Features

6.1 effective megapixels for outstanding image reproduction

Incorporating a large sized CCD (effective image area: 23.5mm by 15.7mm) and driven by high-performance data processing circuitry, the *ist D offers impressive 6.1 effective megapixels to capture super-clear, high-resolution digital images and accurately reproduce subtle hues and fine details.

One of the world’s smallest, lightest body with a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis

Thanks mainly to PENTAX’s industry-leading 3D CAD design technology and a newly developed super-compact glass pentaprism, the *ist D measures only 129mm (5.1") wide, 94.5mm (3.7") high and 60mm (2.4") thick, and weighs a mere 550 grams (19.4 ounces) without batteries.

Compatibility with 35mm-format lenses and accessories

Featuring the acclaimed PENTAX K lens mount used in conventional 35mm-format SLR cameras, the *ist D accepts a large number of existing 35mm-format interchangeable lenses — including zoom lenses and special-application lenses — and accessories to accommodate diversified photographic requirements and maximize creativity and image quality.**
** Some restrictions and conditions may apply to certain lenses and accessories.

Bright, high-precision viewfinder with superimposed AF-point display

Exclusively designed to complement the high-performance CCD, the *ist D’s viewfinder offers a super-clear, high-precision view of the subject at a magnification of 0.95 times (with a 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity, -1m^-1), improving focusing accuracy in manual focus operations and assuring precise framing. The display system offers a wide range of information to keep the photographer informed of the camera’s operational status at the shooting position. The *istD is comes equipped with a built-in diopter adjuster with an adjustable range of -2.5 to +1.5m^-1.

High-precision 11-point autofocus with SAFOX VIII

Thanks to the newly developed SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus system, the *ist D’s 11-point AF sensor covers a wide area of the image field, both horizontally and vertically, with exceptional speed and precision, even under poor lighting conditions. Nine of the 11 AF sensors are a horizontally extended, cross-shaped type, sensitive to both horizontal and vertical lines, improving focusing accuracy and aligned to effectively cover the middle section, while two additional sensors, only sensitive to horizontal lines, are positioned at each side of this section. In addition to the versatile “Auto” mode and the pinpoint “SPOT” mode, the *ist D offers the innovative “SELECT” mode, which allows the photographer to select one of the 11 AF sensor points using the four-way controller on the back panel. The user-selected sensor point is superimposed in the viewfinder with a red LED indicator.

Sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering

The *ist D’s sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering system solves even the most complicated lighting conditions efficiently and instantaneously to produce beautifully exposed images frame after frame. Spot and centre-weighted metering modes are also available to accommodate specialized applications.

Multi-mode exposure system with flexible “Hyper” operations

The *ist D features a sophisticated exposure system with six distinctive exposure modes. In addition to the all-purpose Green Program mode and the conventional Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and Bulb modes, it also comes equipped with the innovative “Hyper” exposure modes, which were originally developed by PENTAX to simplify camera operations and maximize creativity. The Hyper Program mode allows the photographer to instantly shift the exposure program using the Tv and/or Av dials without the trouble of resetting the exposure modes. The Hyper Manual mode allows fingertip adjustment of shutter and/or aperture settings in Metered Manual operation. In both Hyper modes, the photographer can instantly jump back to the original program or settings using the IF button. In the Hyper Program mode, the user can choose from the High-Shutter-Speed-Priority, Depth-Priority or MTF-Priority programs as the default program, rather than Normal program, using one of the custom functions.

User-adjustable custom functions

The *ist D features 22 user-adjustable custom functions, allowing the photographer to pre-program important camera functions to suit individual preferences. The user-selected function is clearly displayed on the LCD image monitor for at-a-glance confirmation.

Continuous shooting at 2.6 frames per second

In the continuous AF mode, the *ist D is capable of successively recording up to six frames with the noise reduction function off, at a speed of 2.6 frames per second making it possible to capture the flow of the subject’s motion.

1/4000-second high-speed shutter with 1/150-second flash sync

The *ist D offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze the decisive moment of the subject’s action or motion. It also offers a high flash synchronization speed of 1/150 second to create dramatic flash images using large apertures.

Versatile multi-source power supply (AA-sized batteries, lithium batteries and AC adapter)

The *ist D can operate from three different power sources to maximize user convenience. In addition to the two accompanying CR-V3 batteries and the optional AC adapter, the *ist D can be powered by four AA-sized batteries (lithium, Ni-MH or alkaline), which are commonly available around the world. The optional battery grip can also be combined with the batteries to accommodate extended photo sessions.

Storage media compatibility (MicroDrive™ and CompactFlash™
Type I and II)

The *ist D accepts the widely available CompactFlash™ Type I and II memory cards and the large-capacity MicroDrive™ for high storage volume and fast access speed. In addition, it is capable of accepting CompactFlash™ cards incorporating Write Acceleration Technology (manufactured by Lexar Media, Inc.).

High-precision 1.8-inch LCD image monitor and multi-data status LCD monitor

Located on the back panel, the 1.8-inch 118,000-pixel LCD monitor allows the instant viewing of a just captured image and the playback of recorded images with exceptional clarity and high precision. Positioned at the upper right corner of the top panel, the status LCD monitor provides a host of information on the camera’s operational status at a glance.

USB 1.1 compatibility for PC-based camera control and easy data transmission

Using the supplied USB cable, image files stored in the *ist D can be easily uploaded to a computer and swiftly imported to a range of applications. The optional “PENTAX REMOTE Assistant” software (available soon) offers remote release of the camera shutter from the computer as well as additional functions including interval shooting and direct uploading of image files to the computer’s hard disk without first storing them on the camera’s storage medium.***
*** System requirements: PC running on Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP, or Mac OS 9 or higher (installation of the included driver software is required.)

Convenient playback functions

Using the large image LCD monitor, the *ist D features four convenient playback modes: (1) The single-frame mode displays capture images one by one and allows the photographer to magnify a selected image up to 12 times; (2) The multi-frame mode lets the photographer view nine recorded images simultaneously; (3) The quick view mode shows a just captured image for one, three or five seconds; (4) The slide show mode automatically displays captured images one after another at an interval of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 seconds.

Choice of recording formats (JPEG, TIFF and RAW) and image file sizes

The *ist D offers a choice of three recording formats: compressed JPEG, and uncompressed TIFF and RAW. The user can select one of three file sizes (“L” at 3008 x 2008 pixels, “M” at 2400 x 1600 pixels, and “S” at 1536 x 1024, 1152 x 768 or 960 x 640 pixels) and one of five image quality levels (good, better, best, TIFF and RAW) to meet specific requirements.

Versatile white balance control

The *ist D offers a choice of three white balance modes: “Auto,” “Preset” and “Manual.” The preset mode allows the instant selection of one of eight different white balance settings, while the manual mode recalls one of three settings preset by the user with pushbutton ease.

Histogram display

Exposure levels can be displayed in graph form on the LCD image monitor during both shooting and playback, allowing the photographer to check the images with greater accuracy.

Standard software for RAW-format data and browser

Enclosed in the *ist D kit, the S-SW10 CD-ROM contains the RAW-format data processing software “PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory” and the browser software “PENTAX PHOTO Browser.”

Noise reduction during extended exposure

The noise reduction function can be activated at slow shutter speeds to eliminate the annoying digital noise that may spoil the quality of captured images.

Exclusive accessories

Powered by four AA-sized batteries or two CR-V3 batteries, the optional D-BG1 battery grip prolongs the *ist D’s operation time. It can be mounted onto the bottom of the *ist D without removing the battery stored inside the camera, so the battery life is extended considerably. It also comes equipped with a vertical-position shutter release button, a preview lever, Tv/Av dials and an AE lock button. The optional O-CC10 camera case stores an *ist D camera body set with a standard zoom lens and features an inside pocket to hold a lens cap and the optional remote controller.

Multi-function auto flash

When set in a pop-up position, the built-in auto flash automatically discharges in the dark and against backlight to provide supplemental illumination on the subject. Its red-eye reduction function helps the photographer avoid the annoying red-eye effect in the subject’s eyes in flash portraits.** The flash can be activated or turned off manually to create specific visual effects or to comply with flash restrictions.
** This feature does not eliminate red eyes in all instances.

Creative shooting modes: auto bracketing and multiple exposure

The auto bracketing function enables the capturing of three different exposures of the same subject — proper, under- and over-exposure — with a single shutter release. The photographer has a choice of three orders (proper/under/over, under/proper/over, and over/proper/under) and six exposure ranges (±0.3EV, ±0.7EV and ±1.0EV in 1/3EV increments; ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV and ±1.5EV in 1/2EV increments).

Auto power off

The power is automatically turned off when the *ist D is left unused for 10 minutes. Using one of the custom functions, the user can also select the stand-by time of 30 seconds, 1, 3, 5, 15 or 30 minutes, or de-activate this function completely.

Remote shutter release

Using the optional remote controller, the photographer can release the shutter from a distance with a three-second delay or instantly.

Electronic self-timer

The electronic self-timer delays the shutter release by either 12 seconds or 2 seconds (with the mirror locked up), allowing the photographer to become part of the picture with the family and friends.

Depth-of-field preview

Turning the main switch to “preview” position provides instant confirmation of the depth of field (in-focus area) for a selected aperture.

AE lock and exposure compensation

The AE lock function provides sufficient time to the photographer to recompose the image by memorizing the measured exposure settings for a pre-designated period of time, selectable from six settings between six seconds and one minute. The exposure compensation function allows the photographer to intentionally shift the exposure within a range of either ±3EV in 1/2EV increments or ±2EV in 1/3EV increments to create the desired visual effect.

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