Istds as k30 backup?

link81 · 10-16-2013, 04:49 PM

I found a good deal on a low shutter count *ist ds that I'm thinking about picking up.
Here's my thought process
1. Will give me a camera for my kids to learn on if they're interested.
2. Supports ttl flash's
3. A backup is always good
4. I've read that it does pretty darn well at low ISO's
5. I can keep a k-m42 adaptor in it and use it as a "simple" manual camera.

While I think the k30 will for the most part remain my primary, keeping the ist as a dslr-42 camera sounds pretty good. I also have some less expensive auto focus zooms I can stick on there when the kids want to try it out.

Ideas, opinions?

Adam · 10-16-2013, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by link81

I found a good deal on a low shutter count *ist ds that I'm thinking about picking up.
Here's my thought process
1. Will give me a camera for my kids to learn on if they're interested.
2. Supports ttl flash's
3. A backup is always good
4. I've read that it does pretty darn well at low ISO's
5. I can keep a k-m42 adaptor in it and use it as a "simple" manual camera.

While I think the k30 will for the most part remain my primary, keeping the ist as a dslr-42 camera sounds pretty good. I also have some less expensive auto focus zooms I can stick on there when the kids want to try it out.

Ideas, opinions?

The ist DS is antiquated. Unless you really want the TTL flash or want to give it to your kids, I think you'd be better off getting a used K-x, K-r, or even a K-30 if you can get a good price.

link81 · 10-16-2013, 05:01 PM

I know the ist is over 10 years old. But, honestly some of the pictures I've seen from them are amazing. ( granted it's the photographer more then the equipment)

It really would be a kids camera first an a m42 camera second. Keeps the kids grubby clumsy hands off my precious :-)

treebeard · 10-16-2013, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by link81

I know the ist is over 10 years old. But, honestly some of the pictures I've seen from them are amazing. ( granted it's the photographer more then the equipment)

It really would be a kids camera first an a m42 camera second. Keeps the kids grubby clumsy hands off my precious :-)

I hear you on that. I am thinking about picking one up too so my 8 year-old can learn with and I can use as well. I know it's only 6.1MP but it was one of my favorite Pentax bodies.

Nick Siebers · 10-16-2013, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The ist DS is antiquated. Unless you really want the TTL flash or want to give it to your kids, I think you'd be better off getting a used K-x, K-r, or even a K-30 if you can get a good price.

This is just not correct, Adam. I have both a K-5 and an *ist DS, and if I really want a nice picture under good conditions, I will reach for the DS every time. The 6 MP CCD sensor produces lovely images, ones that I personally prefer to those from my K5. Now I may have a bad K5, who knows, but the DS was better than a K20d I had for a while as well.

I put an S-type screen in mine, to make it easier to manually focus with fast lenses. You can get one for a K10 or K20 pretty readily, and they are interchangeable. I would highly recommend one for the OP.

link81 · 10-16-2013, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the confirmation that I'm not crazy. (Alright I'll leave the jury out on that one:-)

I have a busted up me super I might pull the screen out of any try and from it down to fit the ist. I have a micrometer and can check thickness difference. Maybe I'll get lucky. Worst case I'm out nothing but some time. Best case I have a free split screen :-)

Adam · 10-16-2013, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by Nick Siebers

This is just not correct, Adam. I have both a K-5 and an *ist DS, and if I really want a nice picture under good conditions, I will reach for the DS every time. The 6 MP CCD sensor produces lovely images, ones that I personally prefer to those from my K5. Now I may have a bad K5, who knows, but the DS was better than a K20d I had for a while as well.

I put an S-type screen in mine, to make it easier to manually focus with fast lenses. You can get one for a K10 or K20 pretty readily, and they are interchangeable. I would highly recommend one for the OP.

I didn't say it couldn't take good pics- it's just old and you can do much better without spending very much more

6Mp images look very nice out of camera! But if you scale the K-5's files, they will look at least just as good. The DS2 was my first Pentax and I really enjoyed it!

Adam
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**Just1MoreDave** · 10-16-2013, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by link81

Thanks for the confirmation that I'm not crazy. (Alright I'll leave the jury out on that one:-)

I have a busted up me super I might pull the screen out of any try and from it down to fit the ist. I have a micrometer and can check thickness difference. Maybe I'll get lucky. Worst case I'm out nothing but some time. Best case I have a free split screen :-)

That screen idea is crazier than the camera idea.

My bad experience may have affected my judgment on that. I think the ME screen is pretty solidly in the camera too.

Kids will think no live view is weird. I think many who didn't start out with one will agree with Adam. Operation is sometimes slow and some features aren't there. It's hard to say what a fair price would be. No question, the shots are great, though.

**Just1MoreDave** · 10-16-2013, 10:07 PM

The *ist DS is superior in one unheralded way. It is 100% Pentax branded: PENTAX on the front, PENTAX on the back, PENTAX on the strap, PENTAX Corporation on the baseplate.

Pioneer · 10-16-2013, 10:57 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

The *ist DS is superior in one unheralded way. It is 100% Pentax branded: PENTAX on the front, PENTAX on the back, PENTAX on the strap, PENTAX Corporation on the baseplate.

One of my favorite cameras.

Seriously, it may only be 6 mp but the tonal quality of the images really is very nice. If your enlargements do not exceed 8x10 it will work great. If you go much further then that things do start to break up.

While I do agree with Adam that it is old technology, and that the K5 images can produce similar image quality if you down sample, the reality is that very, very few people actually do this.

It is very light, compact and surprisingly tough. Split image focus screens are readily available making it very easy to use manual focus without having a noticeable affect on the exposure algorithms.

IMHO it makes a wonderful backup or even a great first digital SLR.

atupdate · 10-17-2013, 04:34 AM

Originally posted by Pioneer

Seriously, it may only be 6 mp but the tonal quality of the images really is very nice. If your enlargements do not exceed 8x10 it will work great. If you go much further then that things do start to break up.

I have several 11"x14" prints hanging on my wall that were taken with my DS and the kit lenses. I've also find the image quality to be more than acceptable at ISO 1600.

ISO 1600

Hanging on my walls

If the price is right, I say go for it.

Tim

link81 · 10-17-2013, 05:09 AM

1600 isn't bad, i see a little grain, but nothing you'd really notice in 4x6 or 5x7. Those other 2 are amazing.
The camera has 8x shutter clicks, and is just under a hundred bucks. That seems to be below average ebay price. So its not a screaming good deal, but i don't think its a bad one either.

I really like that it is 100% pentax, not sure why, but i do.
I also like that it has a standard DC 5v input jack, unlike the k30 which requires an adapter to use a power supply. Opens up some easy possibilities for really long shutter exposures or interval shooting.

I'm thinking of the camera as more of a fiml camera then a dslr, pray and spray isn't really an option here at 2.8 fps for 5 shots

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

That screen idea is crazier than the camera idea. My bad experience may have affected my judgment on that. I think the ME screen is pretty solidly in the camera too.

yeah, no kidding, i got it out, but its a good thing the me was junk anyway, because its never going back together.

GibbyTheMole · 10-17-2013, 05:56 AM

I've had two of 'em. I don't care how old they are, they're a fine camera that takes great photos. They're not as good at high ISOs as a K-x, (which I now have) but otherwise, you can't go wrong with it as long as the price is right. I wouldn't go over $125 on the body, though.

kadajawi · 10-20-2013, 04:16 AM

I also love my istDS. In terms of usability an improvement over the K-30.

link81 · 10-20-2013, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by kadajawi

I also love my istDS. In terms of usability an improvement over the K-30.

the istDS is a usability improvement over the K-30? how so? Please explain more if you could, i'm intrigued.

10-16-2013, 04:49 PM	#1
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459	Istds as k30 backup? I found a good deal on a low shutter count *ist ds that I'm thinking about picking up. Here's my thought process 1. Will give me a camera for my kids to learn on if they're interested. 2. Supports ttl flash's 3. A backup is always good 4. I've read that it does pretty darn well at low ISO's 5. I can keep a k-m42 adaptor in it and use it as a "simple" manual camera. While I think the k30 will for the most part remain my primary, keeping the ist as a dslr-42 camera sounds pretty good. I also have some less expensive auto focus zooms I can stick on there when the kids want to try it out. Ideas, opinions?

10-16-2013, 04:58 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by link81 I found a good deal on a low shutter count ist ds that I'm thinking about picking up. Here's my thought process 1. Will give me a camera for my kids to learn on if they're interested. 2. Supports ttl flash's 3. A backup is always good 4. I've read that it does pretty darn well at low ISO's 5. I can keep a k-m42 adaptor in it and use it as a "simple" manual camera. While I think the k30 will for the most part remain my primary, keeping the ist as a dslr-42 camera sounds pretty good. I also have some less expensive auto focus zooms I can stick on there when the kids want to try it out. Ideas, opinions? The ist DS is antiquated. Unless you really want the TTL flash or want to give it to your kids, I think you'd be better off getting a used K-x, K-r, or even a K-30 if you can get a good price. Adam* PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-16-2013, 05:01 PM	#3
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459 Original Poster	I know the ist is over 10 years old. But, honestly some of the pictures I've seen from them are amazing. ( granted it's the photographer more then the equipment) It really would be a kids camera first an a m42 camera second. Keeps the kids grubby clumsy hands off my precious :-)

10-16-2013, 05:19 PM	#4
treebeard Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Windham, NH Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	Originally posted by link81 I know the ist is over 10 years old. But, honestly some of the pictures I've seen from them are amazing. ( granted it's the photographer more then the equipment) It really would be a kids camera first an a m42 camera second. Keeps the kids grubby clumsy hands off my precious :-) I hear you on that. I am thinking about picking one up too so my 8 year-old can learn with and I can use as well. I know it's only 6.1MP but it was one of my favorite Pentax bodies.

10-16-2013, 07:14 PM	#5
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	Originally posted by Adam The ist DS is antiquated. Unless you really want the TTL flash or want to give it to your kids, I think you'd be better off getting a used K-x, K-r, or even a K-30 if you can get a good price. This is just not correct, Adam. I have both a K-5 and an *ist DS, and if I really want a nice picture under good conditions, I will reach for the DS every time. The 6 MP CCD sensor produces lovely images, ones that I personally prefer to those from my K5. Now I may have a bad K5, who knows, but the DS was better than a K20d I had for a while as well. I put an S-type screen in mine, to make it easier to manually focus with fast lenses. You can get one for a K10 or K20 pretty readily, and they are interchangeable. I would highly recommend one for the OP.

10-16-2013, 07:18 PM	#6
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459 Original Poster	Thanks for the confirmation that I'm not crazy. (Alright I'll leave the jury out on that one:-) I have a busted up me super I might pull the screen out of any try and from it down to fit the ist. I have a micrometer and can check thickness difference. Maybe I'll get lucky. Worst case I'm out nothing but some time. Best case I have a free split screen :-)

10-16-2013, 07:27 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Nick Siebers This is just not correct, Adam. I have both a K-5 and an ist DS, and if I really want a nice picture under good conditions, I will reach for the DS every time. The 6 MP CCD sensor produces lovely images, ones that I personally prefer to those from my K5. Now I may have a bad K5, who knows, but the DS was better than a K20d I had for a while as well. I put an S-type screen in mine, to make it easier to manually focus with fast lenses. You can get one for a K10 or K20 pretty readily, and they are interchangeable. I would highly recommend one for the OP. I didn't say it couldn't take good pics- it's just old and you can do much better without spending very much more 6Mp images look very nice out of camera! But if you scale the K-5's files, they will look at least just as good. The DS2 was my first Pentax and I really enjoyed it! Adam* PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-16-2013, 08:24 PM	#8
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by link81 Thanks for the confirmation that I'm not crazy. (Alright I'll leave the jury out on that one:-) I have a busted up me super I might pull the screen out of any try and from it down to fit the ist. I have a micrometer and can check thickness difference. Maybe I'll get lucky. Worst case I'm out nothing but some time. Best case I have a free split screen :-) That screen idea is crazier than the camera idea. My bad experience may have affected my judgment on that. I think the ME screen is pretty solidly in the camera too. Kids will think no live view is weird. I think many who didn't start out with one will agree with Adam. Operation is sometimes slow and some features aren't there. It's hard to say what a fair price would be. No question, the shots are great, though.

10-16-2013, 10:07 PM	#9
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	The *ist DS is superior in one unheralded way. It is 100% Pentax branded: PENTAX on the front, PENTAX on the back, PENTAX on the strap, PENTAX Corporation on the baseplate.

10-16-2013, 10:57 PM	#10
Pioneer Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wandering the Streets Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,411	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave The *ist DS is superior in one unheralded way. It is 100% Pentax branded: PENTAX on the front, PENTAX on the back, PENTAX on the strap, PENTAX Corporation on the baseplate. One of my favorite cameras. Seriously, it may only be 6 mp but the tonal quality of the images really is very nice. If your enlargements do not exceed 8x10 it will work great. If you go much further then that things do start to break up. While I do agree with Adam that it is old technology, and that the K5 images can produce similar image quality if you down sample, the reality is that very, very few people actually do this. It is very light, compact and surprisingly tough. Split image focus screens are readily available making it very easy to use manual focus without having a noticeable affect on the exposure algorithms. IMHO it makes a wonderful backup or even a great first digital SLR.

10-17-2013, 04:34 AM	#11
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,723	Originally posted by Pioneer Seriously, it may only be 6 mp but the tonal quality of the images really is very nice. If your enlargements do not exceed 8x10 it will work great. If you go much further then that things do start to break up. I have several 11"x14" prints hanging on my wall that were taken with my DS and the kit lenses. I've also find the image quality to be more than acceptable at ISO 1600. ISO 1600 Hanging on my walls If the price is right, I say go for it. Tim

10-17-2013, 05:09 AM	#12
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459 Original Poster	1600 isn't bad, i see a little grain, but nothing you'd really notice in 4x6 or 5x7. Those other 2 are amazing. The camera has 8x shutter clicks, and is just under a hundred bucks. That seems to be below average ebay price. So its not a screaming good deal, but i don't think its a bad one either. I really like that it is 100% pentax, not sure why, but i do. I also like that it has a standard DC 5v input jack, unlike the k30 which requires an adapter to use a power supply. Opens up some easy possibilities for really long shutter exposures or interval shooting. I'm thinking of the camera as more of a fiml camera then a dslr, pray and spray isn't really an option here at 2.8 fps for 5 shots Originally posted by Just1MoreDave That screen idea is crazier than the camera idea. My bad experience may have affected my judgment on that. I think the ME screen is pretty solidly in the camera too. yeah, no kidding, i got it out, but its a good thing the me was junk anyway, because its never going back together.

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10-17-2013, 05:56 AM	#13
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	I've had two of 'em. I don't care how old they are, they're a fine camera that takes great photos. They're not as good at high ISOs as a K-x, (which I now have) but otherwise, you can't go wrong with it as long as the price is right. I wouldn't go over $125 on the body, though.

10-20-2013, 04:16 AM	#14
kadajawi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 2,799	I also love my istDS. In terms of usability an improvement over the K-30.

10-20-2013, 08:33 AM	#15
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459 Original Poster	Originally posted by kadajawi I also love my istDS. In terms of usability an improvement over the K-30. the istDS is a usability improvement over the K-30? how so? Please explain more if you could, i'm intrigued.