Pentax *ist DS

price, performance, usability, portability, durability

design, software, reliability

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

usability, portability, price, performance, image quality

94% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Shoots well in auto mode

Smaller-size CCD

This Pentax does have one distinct advantage over most of today's digital SLRs: While the vast majority of them employ proprietary rechargeable batteries, the Pentax uses two disposable CR-3Vs or four AAs. That means you can buy your own rechargeable...

Shoots well in auto mode

Smaller-size CCD

A no-brainer if you own Pentax lenses, this smallish camera shot well in auto mode, but its smaller-size CCD is a drawback.

Speedy buffering and file writing ; Very good image quality when shooting in Raw mode ; Good build quality ; Well-designed control layout ; Good feature set

Lowest ISO speed is 200 ; Detail problems and over-saturation issues when shooting in JPEG mode

Well constructed. Easy to operate. Works with all Pentax film lenses. Mirror lockup for CCD cleaning. Uses standard double-A batteries.

Limited feature set. Relatively slow recycle time. Some functions require too many button pushes.

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Responsive in use, good buffering feels faster than other 'budget D-SLR' models Compact and lightweight, yet still has good ergonomics Good auto focus, relatively quick, accurate Large viewfinder view provides an 'eye full' of the scene (x0.95...

Average resolution in JPEG mode, images can look over-processed, better to use RAW Over-saturated default color setting, can lead to channel clipping Natural Image tone setting should have had at least some sharpening included Edge demosaic artifacts...

The *ist DS is one of those cameras which grows on you, it's certainly compact and well put together but when you first pick it up you'd be forgiven for thinking it's a bit basic. In actual fact it packs more features and controls than most other...

The Pentax *ist DS is a very good entry-level digital SLR that manages to achieve the difficult task of being easy to use without sacrificing functionality. The *ist DS will more than satisfy all those people who are keen to upgrade from a film-based...

Definitely a winner! Perfect for serious photographers and beginners alike thanks to a full set of manual settings and program modes for the experienced photographer and Auto Pict mode for the newbies. In fact, Auto Pict works so well, experienced...

Rugged, ultra compact/ lightweight body ; most controls are well placed for convenient operation • Designed for simplicity that novices expect, but includes many advanced features ; also compatible (with some restrictions) with manual focus lenses •...

In camera sharpening is set too low ; to correct softness, use the tips provided in the text ; Missing a few features that some experienced photographers demand ; Although raw file conversion is fast, the Photo Laboratory software is only moderately...

In its default settings (without overrides), the Pentax *ist Ds produces images with gentle contrast that's great for holding detail in both highlight and shadow areas. Color saturation is moderate, color fidelity is high, and skin tones are...