her a used *istD. It is a great little camera! It's every bit as solidly built as my K10D. I only have two small gripes with it. #1 is that it uses Compact Flash cards. That's not a huge issue, but it means she and I can't swap cards. #2 is it's write speed. It seems to take forever for the pic to come up on the LCD. Even with those minor quibbles, my secret plan is to buy her a new Kx (she wants a pink one) so that I can steal her *istD to use as my carry-around camera.

Spock · 01-09-2011, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by TaoMaas

it uses Compact Flash cards. That's not a huge issue, but it means she and I can't swap cards.

Yes you can - get a CF-SD card adaptor.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-09-2011, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by Spock

Yes you can - get a CF-SD card adaptor.

That's what I use , but I also have 20gig CF

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Anybody want to share their Photos taken from your K Series Cameras	music_lover	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	06-10-2010 05:02 PM
Fujifilm S Pro Series Cameras	jct us101	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	15	04-24-2010 07:21 PM
Did the A-series cameras have identical shutters?	Sluggo	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	6	04-07-2010 10:28 AM
New fimware for Samsung GX series Cameras	BarneyCG	Pentax DSLR Discussion	2	04-10-2007 04:05 AM

01-09-2011, 12:29 AM	#1
gryphon Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 9	ist series cameras After weighing all the pros and cons I have pretty much made up my mind to go with a used Pentax over the Canon 350d I had originaly started looking for. A little while ago I posted a question about the k100d and k110d cameras and thought I had pretty much nailed it down to go with either of those. Recently however someone suggested to me that I look into the ist series and in particular the IST DS (if I recall correctly). I see that it's a fairly early model of Pentax DSLR although it got good reviews. It was replaced by the K series but was supposed to have some good points that were left out or changed in later entry level cameras. There must be some members here who own one and I'd really like to get some feedback. I will probably use it for a year or so and then either sell it or keep it as a backup and go with one of the weather resistant cameras. My old camera (non dslr) bit the dust so I'd like to pick up a replacement soon.

01-09-2011, 12:43 AM	#2
Abstract Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 388	I am not so sure the advantages/disadvantages myself, but If you like the idea of weather resistant some guy on Ebay sells them new for like 379 which is pretty low, no clue what your budget is though. Pentax *ist will probably run you 100-150 less though I assume which is nice so if its a fit, go for it...Just a thought.

01-09-2011, 12:56 AM	#3
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674	All the later ist cameras were just cut down versions of the original istD. The original is the one to get if you are looking at one of the first generation Pentax DSLRs. This way you will get a pentaprism viewfinder, optional battery grip, and other pro features.

01-09-2011, 01:27 AM - 1 Like	#4
Ivan Glisin Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Belgrade Posts: 656	ist DS, ist DL, ist DS2, ist DL2, K100D, K110D and K100D Super are basically the same hardware platform with minor variations, but they all share the same 6MP sensor so expect identical image quality from all of them. K100D adds shake reduction, K100D Super also support for SDM lenses. I have ist DS and I am not willing to part with it. It is very simple camera to use, small and easy to carry around, and with great image quality. Compared to the latest bodies, AF is slower, there is no wireless flash support, color LCD screen is smaller, slowish continuous FPS rate (but I never use it), no shake reduction (although it is added to K100D). If you can find one lightly used, or any from 6MP family, get it. Perhaps avoid ist DL/DL2 (no AF point indicators and a few other corners cut). Just recalled, you can go here and check the differences: Pentax Cameras \| Pentax K-5 vs. Pentax K-r vs. Pentax K-x - Pentax DSLR Comparison - PentaxForums.com

01-09-2011, 01:30 AM	#5
Ivan Glisin Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Belgrade Posts: 656	Originally posted by Spock All the later ist cameras were just cut down versions of the original istD. The original is the one to get if you are looking at one of the first generation Pentax DSLRs. This way you will get a pentaprism viewfinder, optional battery grip, and other pro features. *ist DS/DS2 retained pentaprism, but the rest of the 6MP bodies are indeed with pentamirror and somewhat smaller and darker viewfinders.

01-09-2011, 04:05 AM	#6
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	If you're after TTL flash capability, then the ist D (best of the series) or ist DS is the way to go. But if this isn't a concern, then I'd suggest the K100D Super.

01-09-2011, 05:54 AM	#7
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by Ash If you're after TTL flash capability, then the ist D (best of the series) or ist DS is the way to go. But if this isn't a concern, then I'd suggest the K100D Super. +1 The *istD is the camera to get for TTL flash and legacy glass. Otherwise step up to the 10pm bodies

01-09-2011, 06:25 AM	#8
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	When my wife wanted to get into photography, we bought her a used istD. It is a great little camera! It's every bit as solidly built as my K10D. I only have two small gripes with it. #1 is that it uses Compact Flash cards. That's not a huge issue, but it means she and I can't swap cards. #2 is it's write speed. It seems to take forever for the pic to come up on the LCD. Even with those minor quibbles, my secret plan is to buy her a new Kx (she wants a pink one) so that I can steal her istD to use as my carry-around camera.

01-09-2011, 08:26 AM	#9
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674	Originally posted by TaoMaas it uses Compact Flash cards. That's not a huge issue, but it means she and I can't swap cards. Yes you can - get a CF-SD card adaptor.

01-09-2011, 11:22 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by Spock Yes you can - get a CF-SD card adaptor. That's what I use , but I also have 20gig CF

ist series cameras

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!