7.2 out of 10

Pentax *ist

Information found in: from 64 sources in 10 countries.

Best Price: $499

  • User Score (4)
    9.5 9.5 from 4 reviewers
  • Expert Score (1)
    6.0 6.0 from 1 reviewer
  • Buzz Index: 5/5
  • Activity: 1/5

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The Pentax *ist is the second of Pentax’s digital SLR cameras. Many photographers value the *ist for having tons of flexibility in a small, light format. Pentax doesn’t scrimp on the LCD monitor – it’s a full 2” making it very easy to see the results of your efforts. The company also designed smart in that they made the camera back-compatible with older lenses. This is a huge value to the consumer who doesn’t want to pay for add-ons twice.

Pentax shows some really smart design ideas in the *ist in addition to the compatibility and monitor. For example, there’s a rubberized hand grip on the front and a space for your thumb on the back. This makes it less likely that you’ll drop the *ist, which sometimes happens with something so small and light. There’s also a door that houses your memory card and PC connectors, keeping them safe from dampness and other external issues.

The majority of the controls for the Pentax *ist are on the back of the camera. There you’ll find a menu, the delete button, and playback button. Especially watch for the “FN” button – this gives you access to the functions you most frequently use on the camera in one quick step. No matter what function you’re using, the Pentax *ist has relatively clear menus that can “talk” to the user in 9 languages! For users who want pre-programmed settings, the Pentax *ist has several including “landscape” and “portrait,” something I really like. The built in flash has a high speed option when using higher end film.

The Pentax *ist comes complete with USB and AV cables and a neck strap. There’s a very detailed user’s manual and one set of batteries so you can begin shooting out of the box. You will, however, need to get a battery card for the system. Additionally, the Pentax *ist comes with Photo Browser and Photo Laboratory software, and a CD that explains various lenses and accessories you can consider for your camera.

There’s no question that the Pentax *ist holds its own with othe DSLR cameras. It’s very user friendly and easily connects to a home computer for downloading your pictures.

Review Summary

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Effortless performance and classic good looksDon’t let its diminutive size fool you. As one of the world’s smallest cameras in the 35mm Auto Focus SLR category, the 11.8 ounce PENTAX *ist is loade...

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  1. Reviewer: Macworld
    19 May 2006
    Overall 6
    6.0
     

    With a street price of around $600 and a basic feature set, the Pentax ist DL offers a good entry-level option for aspiring digital SLR shooters on a budget. The ist DL provides all of the automatic and manual controls that most photographers need, wrapped in a small body with a simple control layout. Unfortunately, the camera suffers from many of the same image quality problems as its predecessor, the ist DS ( ). The ist DL is a very well designed camera... Read more

  2. Reviewer: Newbie
    17 October 2004

    The Pentax *ist 35mm Auto Focus camera is one of the world's smallest in the Auto Focus SLR category. It integrates beauty, style and user-friendly advanced features that produces creative results. These features include multi-mode exposure system, 16-segment multi-pattern metering system, 11 point autofocus system; 1/4000-second high-speed shutter, large LCD panel with multi-data LCD viewfinder indicator Retractable auto pop-up flash, high-speed motor at a speed of 2... Read more

  3. Pentaxs *ist 35mm Camera

    Reviewer: Shutterbug
    01 January 2004

    With its seven Program modes, flash with automatic pop-up feature, automatic focus point selection, and simplicity of operation, the Pentax *ist is a great choice for SLR novices. And yet, this camera will also satisfy the serious photographer thanks to its many advanced features, 17 custom functions, and great reliability. (Portrait Program; flash; FA 28-90mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom; Kodak Max 400.) Read more

  1. Pentax istD

    I recently aquired a Pentax istD digital camera and would appreciate comments.I need the version 1.0 photo browser software as I did not get the original install cd....( any ideas ) but I'm having a tough time locating this software. The camera's default version is 1.0......-: Thank You

    forum.digitalcamerareview.com: Read more

  2. Using Pentax *ist as spot meter.

    forum.photo.net: 27 August 2007 Read more

  3. PENTAX introduces the Pentax *ist DL

    forum.digitalcamerareview.com: 06 January 2005 Read more

  4. pentax ist ds broken flash base

    hi all i dropped my pentax ist ds camera with an external flash attached and the entire base and wires broke and detached. anyone have a wiring diagram or fotos of the inside of the camera that shows where these wires can be soldered to?? there are 6 wires and i figured out where two of...

    forum.photo.net: 03 December 2007 Read more

  5. Soligor flashes for Pentax IstDs

    Hello with all, in fact all or almost is in the title of the message! Indeed I would like to know if somebody tested this flash (SOLIGOR DG 420 Z) on Pentax IstDs.....et if all the functions are quite operational (P-TTL in particular) as it is announced on this bond . Thank you in advance with those, if necessary, which would have tried out this flash. [eBay link edited for length; text edited slightly to incorpor...

    forum.megapixel.net: 30 June 2006 Read more

Video Reviews

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