Pentax Announces *ist D Digital SLR

August 2003: Pentax Corporation has released details of its new 6-megapixel *ist D interchangeable lens digital SLR, which claims to be the lightest DSLR body on the market.
The *ist D measures 129 x 94.5 x 60mm and weighs only 550 grams (without batteries and card) and has a stainless steel chassis that makes it tough and shock resistant. Features of the new camera include a CCD sensor with an effective image area of 23.5 x 15.7 mm (LMF=1.5x) and an effective resolution of 6.1 megapixels, a responsive SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11-point AF sensor, 16-segment multi-pattern metering, a 1.8-inch LCD monitor and compatibility with many Pentax 35mm lenses.

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The new camera also boasts a bright viewfinder with a compact glass pentaprism and an innovative “Hyper” operating system, which supports easy access to most user-adjustable functions. Diopter adjustment from -2.5 to +1.5m^-1 is provided. The *ist D’s 11-point AF sensor is displayed in the viewfinder and users can select individual focus points via a special ‘select’ mode that is provided in addition to the standard auto and spot modes.
As well as the expected P/A/S/M exposure modes, the *ist D offers a new ‘Hyper Program’ mode that allows photographers to adjust the exposure program via the Tv and/or Av dials without re-setting the exposure program. It also allows accurate control of aperture and/or shutter speed settings in Metered Manual operation. High-shutter-speed-priority, depth-priority and MTF-priority programs have been added as options via the custom functions menu.
The *ist D supports 22 user-adjustable custom functions, as well as continuous shooting as 2.6 fps for up to six frames. Top shutter speed is 1/4000 second, with flash synch at 1/150 sec. Three alternative power sources can be used: 4x AA batteries, 2x CR-V3 lithium cells or an optional AC adaptor. Images can be stored on Type I or Type II CompactFlash cards or large-capacity Microdrives. JPEG, TIFF and RAW file formats are supported.

Other noteworthy controls include a choice of three white balance modes – auto, preset (with 8 settings) and manual – and the inclusion of a histogram display for both shooting and playback. The camera is due for release in the fourth quarter of this year and is expected to be priced in the vicinity of $3000 (body only).
Announced concurrently with the *ist D are two new Pentax lenses that have been designed for compatibility with the new DSLR camera. The smc Pentax-FA J Zoom 18mm~35mm F4~F5.6 AL supports a focal length range equivalent to 27.5mm~53.5mm in the 35mm format and will be released at the time of the *ist D’s market launch. The smc Pentax-DA Zoom 16mm~45mm F4 ED AL will offer anequivalent focal length to 24.5mm~69mm and is the first model of the compact DA series exclusively designed to match the *ist D’s CCD size. Its marketing date has yet to be announced.
Details of all products can be found at www.pentax.com or www.crkennedy.com.au.
Footnote: The film version of the Pentax *ist was recently awarded the TIPA ‘Best 35mm SLR Camera in Europe 2003-2004’ Award.