Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

6.1MP, 3008x2008, 3x Opt - MPN: 18033 See Product Details

Product Details of Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Description

The *ist DS defies convention. Weighing less than 18 ounces, this super-light, ultra-compact marvel boasts one of the world's smallest camera bodies yet houses an impressive array of features for astonishing image clarity and performance. A 6.1 megapixel CCD with advanced processing technology for high-definition images rich in gradation and saturation. Interchangeability with a wide selection of existing PENTAX lenses for convenience and versatility. An 11-point autofocus with SAFOX VIII for quick and accurate focus. And a host of user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a large two-inch LCD monitor and data panel, and an innovative Auto Picture mode for fast and effortless operation. All packed into an attractive, sturdy casing. The perfect blend of portability and performance, the *ist DS is the ideal traveling companion for beginners and advanced photographers of every level.This digital SLR camera comes with smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The PENTAX smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 is recommended for use with digital cameras. Ideal for beginners, it provides a focal length covering a wide to moderate wide-angle range. Like all PENTAX lenses, the smc P-DA 18-35mm F4-5.6 zoom lens is treated with PENTAX's acclaimed smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast while minimizing flare and ghost imaging.

Quick Glance

Memory Type: MultiMedia Card (MMC), SD Memory Card

LCD Screen Size: 2 in

Camera Type: Interchangeable

Lens Mount: Pentax KAF2

Weight: 17.8

Summary

Product Title: Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Manufacturer: Pentax

Power Score: 3.9 | 20 Reviews

Image Processor

Image Sensor: CCD

Total Pixels: 6100000

Lens Features

Camera Type: Interchangeable

Lens Mount: Pentax KAF2

Max Aperture: 3.5 1/f

Storage

Memory Card Support: MultiMedia Card (MMC), SD Memory Card

Other Features

LCD Screen Size: 2 in

Flash: Built-in Flash, Accessory Shoe, TTL Auto Flash

Interface Connection: USB - Universal Serial Bus, Video - Out (Unspecified)

Dimensions

Height: 3.6 in

Width: 4.9 in

Depth: 2.6 in

Weight: 17.8 oz

Reference

Warranty Information: 1 Year Limited Warranty

URL: Manufacturer Link

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Reviews on Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

  • 4
  By member: jinyu1 - Dec 19, 2004

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

I had a Minolta Maxxum 5 with a couple of lens, but I still bought the Pentax *ist DS due to its size and weight. The Maxxum 7D is way bigger and heavier. I also had a bunch of SD cards, so using SD card is also a plus for me. After a couple of hundred frames, I’m a very happy user. I’d recommend you buy one if you don’t have existing heavy investment on other brands, or if you are just...

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  • 5
  By member: heykuya - Jun 26, 2005

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Strengths: Very easy to use, Has all the features of a point shoot and all the features of an SLR, excellent picture quality in jpeg and raw format, and best of all, it uses Secure Digital cards.

Weakness: None so far!!!

If your looking to make a switch for your point and shoot to digital SLR, look no further. *ist DS made it simple for me to jump into the realm of DSLR photography. I'm a total beginner when it comes to SLR camera's, but with *ist DS user friendly interface it gave me a feeling that other DSLR's could not, CONFIDENCE!!!. Everything on this camera from the Mode dial (which looks like the mode dial...

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  • 5
  By member: leochan - Jan 20, 2005

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Strengths: SLR (you get what you see) Light weight, easy to use, friendly menu

Weakness: Color is a bit on the cold side, especially when used indoors. Flash is too strong when used closed to the object.

This is a great product. I only have it for 10 days but I'm loving it. This is the first SLR digital camera for me so all the thrills I got is probably just because of that. I have owned many point and shoot digital cameras and the first one I had was bought in 1997. That should tell you how hard I have tried with point and shoot and hope for something that would make me happy. 8 years later I...

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  • 5
  By member: yunchu - Jun 8, 2005

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Strengths: Lightweight and very compact. Can use cheap manual lenses. Uses 4 AA batteires, easily available especially when you travel Viewfinder is big (even bigger than Canon 20D), good for MF

Weakness: AF speed is a little slower at low-light situation

Pentax *ist DS is very compact, but the grip is very comfortable to hold. LCD is very bright and big (2.0"). Viwfinder is big and easy for manual focusing. With bright and natural mode and adjustable saturation, contrast, sharpness, you can produce impressive pictures for landscape and portrait pictures. You can find cheap MF lens if you dont' want to spend too much on lens and still enjoy the...

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  • 5
  By member: bezboruah - Mar 21, 2005

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Strengths: Small, Light, SD compatible, takes standard battery types

Weakness: does eat up batteries quick

This is my first dSLR Camera. Making the switch from point and shoot to SLR is certainly is a little complicated and will take some getting used to. Fortunately, the camera comes with a thorough and detailed manual to help beginners start their dSLR shooting on the right track. The Camera is quite small and light for a SLR camera. It has one of the best LCD screen I've ever seen on a digital...

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  • 4
  By member: yoyokopo - Apr 15, 2005

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Strengths: USB2, handy size, bright and wide viewfinder, batteries choice, build quality. Excellent battery life.

Weakness: Focusing in low light can take a couple of second, but the picture is accurate.

This camera has not let me down. I bought this product with the pentax DA 18-55mm lens. Ergonomically, this camera feels nice in the hand with an excellent grip. Overall, the controls are good, small and handy with 15-55mm zoom lens. There is also advantage of a whole loaf of older pentax mount lenses.

  • 5
  By member: rexrzer2005 - Dec 29, 2005

*ist DS Packs a Big 1-2 Quality Punch

Strengths: Excellent weight, balance, case; easy to use click-wheel mode selector; good quality OEM lens (18mm-55mm); uses NiMH AA rechargeable batteries; shoots RAW format; uses almost all Pentax lenses

Weakness: None

My previous SLR was a Pentax SF1-N film camera(1990), and it finally wore out its winding mechanism (not fixable), so there I was with a bevy of Sigma and Pentax lenses and no SLR. Enter the *ist DS (and what a name!) just in time. I've been using the *ist DS for more than 11 months, shooting everything from Macro subjects like coins, and butterflies, to NASCAR racing events, and the camera has...

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  • 5
  By member: TOMBELL1 - Sep 20, 2005

PENTAX 1ST DS

Strengths: COMPACT. SOLID. COMFORTABLE. BIG VIWFINDER. CLEAR LCD. USE ALL PENTAX OLD LENSES. FEELS RIGHT IN THE HAND

Weakness: THE 18-55 PENTAX LENS IS NOT AS SHARP AS IT COULD BE. none the less a bargain at the price

I really love this camera. I had an old ME Super but had used Nikon F3 / FE2 for years. However I much prefered the feel of this to the Nikon ( too bulky) and the viewfinder was so much clearer. The back is clear but you do need to find your way around the menus. There have been comments about JPEGs being less good. Not in my opinion. Through the bundled lens the camera occasionally underexposes....

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  • 4
  By member: wcpunx3 - Apr 8, 2005

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Strengths: Large LCD Display, Interchangeable lenses, Can use AA batteries, 6.3 MPX are excellent, User-friendly scroll wheel for menu

Weakness: Semi-professional camera still could have been more solidly built (small rubber piece broke), Some features are hidden in the menu and can be difficult to find because there are so many features

I made the jump from the Pentax ZX-30 35mm SLR Camera because the *IST DS is compatible with most Pentax Lenses (digital or 35mm). The colors are as vibrant as film. Manual lenses capability and extra features (like night mode) make taking pictures in low-light situations easy. Also, it takes consecutive shots as well as my ZX-30. It has only been a few weeks, but you can get lost in the menus...

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  • 4
  By member: eugenesr - Jan 30, 2005

Pentax ist DS Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

Strengths: The *ist DS is lightweigh and well balanced. The automatic functions work surprisingly well, often better than the manual settings.

Weakness: Some of the settings that I would want to set shot-by-shot are buried deep in the menus, others are fairly easy to access. Cannot use the LCD Monitor while shooting pictures.

The *ist DS (awkward name, that) is easy to use for the novice although the number of settings and skimpy documentation can lead the hobbyist to become a bit overwhelmed. Menu items are not all aranged in a logical way which makes me look here... then there and then here again for he setting that I need. The fact that some of MY preferred settings - such as sharpness, color saturation, and...

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  • 4.0
  tomshardware.com - Nov 7, 2005

Single-Core CPUs Ain't Dead Yet

Digital single lens reflex cameras are produced in various price ranges and models by the major manufacturers, and are now being sold widely to the general public. With so much interest, it's only logical that models are appearing that are aimed at a broader market. The Nikon D50 and Pentax *istDL are two examples of SLR models that are more accessible - due both to lower price as well as greater...

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  • 2.8
  PCWorld - Aug 1, 2005

Pentax *ist DS

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

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