Pentax *istDS2

Pentax has launched a followup to the *istDS, appropriately called the Pentax *istDS2. It features the large 2.5 inch LCD of the *istDL but retains the bright pentaprism viewfinder of the *istDS. It will also feature automatic ISO adjustment. It should be available in September but only in Japan and perhaps USA, not in Europe.

The Pentax *istDS2 has a large 2.5 inch display.

Impressions

Steve’s Digicams offers some conclusions: The first thing that strikes you about the *ist DS2 is its diminutive (for an SLR) size ––– Its small size does not diminish its ergonomic qualities, however; the *ist DS2 is comfortable to hold and its controls are both logically organized and easy to operate.
The eye level viewfinder is bright and informative. ––– I found the *ist DS2's viewfinder a pleasure to use, and I think you will too.
We were pleasantly surprised half-way through our test with the arrival of the Pentax DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED/AL zoom lens. ––– At an MSRP of $799, the Pentax DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED/AL is not inexpensive, but it's one of the best super wide angle zoom lenses on the market.
At an MSRP of $799 without a lens, the *ist DS2 will appeal primarily to users of Pentax film SLR's seeking to move to digital while preserving their investment in lenses.

Lens Choice & Use

Please see the *istDS page.

Links

Steve’s Digicams review Pentax *istDS2
PCWatch (DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED) First Review (Japan)
ZDNet Japan *istDS2
Japanese photos (*istDS, *istDS2, *istDL) PCWatch Longterm Test 8
Pentax flash info Pentax *istDS2
IR and modding by Jens Rösner Working with the Pentax *ist DS
Japanese blog with fine photos It is not possible to live without *istDS
Photozone review by T Wong.
Digital Photography Review Pentax SLR Talk Forum
megapixel.net Pentax *istDS review
Steve’s Digicams Pentax *istDS
PhotographyBLOG Pentax *istDS
Phil Askey dpreview.com Pentax *istDS Review
Mo’s Talk Forum Pentax FAQ
Pentax *istDS FAQ
Pentax *istDS SLR Digital Camera Sample Photos PBase Photo
Pentax Lens Wiki Main
Pentax Lens Compatibility Chart

I love my *istDS, it handles just like an SLR should
with the convenience of digital storage.