Support Camera Labs by price checking using the flags below



RSS Feed Camera Labs RSS Feed




Latest camera reviews

Olympus Stylus µ 1050 SW
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Pentax Optio W60
Panasonic Lumix FZ28

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77
Canon PowerShot SX10 IS
Canon PowerShot A2000IS
Canon PowerShot G10
Canon IXUS 870 / SD 880IS
Sony Alpha A900
Canon EOS 50D
Nikon D90
Panasonic Lumix LX3
Canon EOS 1000D / XS
Nikon D700

Olympus E-520
Canon EOS 450D / XSi
Sony Alpha A350

Panasonic Lumix TZ5


All reviews ....
   
 
  Latest DSLRs
     



Canon
Olympus
Pentax
Nikon
Panasonic
Sony
     
 
  Best Buys: our top models
     



Compacts / Super-zooms
Budget DSLRs / Mid-range DSLRs / Semi-pro / Lenses
   
 



   
 



Camera Labs Forum

Any questions, comments or a great tip to share? Join our Forum and let everyone know.
   
 
  DSLR Tips



 
Pentax *istDL review with 18-55mm f3.5~5.6 DA lens Gordon Laing, December 2005


 



 




Pentax *istDL introduction

Pentax *istDL digital SLR




The *istDL is Pentax's latest budget digital SLR. Launched in June 2005, it comes less than a year after the earlier *istDS and while both models have much in common, including 6 megapixel resolution, seriously compact dimensions, the ability to use almost any Pentax lens and, it must be said, an equally unpronounceable name, the new DL simplifies some features to meet a lower price point.

The main differences are as follows: the AF has been simplified from an 11-point system to 3-points, the continuous JPEG shooting buffer reduced from eight to five frames, and the Penta-prism swapped for a cheaper, but lighter Penta-mirror.

The Pentax *istDL isn't all about reducing features though. Its 2.5in screen is not only bigger than its predecessor, but is one of the largest, most detailed screens of any digital SLR, budget or otherwise.

In this review we'll take an in-depth look at the Pentax *istDL, comparing it with its rivals along with pointing out the differences with its predecessor. The unit we tested was running a final production firmware version 1.0.

Please visit our Budget DSLR Buyer's Guide for an update of the best buys around right now.

UPDATE: Also see our Pentax K10D review / video tour and our Pentax DA 40mm and 70mm lens review / video tour.



Support this site by checking prices US / UK

or shopping via our affiliate stores



All words, images, videos and layout, copyright 2005-2009 Gordon Laing. May not be used without permission.

About Us / How we test / Best Buys / Home