In summary
Smaller and lighter than its main competitors, the Pentax *istD features the same 6.1-megapixel CCD as the Nikon D70 and Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. Features include a pop-up flash with five selectable modes but no flash output adjustment (one of the *ist D’s few major omissions). A hot-shoe is provided for optional external flash units. The viewfinder is large, bright and informative and the 1.8-inch LCD monitor is backlit for improved viewing. Focusing is fast and accurate with most subject types and focus area selection is provided, with 11 selectable points. Over- and under-exposure warnings are also provided in manual mode. These warnings are duplicated on the top LCD panel as blinking shutter speed and aperture displays. . . [more]
Full review
Smaller and lighter than its main competitors, the Pentax *istD features the same 6.1-megapixel CCD as the Nikon D70 and Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. Features include a pop-up flash with five selectable modes but no flash output adjustment (one of the *ist D’s few major omissions). A hot-shoe is provided for optional external flash units. The viewfinder is large, bright and informative and the 1.8-inch LCD monitor is backlit for improved viewing. Focusing is fast and accurate with most subject types and focus area selection is provided, with 11 selectable points. Over- and under-exposure warnings are also provided in manual mode. These warnings are duplicated on the top LCD panel as blinking shutter speed and aperture displays.
The *ist D performed very well under test, delivering images with excellent tonal balance and high colour accuracy. Shots taken in bright conditions had a nice wide dynamic range and low-light shots were virtually noise free – with and without noise reduction. With the standard settings, images have fairly neutral levels of sharpness and saturation but both parameters can be boosted either in-camera or with post-capture with editing software. The flash performed well but its output level is not adjustable.
Strengths:
- Excellent picture quality and natural colour balance
- Accurate metering
- Low noise up to ISO 800
- Bright, easy-to-use viewfinder with good magnification
- Fast start-up, data storage
- Selectable colour space options
Weaknesses:
– ISO range starts at ISO 200
– Continuous shooting limited to 9 frames at 2.6fps
– No histogram with instant playback
– Poorly designed CF card compartment [BG05]
Full review in Issue 14 (December 2003/January 2004)
Specifications
Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.7mm CCD sensor with 6,310,000 photosites (6.1 megapixels effective)
Lens mount/LMF: Pentax KAF/1.5x
Image file formats: RAW, uncompressed TIFF, JPEG
Shutter Speed Range: 30-1/4000 sec plus Bulb.
Storage Media: CompactFlash Type I/II and Microdrive.
Dimensions (wxhxd): 129 x 94.5 x 60mm (body only)
Weight: 550g (body only)
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