[Ole]

The Pentax *istDL2 resembles the *istDS2 but was offered at a lower price point made possible by replacing the pentaprism with a pentamirror and removing some features, hereunder TTL flash support and display of the active AF point in the viewfinder. The *istDL2 was only offered in select markets. Compared to the *istDL, the DL2 has electronic preview in addition to optical depth of field preview, and is has 5 autofocus points rather than 3.

Pentax *istDL2
Year introduced 2006	Availability Discontinued	Mount KAF2 (without coupling for aperture ring)	Meter range 1 to 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
Restrictions Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M		Program modes Normal, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night-scene Portrait, Flash Off
Scene Modes None		Exposure compensation +/-2 EV	Exposure lock Yes
Shutter speeds (auto) 30s - 1/4000s (stepless)	Shutter speeds (manual) B, 30s - 1/4000s	Mirror lock-up Yes	Self timer / Interval shooting Yes / No
Continuous shooting 2.8 fps up to 5 frames		Shake reduction No	Auto bracketing Yes (3 frames)
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	Extra external flash functions Wireless, High-speed, Contrast control
Autofocus Yes (SAFOX VIII, 5 focus 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 Yes	Live view No	Video/Movie Mode No
Movie mode restrictions Not applicable	Sound in Movie mode Not applicable	Camera controls 1 control wheel. Most functions accessed through menus	Custom Functions 18
Sensor 6.1 MP CCD	Image size 15.8 x 23.6 mm	Color Depth 3 x 12 bit (RAW)	Dust removal / alert No / No
Pixel mapping No	File format PEF, JPG	Memory card type SD (SDHC with firmware upgrade)	Tethering No
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	Latest firmware Version 1.02

Attached Images

   

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Last edited by Ole; 02-12-2011 at 02:02 PM.

[Arjay Bee]

This camera was my first foray into DSLR and is now in use by my son. While it has Program mode and all the scene modes it also allows manual, TV and Av modes which is great for learning on. I used it hard for two years for all manner of image making situations before moving to the K20D. The 6mp Sony sensor was great but with the usual Pentax bias for underexposure to avoid burnt out highlights.
The DL2 has the larger rear screen and is alleged to have a modified algorithm making better pictures from the sensor data than the DL or indeed the DS bodies. Small in size and light in weight the camera is almost pocketable with a small prime lens on. Use of AA batteries is convenient in some respects esp. with eneloops or similar but still don''t get the mileage of Lithiums.
Reasons I moved on - no shake reduction, small image size, no weather/dust sealing

[RonHendriks1966]

Pros	small and handy camera
Cons	not yet detected
Rating	7
Price	70 euro including 2 lenses
Years Owned	2010

I can recommend this camera: Yes

Value, Features, Performance & Size
For me a good deal, so never to be dissapointed.

Camera Review
I just this week bought the Samsung GX-1L wich is the clone of the Ist DL2. Great little camera. Just for snapshots for the moment. Never hada digital from those days, and it's very nice.

[Postumus]

Pros	Simple but effective
Cons	No shake reduction , 6.1 Mpix
Rating	7
Price (U.S. Dollars)	Unsure AU$900-AU$1000-???
Years Owned	about 4 years

I can recommend this camera: Yes

Value, Features, Performance & Size
One of the original style Pentax DSLR's. Very good performer with the DA 18-55AL lens. Only 6.1 Mpixels. No shake reduction. Great with the older style manual lenses. Strange Japanese product name.

Camera Review
This was my first DSLR. Seems like I had it a lifetime! (only 4 years). Rugged and very usable. Still use it today as a backup and in places I want to protect my K-7 from.

Most functions accessable through assorted menu screens. Takes a bit to find sometimes. But it does keep the number of buttons on the back to a minimum. The Manual/Auto Focus button is located in a rather difficult way. Also the PC in connection is very small and hard to orientate the correct way (come on Pentax, just a little larger please!)

I find the AA batteries a bonus for this camera, not a negative like a previous reviewer. The 'Ist DL2' can be bought very cheaply now on Ebay. Eye relief of the eyepiece is good, as I can see the whole field with my spectacles on. Highly recommended for beginners on a budget.