• Brand
  • Products
  • Store
  • Support

Products

Digital SLR Camera: *istDS  
*ist DS
Features Specification Design Accessories Sample Images FAQ
 

<General function and specification>
What is the major feature of istDS compared with istD?
There is no AF button, Multiple exposure / Auto bracket / DPOF button, Focus point select dial and Manual white balance button when compared with istD?
Is the CCD same as istD?
Why is ISO sensitivity available form 200?
Is there any protection form Dust for CCD?
What is the A/D conversion rate?
Can I change the color tone of picture?
How long does it take for the camera to start up?
What is the magnification and the filed of view of the Viewfinder?
Is there an interchangeable focusing screen available?
What is the filed of view of the LCD monitor?
Can the AF function works in a dark area?
Is *ist DS deigned for waterproof camera?
How long does the date / time stay in memory when the battery is removed?
Does the internal clock run while the battery is removed?

<Storage Medium>
Why istDS adopted SD memory card as storage media card?
Which SD memory cards can be used?
Can the MMC (Multi-media card) be used with istDS?
Does the performance of the SD memory card influence a shooting interval?
Can all PENTAX 35mm interchangeable lenses be used?
Why there is limit for functioning when using non-A position lenses.
Can PENTAX 645 lenses, 67 lenses and S (Screw mount) type of lens be used with istDS?
Can non-PENTAX interchangeable lens be used?

<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 istDS equipped suppresses hand shake function?
Can Polarizing filter be used?
The setting of the saturation, sharpness and contrast can select from five levels compared with istD (select from three levels). Is the adjustment value of istDS become wider compared with istD?
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?
Is there flash amount compensation available?
Can the built-in flash be used with any type of lens?
Can the external flash be used?
Is the synch terminal for professional flash attached on istDS?
Can the flash be used in wireless?
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?
What is the picture mode?

<Battery and power sources>
What types of batteries are available for *ist DS?
Can the battery grip ,D-BG1 (for istD) be used with istDS?
Is an optional AC adapter available?

<Connecting with PC and software>
What is the communicate interface with PC?
What type of computer do I need with istDS?
What can I do if I have a Windows 95, NT, 98 or 98SE?
What is included application software in the CD-ROM of the istDS?
Can PENTAX REMOTE Assistant be used with istDS?

<Others>
Can the brightness of LCD monitor be adjusted?
What is “the Sensitivity Correction” in Custom Function?
Can I cleaning CCD by myself? Where can I ask for cleaning?
What is the RAW data?
What is the advantage for taking picture with RAW data?
Does the the *istDS support “PIM III” (PRINT Image Matching III) and “Exif Print” (Exif 2.2)?
Can Refconverter A or M be used?
Is there an exclusive camera case to the istDS?






<General function and specification>

What is the major feature of istDS compared with istD?
* The *ist DS features a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis and a super-compact, ultra-lightweight body. PENTAX downsized digital SLR technology by including multi-layered electronic circuit boards and high-density packaging. The result is a camera that measures a mere 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighs less than 18 ounces without batteries and SD memory card.

* Enjoy an easy-to-use and accessible operation system. From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the camera's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control.

* Enjoy the versatility of an interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen. AF Split-Image matte and AF Divided Matte screens available as optional accessories.

* Freeze the decisive moment of the subject's action or motion with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second.

* Record and store more images with SD memory card compatibility: The *ist DS uses the widely available SD memory card 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.

* Effortlessly upload data to a PC using the included USB cable (USB 2.0 compatible)

* Connect the *ist DS directly to your printer for complete control over printing and editing. PictBridge compatibility allows the camera to be connected to a PictBridge-supported printer directly via USB cable.

* View just-recorded images quickly and effortlessly with the high-precision, color 2.0-inch LCD image monitor and multi-data panel. With approximately 210,000 pixels, the monitor features a large, easy-to-read LCD data panel on the top panel to allow easy, at-a-glance confirmation of the camera's operational status and various settings.

* Enjoy the versatility of an interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen. AF Split-Image Matte and AF Divided Matte screens available as optional accessories
  Back to Top

There is no AF button, Multiple exposure / Auto bracket / DPOF button, Focus point select dial and Manual white balance button when compared with istD?
The AF button is omitted but the same function available with customs setting.
The Multiple exposure has been omitted, for other functions are available in the main menu or setting display while pressing the Fn button.
  Back to Top

Is the CCD same as istD?
Yes,
  Back to Top

Why is ISO sensitivity available form 200?
The CCD for using *istDS is intended to exercise the best performance with equivalent of ISO sensitivity 200. If forcedly reduce at equivalent of ISO sensitivity 100, it can not get good image quality.
  Back to Top

Is there any protection form Dust for CCD?
There is no special mechanics.
  Back to Top

What is the A/D conversion rate?
The istDS uses 12bit A/D conversion per color channel.
  Back to Top

Can I change the color tone of picture?
Yes, you can change the color tone of picture by selecting Bright or Natural.
  Back to Top

How long does it take for the camera to start up?
Start-up time for the *ist DS is approximately 0.8 sec. Start-up time is from turn on the power switch until the LCD panel shows Number of recordable images.
  Back to Top

What is the magnification and the filed of view of the Viewfinder?
Magnification: 0.95x (with 50mmf/1.4 lens at infinity) Field of view: 95%
  Back to Top

Is there an interchangeable focusing screen available?
Yes, the AF divided Matte and AF scaled Matte are available as optional
  Back to Top

What is the filed of view of the LCD monitor?
Approximately 100%
  Back to Top

Can the AF function works in a dark area?
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 and the built-in flash is up.
  Back to Top

Is *ist DS deigned for waterproof camera?
No.
  Back to Top

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.
  Back to Top


<Storage Medium>

Why istDS 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.
  Back to Top

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)

* If the Firmware version is 1.00 or 1.01, the SD memory card can be used up to 1GB. To up date firmware for Version 1.02, please click here
  Back to Top

Can the MMC (Multi-media card) be used with istDS?
No,
  Back to Top

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.
  Back to Top

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. Refer to the operating manual of *istDS, P151.
  Back to Top

Why there is limit for functioning when using non-A position lenses.
For conventional camera, when rotate aperture ring, angle of rotation is mechanically inputted t the camera and aperture value is read into the camera.
*istDS does not have such mechanism therefore, can not set the aperture value mechanically by rotate aperture ring. To set the aperture value, set the aperture to the A position and set the mode dial to Av and select the aperture value with the Av dial.
  Back to Top

Can PENTAX 645 lenses, 67 lenses and S (Screw mount) type of lens be used with istDS?
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.

< Descriptive compatible>
We had shooting test from various perspectives regarding current product of 35mm lenses and medium format lenses. In result, we have decided that all lenses are descriptive compatible lenses.
However, each lens has different descriptive properties.
By changing the photoreceptor from film to CCD, there are the different descriptive properties lenses from the use of film.
  Back to Top

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.
  Back to Top


<Capture and playback>

What is the continuous shooting mode?
Picture can be taken continuously while the shutter release button is held down. The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second for high-speed consecutive shooting when the noise reduction off.
  Back to Top

Can the remote control be used?
The optional IR remote control F is available for *ist DS
The [3 second] or [Immediate operation] can be selected on the display while pressing the Fn button.
  Back to Top

Can take the picture while looking LCD monitor?
No. mainly 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.
  Back to Top

Can the Multi Exposure Shooting be used?
No,
  Back to Top

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
  Back to Top

Does istDS equipped suppresses hand shake function?
No,
  Back to Top

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 *istDS
  Back to Top

The setting of the saturation, sharpness and contrast can select from five levels compared with istD (select from three levels). Is the adjustment value of istDS become wider compared with istD?
No, the total adjustment value is the same, each levels of an adjustment value is smaller
  Back to Top

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.
  Back to Top

Can the White balance be adjusted manually?
Yes, you can adjust the white balance depending on the light source when taking pictures when you select the Manual White Balance in the Fn menu.
  Back to Top

What is the Guide umber of the built- in flash?
GNO.15.6 (ISO200/m)
  Back to Top

What focal length the Built-in flash cover?
Angle of coverage: 18mm lens angle of view (equivalent 28‰Ð‰Ðin 35mm format)
  Back to Top

Is there flash amount compensation available?
Yes, you can change the flash output in a range of -2.0EV ~ +1.0EV by setting the [Flash Exp. Comp] in the [Rec.Mode] menu when using built-in Flash or External flash.
  Back to Top

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.
  Back to Top

Can the external flash be used?
Yes. AF360FGZ,AF500FTZ,AF330FTZ,AF400FTZ,AF240FT,AF140C and other TTL flash can be used. P-TTL auto flash function available with AF360FGZ.
  Back to Top

Is the synch terminal for professional flash attached on istDS?
No, Combining with flashes from other manufacturers may cause equipment breakdown. We recommend using the PENTAX dedicated automatic flashes.
  Back to Top

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.
  Back to Top

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 Fn menu.
  Back to Top

Does flash pre-fires before taking pictures?
Yes, flash pre-fires one time when use built-in flash or 360FGZ with P-TTL/TTL mode
  Back to Top

What is the auto picture mode?
The *ist DS 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. The built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations.
  Back to Top

What is the picture mode?
You can select a Picture mode to reflect a special shooting condition. There are eight available Picture modes:
Auto Picture mode: Select automatically from Normal, Portrait, Landscape, Macro and Object Modes
Normal mode: The basis picture-taking mode
Portrait mode: Optimal for capturing mode
Landscape mode: Deepens the focus range, emphasizes contour and saturation of tree and the sky produces a bright image.
Macro mode: Take vibrant pictures of flowers up close.
Moving object mode: Lets you take sharp pictures of a quickly moving subject such as a sporting event
Night Scene
Portrait mode:
Lets you capture people against a night view or nightscape
Flash off mode: The flash is deactivated. Other settings are the same as Normal.
  Back to Top



<Battery and power sources>

What types of batteries are available for *ist DS?
The *ist DS can be powered by the two CR-V3 lithium batteries, four AA lithium battery, AA Ni-MH rechargeable and AA alkaline batteries. CR-V3 rechargeable battery is not recommend to use with istDS.
  Back to Top

Can the battery grip ,D-BG1 (for istD) be used with istDS?
No,
  Back to Top

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.
  Back to Top


<Connecting with PC and software>

What is the communicate interface with PC?
USB2.0
  Back to Top

What type of computer do I need with istDS?
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 2.0 and PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0>
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 color

[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, 10.2, 10.3)
*Application soft < PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.0 and PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0>
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
  Back to Top

What can I do if I have a Windows 95, NT, 98 or 98SE?
To download your pictures, we suggest that use a non-USB Secure Digital card reader to read your memory card.
  Back to Top

What is included application software in the CD-ROM of the istDS?
The following software is included
<PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.0>
PENTAX PHOTO Browser is software for viewing and managing images taken on your digital camera and saved on your computer. When you select a folder containing saved images, PENTAX PHOTO Browser compatible images in the folder automatically appear as thumbnails. You can select a thumbnail image to view an image. PENTAX PHOTO Browser also does the following tasks.

• Save image files under a new name, change file names, copy, cut, delete and paste.
• Create new folder, change folder name, copy, cut,delete and paste.
• Save image data list
• Check image data
• View RAW image data easily

<PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0>
Perform color separation processing and other processing on CCD RAW image data recorded in PENTAX digital camera dedicated format, enabling them to appear on commercially available image viewing and editing software.
  Back to Top

Can PENTAX REMOTE Assistant be used with istDS?
No, PENTAX REMOTE Assistant software included in the CD-ROM of istD and it can not use with istDS.
  Back to Top


<Others>

Can the brightness of LCD monitor be adjusted?
Yes,
  Back to Top

What is “the Sensitivity Correction” in Custom Function?
Automatic sensitivity correction when exposure is out of range.
If object of shooting is too bright or too dark for setting Sensitivity value or setting shutter speed does not couple with aperture value or setting aperture value does not couple with shutter speed, the camera automatically adjust exposure by either increase or decrease the Sensitivity value.
  Back to Top

Can I cleaning CCD by myself? Where can I ask for cleaning?
Please contact PENTAX service centre for cleaning. If emergency situation, you can simple cleaning with Sensor cleaning mode. In that case, only you can blow out the dirt and dust from CCD.
Use brush - less blower to remove dirt and dust from CCD. Never wipe off CCD with a cloth. Refer to the operating manual Page 180
  Back to Top

What is the RAW data?
The RAW data is “raw” data that is recorded data before carry out image data processing for captured data.
When taking a picture, firstly the light of CCD caught is converted into electronic signal.This electronic signal is carried out image data processing to edit image data then image data is recorded. This recorded image data is JPEG or TIFF. On other hand, the Row data is directly recorded “raw” electronic signal before carry out image data processing. The Row data which is not carry out image data processing, if forward to the computer as it is, can not see as image with regular software. Therefore, the image data processing is necessary with software [PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0] which is packed with the *istDS camera.But when playing back image on the LCD monitor of camera, the row data which is before carry out image data processing can be displayed. Also when playing back image on the TV monitor with connecting Video cable, it can be displayed.
  Back to Top

What is the advantage for taking picture with RAW data?
The RAW data is “raw” data that is recorded data before carry out image data processing for captured data. Therefore, after taking picture you can set the setting such as White balance, Contrast, Saturation and Sharpness etc for each frame. (Non-Raw image must be set before taking (picture) But for sensitivity, with increase amount of compensation, the image of quality might be deterioration. Therefore, when taking picture, adjust exposure with correct exposure as much as possible.
  Back to Top

Does the the *istDS support “PIM III” (PRINT Image Matching III) and “Exif Print” (Exif 2.2)?
The JPEG image which was took by *istDS will be supported but RAW data will not be supported.
  Back to Top

Can Refconverter A or M be used?
Refconverter A or M can be attached. However, if setting 1X, sometimes periphery image is hard to see.
  Back to Top

Is there an exclusive camera case to the istDS?
Yes, 0-CC28 is available as optional.
  Back to Top

* PENTAX PHOTO Browser§APENTAX PHOTO Laboratory and PENTAX REMOTE Assistant are trademarks of RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
* PENTAX is a trademark of RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
* istDS is a trademark of RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
* All other brands or product names are trademarks of registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Back to Top