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Equipment TestDrive: Pentax *ist D

It may have the strangest name of any camera we’ve seen, but the new Pentax D-SLR is a capable camera

By The Editors

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The *ist D is the first digital SLR from Pentax. Weighing just 19.4 ounces and measuring 5.1x3.7x2.4-inches, it’s considerably lighter than most current D-SLR models, but still has the functionality that you’d expect in a full-featured D-SLR.

The *ist D’s 6.1-megapixel CCD image sensor is the size of an APS film frame, resulting in a magnification factor of about 1.5x when using 35mm lenses. Owners of Pentax 35mm lenses (as well as some Pentax medium-format lenses) will be able to attach many of those lenses to the camera. The *ist D employs the Pentax KAF mount for compatibility with KAF2-, KAF- and KA-mount lenses. Pentax K-mount, S-mount and even Pentax 67 and 645 lenses also can be used, though with some restrictions. You’ll need an adapter to attach S-mount and 67/645 format lenses.

The camera employs the new SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus system with an 11-point AF sensor. The metering system is sophisticated as well, with 16-segment multi-pattern metering to overcome the trickiest lighting situations. If you prefer to work in Center-weighted and Spot modes, you have those options, too. The *ist D offers six exposure modes, including Manual, Program, Aperture- and Shutter-priority modes, plus Bulb. You also can adjust exposure modes for specialty applications through the camera’s Custom Function options.

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