Small, light and 6 megapixels
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18 months after the embarrassment of abandoning its MR-52, a very ambitious attempt at a 6 megapixel digital SLR (click here) with a full-size (35mm film frame size) sensor chip, Pentax has bounced back and today takes the wraps off the enigmatically named Pentax *ist D.
The *ist D can mount practically any K-series 35mm lens, from non-AF through to the latest specification KAF2 lenses and using an adapter you can also fit 645 and 67 medium format lenses.
Pentax claims the *ist D is the smallest and lightest digital SLR body. It's based on a 35mm donor body, also called '*ist'. An APS-sized 6.1MP CCD sensor is employed, following the similar trend set by Fujifilm with the FinePix S1/S2 Pro, Canon D30/D60 and Nikon D-series models.
This means that when you use 35mm system lenses, there is a focal length shift of 50%, making a 28mm wide angle, for example, behave more like a 42mm near-standard lens. But Pentax is very keen to point out that the pentaprism in the viewfinder optical path has been redesigned to match the sensor size instead of simply masking the focus screen. This should mean that the *ist D will present its user with a spacious and bright view through the finder, comparable to a typical films SLR, which is not something all DSLRs can claim.
Other specification highlights include a new 16-segment metering system, SAFOX VIII 11-point AF system, with focus points ilumminated in the viewfinder when active.
Shooting can be at a rate of up to 2.7 frames per second, though we're not sure for how many frames, maximum, in a continuous burst.
A compact flash (I/II) slot takes care of memory card requirements and it is microdrive compatible. The camera can be controlled by a PC over a USB 1.1 link. RAW data format is offered and is supplied with the necessary image processing software. TIFF and the ubiquitous JPEG image formats are also provided.
On the power side, four AA batteries or a pair of disposable CR-V3 lilthium batteries can be used. Pentax is planning to include a pro-style rechargeable battery pack/grip in the accessory line up as well.
Following Nikon's example, Pentax has developed a 'digital' lens - specifically for the *ist D. Designed specifically with the smaller digital sensor in mind, its 18-35mm actual focal length is equivalent to a 35mm wide angle zoom range of 28-54mm. At f/4-f/5.6, this smc Pentax-FA J Zoom isn't especially bright and the press release we've received doesn't indicate the ISO sensitivity range on offer.
Pentax also states that it intends to release additional digital-only lenses around autumn later this year.
The *ist D is scheduled for release in June or July. The potential for success with the *ist D probably boils down to price, of which there is no indication from Pentax at this stage. But as I write this story, Canon's press release for their new EOS-10D, which has a very similar sounding specification to the *ist D, has arrived and its expected selling price in the UK is £1499 inc.VAT, considerably cheaper than the D60 it replaces.
www.pentax.co.uk
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Official Pentax UK press release:
The New PENTAX Lens-interchangeable Digital SLR Camera
We are pleased to enclose our draft for the press release of the new lens-interchangeable digital SLR Camera, the PENTAX *ist D.
The New PENTAX Lens-Interchangeable Digital SLR Camera
— Sample to be displayed at PMA, CeBIT, and PHOTOEXPO, spring 2003 —
PENTAX Corporation has successfully developed a lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera — an innovation that delivers the clarity of 6.1 effective megapixels and satisfies the requirements of various kinds of users. This new advance will be showcased at PMA 2003* (the largest exhibition for photographic equipment in the US), at CeBIT 2003** (the largest exhibition for IT-related products in Europe), and at PHOTOEXPO 2003*** (one of Japan’s most comprehensive photographic fairs).
* Photo Marketing Association: March 2-5, Las Vegas, US.
** March 12-19, Hannover, Germany.
*** March 14-16, Tokyo, Japan.
[Product outline]
Product name : PENTAX *ist D
Expected launch : June/July 2003
[Major features]
1) 6.1 effective megapixels
Employing a high-performance CCD with dimensions of 23.5mm x 15.7mm and embracing unique image processing technology, the *ist D achieves impressive 6.1 effective megapixel resolution for the recording of precise, superior quality images.
2) The world’s smallest, lightest body*
The architecture of the *ist D has been specially designed to combine the utmost in compact dimensions with surprisingly light weight. Indeed, with dimensions of just 129mm (5.0") x 95mm (3.7") x 60mm (2.3") (width x height x depth) and a weight of just 510g (18 oz.) (not including batteries), the *ist D is the smallest, lightest lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera available.
* As of February 27, 2003. Based on test model specifications.
3) A wide range of compatible PENTAX lenses for flexible shooting
A wide range of compatible PENTAX lenses are available for use with the *ist D, allowing the user to compose satisfying scenes regardless of the type of subject.*
*Compatible lenses: K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required). Some functions may not activate depending on the choice of lens.
4) New pentaprism viewfinder
An optical pentaprism viewfinder was developed especially for the *ist D. This makes viewing easy with an ample 95% field of view and 0.95X magnification. There is also a superimposed display function which assists composition by illuminating the AF points in red.
5) Other features
- New 16-segment metering system achieves more accurate exposure
- New 11-point AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) realizes enhanced focusing
- Fast 1/4000 sec. shutter speed and high-speed flash sync at 1/150 sec.
- Continuous shooting at approx. 2.7 fps
- 2-dial system separates aperture and shutter speed settings
- With individual dials for shutter and aperture selection, Hyper program makes it
easy to switch between Shutter-Priority AE and Aperture-Priority AE.
- Hyper manual let you achieve the proper exposure with simple button operation.
- Custom function allows functionality to be tuned to satisfy user preferences
- Noise reduction function activates for long exposures
- Compatible with MicroDrive™ and CompactFlash™ Type I/II
- Compatible with widely available AA batteries (4 of)
or CR-V3 lithium-ion batteries (2 of)
- PC-based camera control and easy data transmission with USB 1.1 compatibility
- 1.8 inch, 118,000-pixel LCD monitor for easy, high-precision viewing
- Convenient playback functions, such as nine image- and 12X magnification-display
- Choice of JPEG, TIFF and RAW recording formats
- Comes complete with software compatible with RAW format data
- Special battery grip (expected to go on sale at the same time as the *ist D)
[Interchangeable lenses]
PENTAX also presents a new wide angle lens for 35mm AF SLR cameras, which will also be displayed at PMA 2003, CeBIT 2003, and PHOTOEXPO 2003 together with the *ist D. Its structure is comprised of 12 elements in 10 groups and it has a focal length equivalent to 28-54mm in 35mm format when used with the *ist D.
Product name : smc PENTAX-FA J Zoom 18-35mm F4-5.6 AL
Expected launch : June/July 2003 (same as that of the *ist D)
In its quest for ever higher performance combined with compact dimensions, PENTAX has been developing lenses compatible with the new PENTAX digital SLR camera. PENTAX aims to launch these in fall 2003.
Note: Specifications and capabilities may be changed without notice.
