Pentax *ist DL2 Review

The first new digital SLR announced by Pentax since the company revealed an alliance with Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung, the Pentax *ist DL2 is also available under the partner's name as the Samsung GX-1L. The DL2 has a sensor resolution of six megapixels, and accepts lenses using the Pentax KAF lens mount. Focusing can be controlled automatically or manually, and uses a 5-point phase detection system to determine focus. Images can be framed using a fixed molded penta-mirror optical viewfinder, and reviewed on a 2.5" LCD display. A choice of program, aperture- and shutter-priority or manual exposure modes; 16-segment multi, center-weighted or spot metering; shutter speeds from 30 - 1/4000 second; user-selectable ISO sensitivity from 200 - 3200 equivalent, plus ten white balance modes including fully manual white balance lets your creative juices flow, but offers automatic control for fun snapshots. A four-mode flash strobe and eight scene modes are also available, along with a two or twelve-second self timer.

The *ist DL2 stores images on optional Secure Digital or MultiMediaCards, in either Raw (uncompressed) or JPEG (compressed) formats. Connectivity includes both NTSC / PAL switcheable video output and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed computer link, as well as a DC input connection for powering the camera when batteries are impractical (in a photo studio, for example). Power otherwise comes from a four AA or 2 CR-V3 batteries including disposable types, offering a little extra versatility when you're on the road and can't get to a power point to charge up.