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Pentax *istDL2 review
The *istDL2 digital SLR offers the fun and excitement of high-quality SLR
photography to many levels of photographers, even first-time digital SLR
users, at an extremely affordable price. The 6.1-megapixel *istDL2 is
designed to offer optimum holding comfort, outstanding maneuverability and
effortless operation, so that you can experience high-quality digital SLR
photography from your very first photo session.
High-definition, maximum-gradation images with 6.1 effective megapixels -
The *istDL2 offers 6.1 effective megapixels, thanks to its large,
high-performance CCD image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm). Coupled with
PENTAX’s original image processing technology using a high-performance
engine, it produces high-definition images rich in gradation and
saturation. It also offers a choice of finishing touches between
“bright” and “natural” to satisfy user preferences.
Large 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor - The *istDL2 incorporates a large,
high-precision 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor. With approximately 210,000
pixels, this monitor displays recorded images sharply and beautifully for
effortless confirmation of focus and composition, even when the original
image is enlarged by 12 times using the digital zoom capability.
High-precision 5-point AF system - Featuring the advanced SAFOX VIII AF
system incorporating five cross-type wide-area AF sensors, the *istDL2
automatically selects the most appropriate sensor for a given subject. It
also lets you fix the sensor point on the middle sensor for specific
applications. Using the menu screen, you can select the preferred focus
mode between Single AF, which locks the focus when the shutter release
button is half-depressed, and Continuous AF,* which adjusts the focus to
the subject’s movement. * The AF-mode switching function is available
only when the Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE,
Metered Manual or Bulb shooting mode is selected. In the Auto Picture Mode,
Picture Mode or Scene Mode, either the Single AF or Continuous AF mode is
automatically selected by the camera according to the mode in use.
Compact, go-anywhere design - The *istDL2 features a compact, high-rigidity
stainless-steel chassis and a bright viewfinder combining the
PENTAX-original penta-mirror and focusing screen. Combining other advanced
downsizing technologies, such as 10-layer electronic circuit boards and
high-density packaging technology, it offers the outstanding portability.
User-friendly automatic operation - The *istDL2 is equipped with the
innovative Auto Picture Mode, which automatically selects the most
appropriate Picture mode from Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro or
Action for a given subject or situation to assure the optimum combination
of aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast, and
sharpness.
Eight distinctive scene modes - The *istDL2 offers eight different Scene
Modes (Kids, Pets, Candlelight, Museum, Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text
and Sunset) to simplify camera operations for particular subjects or
certain situations. Just select the desired Scene mode on the shooting mode
palette displayed on the LCD Monitor.
Simple, accessible operation system - From the large, easy-to-use mode dial
and the responsive Av/Tv select dial to the multi-function four-way
controller, all switches and dials are designed and laid out for optimum
accessibility and maneuverability. Coupled with its ergonomically designed,
easy-to-hold grip, it assures smooth, flawless operation at every stage of
photography. The user-friendly, multi-data guide screen offers a detailed
description of shooting modes, displays drive, flash and white balance
settings using text and sample photos, and presents a comprehensive list of
all camera settings on the large 2.5-inch monitor.
Auto sensitivity setting - The *istDL2 features an “AUTO” position for
sensitivity setting. In this position, the camera’s sensitivity is
automatically set by the camera, based on such factors as subject
brightness and lens focal length.
Multi-function auto pop-up flash - The built-in retractable flash
automatically pops up in the dark or against backlight, while its P-TTL
control system assures accurate exposure of the subject using a
pre-discharge function. It even features red-eye reduction** and
contrast-control-flash functions. When combined with a large-capacity
accessory flash unit, it offers a greater range of advanced flash
applications. ** This feature does not eliminate red eyes in all instances.
Two preview functions - In addition to the conventional optical preview
function, which allows the photographer to confirm the depth of field in
the viewfinder, the *istDL2 also comes equipped with a new digital preview
function, which allows confirmation of not only the depth of field, but
also the exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on
the LCD monitor.
High-speed 2.8-frame consecutive shooting - The *istDL2 records up to five
images (at “best” image quality in 6 megapixel JPEG format) or three
images (in RAW format) consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames
per second, allowing the user to capture a series of photos of the
subject’s motion.
Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable lenses - The *istDL2 offers the
outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability, letting the user take
advantage of the wide selection of PENTAX interchangeable lenses for use
with diversified subjects and applications.** ** PENTAX K-, K A- , K AF-
and K AF2- mount 35mm-format lenses can be used without an adapter or
modification. PENTAX screw-mount 35mm-format lenses and PENTAX 645- and
67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be
available with certain lenses.
Other features - Eighteen user-programmable custom functions to personalize
camera operations to user preferences SD memory card compatibility Storage
of recorded images in separate day-by-day folders on an SD memory card
1/4000-second high-speed shutter High-speed 2.8 frames-per-second
consecutive shooting Noise-reduction system to minimize annoying digital
noise during extended exposures coupled with the large size of individual
pixels Dual power source, with a choice of two CR-V3 lithium batteries or
four AA-size batteries Effortless PC data upload via USB 2.0 (HIGH-SPEED)
connection Functional playback functions, including 12X zoom display and
nine-image thumbnail display A choice of image format between JPEG (good,
better or best) or RAW Five built-in digital filters (black-and-white,
sepia, slim, soft and brightness) for easy processing of recorded images.
PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.1 RAW-data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO
Browser 2.1 browser software included PictBridge compatibility
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