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Digital SLR Camera: *istDL2
*ist DL2
Features Specification Design Accessories Sample Images FAQ
We are distributing the “*istDL2 FAQ”. The FAQ is based on the most received questions from Japanese customers, so we believe it is useful for your service section.

<General function and specification>
What is the major feature of *istDL2 compared with *istDL?
What is the difference between Digital Preview and Optical Preview?
How long does it take for the camera to start up?
Is there any measure to protect the Dust on CCD?
What is the magnification and the filed of view of the Viewfinder?
What is the filed of view of the LCD monitor?
How long does the date / time stay in memory when the battery is removed?
Does the internal clock run while the battery is removed?
What is the size and resolution of the LCD monitor? Can the brightness be adjusted?
Is the camera equipped a waterproof function?
Is the AF beam function available?
The image tone can be selected Bright or Natural. What is the difference of each?
Why the number of recorded pixels is difference between 6M (3008x2000) of JPEG image and RAW data (3008x2008).
Can I view images on a TV?
What is included in the *istDL2 kit?
Is the *istDL2 equipped with a tripod mount?
Is there an exclusive camera case to the *istDL2?
Can the voice be recorded?

<Storage Medium>
What kind of memory does the *istDL2 for storage?
Why *istDL2 adopted SD memory card as storage media card?
Which SD memory cards can be used?
Can the MMC (Multi-media card) be used with *istDL2?
Does the performance of the SD memory card influence a shooting interval?
How many photos can be stored on a memory card?
Are there any notes about SD memory card?

<Capture and playback>
What is the continuous shooting mode?
Can the remote control be used?
Can take the picture while looking LCD monitor?
Can the Multi Exposure Shooting be used?
Can the Guide display be turned off?
Does *istDL2 equipped suppress hand shake function?
Can Polarizing filter be used?
Can the amount of the flash be compensated?
What is the Hot Spot Warning?
Can the White balance be adjusted manually?
What is the Guide umber of the built- in flash?
What focal length the Built-in flash cover?
Can the built-in flash be used with any type of lens?
Can the flash be used in wireless?
Is the synch terminal for professional flash attached on *istDL2?
Do I have to set mode dial to the Flash off position when built-in flash set in off ?
Does flash pre-fires before taking pictures?
What is the auto picture mode?
Can the external flash be used?
What is the picture mode?
What is the SCN mode?

<Battery and power sources>
What type of batteries does the *istDL2 use?
How many images can I record on a full battery charge? How long can I review pictures with a fully charged battery?
Can the battery grip D-BG1 (for *istD) be used with *istDL2?
Is an optional AC adapter available?

<Lenses>
Can all PENTAX 35mm interchangeable lenses be used?
Can K mount lens be used with *istDL2?
What happen when aperture ring is set at other than (Auto) position?
Can PENTAX 645 lenses, 67 lenses and S (Screw mount) type of lens be used with *istDL2?
Can non-PENTAX interchangeable lens be used?

<Connecting with PC and software>
What is the communicate interface with PC?
What type of computer do I need with *istDL2?
Can the provided application software be used with *istD, DS and DL?
Can the PENTAX REMOTE Assistant be used with *istDL2?

<Others>
Does the the *istDL2 support “PIM III” (PRINT Image Matching III) and “Exif Print” (Exif 2.2)?
Can Refconverter A or M be used?
Does *istDL2 support PictBridge?
How to operate the digital preview?







<General function and specification>

What is the major feature of *istDL2 compared with istDL?
* The Preview can be selected from Digital preview or Optical preview
* The *istDL2 incorporates five auto focus sensors aligned in a cross pattern — one at the center, two at top and bottom, and two at the sides — to form a wide coverage area.
* In addition to the Picture modes, the *istDL2 also offers eight Scene modes — Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, and Museum — for automated convenience
* The folder name can be selected from standard (100PENTX, 101PENTX…) or date (100_0118, 100_0119….)
* Image brightness in the digital filter can be adjusted in 16 steps (from -8 to +8)
* The display of photographic information in the view finder become 20% larger
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What is the difference between Digital Preview and Optical Preview?
Digital preview is for checking the composition, exposure and focus in the LCD monitor.
Optical preview is for checking the depth of field with the viewfinder.
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How long does it take for the camera to start up?
Start-up time for the *istDL2 is approximately 0.8 sec. Start-up time is from turn on the power switch until the LCD panel shows Number of recordable images.
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Is there any measure to protect the Dust on CCD?
There is no special mechanics.
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What is the magnification and the filed of view of the Viewfinder?
Magnification: 0.85x (with 50mmf/1.4 lens at infinity) Field of view: 96%
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What is the filed of view of the LCD monitor?
Approximately 100%
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How long does the date / time stay in memory when the battery is removed?
Does the internal clock run while the battery is removed?
The camera will remember the date/time, and the internal clock will continue to run for approximately 48 hours after the battery is removed.
Note: The above data is based on testing after the camera has already run with a new, fully charged battery for a minimum of 12 hours. A brand new camera that has not yet passed 48 hours with a fully charged battery may display different results.
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What is the size and resolution of the LCD monitor? Can the brightness be adjusted?
2.5 inch [TFT color LCD] with backlight and 210,000 pixel resolution. The brightness can be adjusted.
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Is the camera equipped a waterproof function?
No,
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Is the AF beam function available?
Yes, when you press the shutter release button halfway. The built-in flash will discharge automatically several times, enabling the auto focus to focus on the subject easier if the subject is in a dark area
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The image tone can be selected Bright or Natural. What is the difference of each?
Bright: Bright Images are finished brightly, with high contrast and sharp.
Natural: Natural Images are finished naturally and suitable for retouching
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Why the number of recorded pixels is difference between 6M (3008x2000) of JPEG image and RAW data (3008x2008).
It is specification of image processing software.
The number of recorded pixels for JPEG image is limited to 2008x2000 pixels but RAW data is recordable 3008x2008 pixels and so *istDL2 adopt 3008x2008 pixels.
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Can I view images on a TV?
Yes. By using the AV cable (I-AVC28), you can capture and play back images on a TV that has a Video-In port.
Note: Make sure that both the TV and the camera are turned off before connecting the cable.
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What is included in the *istDL2 kit?
The *istDL2 kit includes the following: *istDL2 camera, Hot shoe cover Fk, Eyecup Fn, ME finder cap, Body mount cover, USB cable (I-USB17), AV cable (I-AVC28), Software CD-ROM (S-SW43),Strap, (0-ST10), AA alkaline batteries, *istDL2 Product Manual, PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.1/Laboratory2.1, Operating Manual.
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Is the istDL2 equipped with a tripod mount?
Yes,
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Is there an exclusive camera case to the *istDL2?
Yes, 0-CC34 is available as optional.

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Can the voice be recorded?
No,
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<Storage Medium>


What kind of memory does the *istDL2 for storage?
The *istDL2 use Secure Digital (SD memory) cards
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Why *istDL2 adopted SD memory card as storage media card?
SD memory cards are widely available as its storage media, not only assuring high-speed recording and readout of image data, but also contributing to the downsizing of the camera body.
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Which SD memory cards can be used?
You should be able to use any SD card in your camera. While Pentax does not guarantee compatibility with any particular manufacturer or model, we have seen consistent compatibility with SD cards from Panasonic (32 / 64 / 128 / 256 / 512MB / 1GB, 2GB), SanDisk (32 / 64 / 128 / 256 / 512MB / 1GB, 2GB), and Toshiba (32 / 64 / 128 / 256 / 512MB/1GB)

* Checked the SD card to 20 MB per second of transmission speed
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Can the MMC (Multi-media card) be used with *istDL2?
No,
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Does the performance of the SD memory card influence a shooting interval?
When using an SD memory card with a slow recording speed it may influence for the number of continuous shooting.
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How many photos can be stored on a memory card?
The following table shows the approximate number of recordable images when using memory cards of various sizes, at different combination of recorded pixels and quality levels.

Size Quality Recordable images
2GB 1GB 512MB 256MB 128MB
6M : 3008×2008 RAW 180 90 46 22 11
6M : 3008×2000 660 330 167 78 34
1214 607 311 149 70
1932 966 498 242 117
4M : 2400×1600 918 459 234 111 51
1614 807 415 201 96
2794 1397 674 330 161
1.5M : 1536×1024 1760 880 453 220 106
2794 1397 722 354 173
4302 2151 1115 549 271

Compression ratio : (Best)=1/3, (Better)=1/6, (Good)=1/12

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Are there any notes about SD memory card?
(1) SD memory card should be format with *istDL2 when use first time or the SD card used with other devices. * The data such as images and voice will be deleted after formatted the SD card
(2) Do not remove SD card or turn off the power while recording the images or connecting the camera with computer via USB cable
(3) We recommend back-up the data regularly

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<Capture and playback>


What is the continuous shooting mode?
Picture can be taken continuously while the shutter release button is held down. The *ist DL2 records up to 5 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second for high-speed consecutive shooting when the noise reduction off.
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Can the remote control be used?
The optional IR remote control F is available as option.
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Can take the picture while looking LCD monitor?
No. The reason is mechanism of Single Lens Reflex Camera.
For take the picture while looking LCD monitor, the CCD needs to catch the right all the time for taking the picture while looking LCD monitor such as compact digital camera.
On the other hand, Single Lens Reflex Camera has mirror at the front of CCD for conducting light through the viewfinder. The CCD catches the light only shutter is opening.
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Can the Multi Exposure Shooting be used?
No,
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Can the Guide display be turned off?
Yes, you can turn the Guide Display On and Off at [Guide display] in the [Set-up] Menu
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Does *istDL2 equipped suppress hand shake function?
No,
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Can Polarizing filter be used?
The Circular type Polarizing Filter (C-PL/ Circular PL) must be used. The normal Polarizing Filter will effect exposure and AF therefore, it can not be used for *istDL2
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Can the amount of the flash be compensated?
Yes, the amount of the flash can be compensated in a range of -2.0 up to +1.0 when select [Flash Exp Comp] in the Recording Menu.
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What is the Hot Spot Warning?
If the [Hot Spot Warning] is selected on the instant Review and playback screens, bright areas in the image blink.
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Can the White balance be adjusted manually?
Yes, you can adjust the white balance depending on the light source when you select the Manual White Balance in the Fn menu.
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What is the Guide umber of the built- in flash?
GNO.15.6 (ISO200/m)
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What focal length the Built-in flash cover?
Angle of coverage: 18mm lens angle of view (equivalent 28mm in 35mm format)
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Can the built-in flash be used with any type of lens?
The PENTAX DA,D FA, FA J, FA and F lens compatibility with the built-in Flash., the built-in flash fully discharges when used the lens that have no aperture A position., also vignetting may occur depending on the lens being used and the capture condition. We recommend taking a test shot to confirm this.
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Can the flash be used in wireless?
Shooting using the flash without connecting the camera and flash with a cord by using two AF360FGZ units. The high-speed sync mode is also available in wireless mode.
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Is the synch terminal for professional flash attached on *istDL2?
No, Combining with flashes from other manufacturers may cause equipment breakdown. We recommend using the PENTAX dedicated automatic flashes.
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Do I have to set mode dial to the Flash off position when built-in flash set in off ?
The built-in flash can be set in off when select Manual discharge in the menu.
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Does flash pre-fires before taking pictures?
Yes, flash pre-fires one time when use built-in flash or 360FGZ with P-TTL mode
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What is the auto picture mode?
The *ist DL2 is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically and instantly selects the optimum combination of exposure settings for a given subject or situation, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges.
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Can the external flash be used?
Yes. P-TTL auto flash function available with PENTAX AF360FGZ, refer to the following table
(Yes: Available #: Restricted No: Not available)
Functions / Flash Built-in Flash AF360FGZ AF500FTZ
AF330FTZ
AF400FTZ
AF240FT
AF140C
Red-eye reduction flash Yes Yes Yes No
Automatic flash discharge Yes Yes Yes Yes
After the flash is charged, the camera automatically switches to the flash sync speed Yes Yes Yes Yes
Aperture is automatically set in P(Program) mode and Tv (Shutter priority) mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Auto check in the viewfinder No No No No
P-TTL auto flash (appropriate sensitivity: 200 to 3200) Yes*1 Yes*1 No No
TTL auto flash No No No No
Slow-speed sync Yes Yes Yes Yes
Flash Exposure Compensation Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rear curtain sync flash *2 #*3 Yes Yes Yes*7
Contrast-control-sync flash mode *2 #*4 Yes Yes No
Slave flash No Yes Yes*5 No
Multiple flash No No Yes*5 No
High-speed flash sync No Yes No No
Wireless flash *6 No Yes No No
*1 When using DA,D FA,FA J,FA,F or A lens.
*2 Shutter speed of 1/90 sec. or slower
*3 Can be combined with AF360FGZ for rear curtain sync flash.
*4 When combined with the AF360FGZ, 1/3 of the flash discharge can be output by the Built-in flash and 2/3 can be output by the external flash *5 AF330FTZ is NG
*6 Two or more AF360FGZ units are required
*7 AF140C is NG
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What is the picture mode?
You can select a Picture mode to reflect a special shooting condition as follows

Auto Picture Selects automatically from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, and Moving Object Modes. Lets you take pictures with standard settings (Normal mode) when there is no optimal shooting mode.
Portrait Optimal for capturing portraits.
Landscape Deepens the focus range, emphasizes contour and saturation of trees and the sky, and produces a bright image.
Macro Lets you take vibrant pictures of flowers or other small subjects at short distances.
Moving Object Lets you take sharp pictures of a quickly moving subject, such as a sporting event.
Night Scene Portrait Lets you capture people against a night view or dusk.
Flash OFF The built-in flash is deactivated. Other settings are the same as the Normal mode in "Auto Picture".
Scene Selects from 8 situations depending on the shooting conditions.

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What is the SCN mode?
You can choose from the following 8 shooting scenes

Night Scene Used for night scenes. Use a tripod, etc. to prevent shaking.
Surf & Snow For capturing images of dazzling backgrounds, such as snowy mountains.
Text Lets you take clear pictures of text or writing.
Sunset For capturing the sunrise or sunset in beautiful colors.
Kids For capturing moving kids.
Reproduces healthy and bright skin tone.
Pet For capturing moving pets.
Candlelight For capturing scenes in candlelight.
Museum For capturing images in places where a flash is profibited.

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<Battery and power sources>


What type of batteries does the *istDL2 use?
The *istDL2 can use Four AA batteries (AA alkaline batteries, AA lithium battery, AA Ni-MH rechargeable) or Lithium battery CR-V3
* Due to the battery characteristic, CR-V3 rechargeable type (RCR-V3) is not recommend to use
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How many images can I record on a full battery charge? How long can I review pictures with a fully charged battery?

Batteries (Temperature) Normal
recording
Flash photography Playback
time
50%use 100%use
CR-V3 (23°C) 850 750 650 700 minutes
(0°C) 560 500 410 470 minutes
AA lithium batteries (23°C) 750 650 550 470 minutes
(0°C) 670 570 470 400minutes
AA rechargeable batteries (23°C) 560 500 440 350 minutes
( NI-MH 2500mAh )(0°C) 500 440 380 300 minutes
AA Alkaline Batteries (23°C) 90 70 50 140 minutes
(0°C ) Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
70 minutes

Note: The description above is based on Pentax measuring conditions and may vary depending on factors such as capture mode and shooting conditions. The age of the battery can also affect these statistics.
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Can the battery grip D-BG1 (for istD) be used with istDL2?
No,
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Is an optional AC adapter available?
Yes. The AC adaptor kit (K-AC10) is available as an optional accessory. We do not recommend the use of 3rd party AC adapters.
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<Lenses>


Can all PENTAX 35mm interchangeable lenses be used?
Basically, usable lenses that without limit for exposures are DA lenses and FAJ lenses, lenses that have an aperture A (Auto) position. When changing custom function to use non- A position lens, Medium format lens and screw mount lens with using mount adapter can be use but there is limit for usable function as follows.

Function / Lens[Mount type] DA/D FA/
FA J/FA lens
[KAF,KAF2]*3
F lens
[KAF]*3
A lens
[KA]
Autofocus (Lens only)
(With AF adapter 1.7X)*1
Yes
-
Yes
-
-
Yes*5
Manual focus
(With the focus dicator)*2
(With Matte field)

Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes
Switching focusing area (Wide/Spot) Yes Yes No*5
Power Zoom No - -
Aperture Priority Auto Exposure Yes Yes Yes
Shutter Priority Auto Exposure Yes Yes Yes
Manual Exposure Yes Yes Yes
P-TTL Auto Flash *4 Yes Yes Yes
Multi (16 segment) metering Yes Yes Yes

Yes : Functions are available when the aperture ring is set to the A position.
No : Functions are unavailable.
*1 Lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or brighter. Only available at A position.
*2 Lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or brighter.
*3 To use an F/FA soft 85 mm f/2.8 lens or FA soft 28 mm f/2.8 lens, set [Using aperture ring] to [Permitted] in the [C Custom Setting] menu (p.102). Pictures can be taken with the aperture you set, but only within manual aperture range.
*4 When using the built-in flash and AF360FGZ.
*5 Focusing Area is set to Spot.
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Can K mount lens be used with istDL2?
No, when the lens has no A position, camera does not operate unless [Permitted] is selected in the custom menu
When [Using aperture ring] is set to [Permitted] in [A Custom Setting] menu, the shutter can be released even if the aperture ring of the D FA, FA, F or A lens is not set to the s position or a lens without A position is attached. However, the features will be restricted as shown in the table below

Lens used Exposure mode Restriction
D FA,FA,F,A,M(Lens only or with auto diaphragm accessories such as auto extension tube K) Av (Aperture Priority) mode The aperture remains open regardless of the aperture ring position. The shutter speed changes in relation to the open aperture but an exposure error may occur. In the viewfinder, [F--] appears for the aperture indicator.
D FA,FA,F,A,M,S(with diaphragm accessories such as extension tube K) Av (Aperture Priority) mode Pictures can be taken with the specified aperture value but an exposure error may occur. In the viewfinder,[F--] appears for the aperture indicator.
Manual diaphragm lens such as reflex lens (lens only) Av (Aperture Priority) mode
FA,F Soft 85mm,FA Soft 28mm (lens only) Av (Aperture Priority) mode Pictures can be taken with the specified aperture value in the manual aperture range. In the viewfinder,[F--] appears for the aperture indicator. When depth of field is checked(Optical Preview), AE Metering is switched on. Exposure check is possible.
All lenses M (Manual) mode Pictures can be taken with the set aperture value and shutter speed. In the viewfinder, [F--] appears for the aperture indicator. When depth of field is checked (Optiocal Preview), AE Metering is switched on. Exposure check is possible.

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What happen when aperture ring is set at other than (Auto) position?
The camera operates in AV (Aperture Priority) mode even if the mode dial is at P or AV when the aperture is set to a value other than A
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Can PENTAX 645 lenses, 67 lenses and S (Screw mount) type of lens be used with *istDL2?
PENTAX 645, 67-system lenses and S (Screw mount) type of lenses can be used with an adapter, some function may not be available with certain lenses.
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Can non-PENTAX interchangeable lens be used?
Not recommended. When assume no responsibility or liability for damage resulting from the use of lenses made by other manufactures.
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<Connecting with PC and software>


What is the communicate interface with PC?
USB2.0
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What type of computer do I need with *istDL2?
Please note the following system requirements:

[For windows]
*USB Connection

The computer should be equipped with built-in USB ports and a pre-installed version of Windows 2000/Me/XP Home Edition / Professional

*Application soft < PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.1 and PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.1>
OS Windows Me / 2000 / XP Home Edition / Professional
CPU: Pentium III or later recommended, Memory: 256MB or more
Monitor: 1024 x 768 with 24bit full colour

[For Macintosh]
*USB Connection

The computer should be equipped with built-in USB ports and a pre-installed version of Mac OS 9.01/ 9.2 / X(Ver. 10.1 or later)

*Application soft < PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.1 and PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.1>
OS Mac 9.0 or later (Carbonlib later than 1.5 required), Mac OSX later than 10.1.3
CPU: PowerPC later than G3, Memory: 256MB or more
Monitor: 1024 x 768 with 24bit full color

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Can the provided application software be used with *istD, DS and DL?
Yes, the provided application software such as PENTAX PHOTO Browser and PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory can use with *istD,DS and DL.
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Can the PENTAX REMOTE Assistant be used with *istDL2?
No, *istDL2 does not support PENTAX REMOTE Assistant
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<Others>


Does the the *istDL2 support “PIM III” (PRINT Image Matching III) and “Exif Print” (Exif 2.2)?
The JPEG image which was took by *istDL2 will be supported but RAW data will not be supported.
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Can Refconverter A or M be used?
Yes
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Does *istDL2 support PictBridge?
Yes,
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How to operate the digital preview?
Focus on the subject, then compose the picture in the viewfinder and move the main switch to . The icon appears in the LCD monitor during preview and you can check the composition, exposure and focus. Press the shutter release button halfway to end Digital Preview and start focusing. The image displayed in Digital Preview is not saved. The maximum display time for Digital Preview is 60 seconds.
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* PENTAX PHOTO Browser, PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory and PENTAX REMOTE Assistant are trademarks of RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
* PENTAX is a trademark of RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
* *istDL2 is a trademark of RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
* All other brands or product names are trademarks of registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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