Pentax *ist DS2
Posted by Steve on March 28th, 2006
Overview
The Pentax *ist DS2 is a digital SLR camera, aimed at the ambitioned photography beginner who would like to enter the digital SLR world and is looking for a reasonably priced camera that is easy to use and offers both automatic and manual controls to support a learning photographer. The *ist DS2 is the successor of the *ist DS and is equipped with a 6.1 megapixel image sensor and a large 2.5 inch LCD display. The *ist DS2 is capable of shutter speeds up to 1/4000th of a second and supports ISO sensitivity up to 3200.
Available Reviews
Specifications
Resolution: 6.1 megapixels
Exposure Modes: Auto Picture mode, Picture mode , Program AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual, Bulb
Shutter Speed: 1/4000 - 30 sec., bulb
LCD Display: 2.5 inch TFT
Sensitivity: ISO 200/400/800/1600/3200
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N), Flash, Manual setting
Image Format: RAW, JPEG
Storage Media: SD card
Built in Flash: yes
Battery: 4 AA type batteries, 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries
Weight: 17.8 oz. / 505g, body only
Press Release
PENTAX Imaging Company announced today it will continue to expand its digital SLR line with another new model and accessories.
The latest model, the PENTAX *ist DS2 digital SLR camera, comes equipped with a large, high-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and a high-magnification glass pentaprism viewfinder for a large, clear view at every stage of digital photography from shooting to playback to editing. With its enhanced operability and maneuverability, the new *ist DS2 assures high-quality digital SLR photography to photographers of all levels.
“Following in the footsteps of the *ist DS, our most popular digital SLR to date, the *ist DS2 is a user-friendly camera that is an ideal digital SLR choice for use by families that include beginning and more advanced photographers,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.
PENTAX also announced another DA lens and an auto flash unit for use with the latest digital SLR and the entire line of PENTAX digital SLR cameras.
PENTAX will ship the smc PENTAX DA 12mm-24mm F4 ED AL [IF] lens in October 2005. First announced earlier in the year, the latest digital SLR lens offers ultra wide-angle coverage and exceptional optical performance for digital SLR users. The smc 12mm-24mm marks the eighth lens product offering developed by PENTAX that is optimized for digital SLR sensors.
PENTAX also unveiled an AF540FGZ auto flash unit featuring a large guide number of 54 (at ISO100/m). This clip-on, twist/tilt, auto-zoom flash provides a variety of advanced flash applications, including P-TTL auto flash, high-speed synchronization and wireless P-TTL auto flash, when mounted on a PENTAX SLR camera.
Availability of the PENTAX *ist DS2 digital SLR is September 2005.
The 12-24 lens will ship for under $900. The AF540FGZ auto flash will ship in October 2005 for under $400 US.
(source: Pentax)