35mm SLR Cameras: *ist
Simple Operation with Innovative Auto Picture Mode
The PENTAX *ist offers a selection of sophisticated and user-friendly features designed to simplify camera operations and make high-quality SLR photography more enjoyable and flexible. Its innovative, versatile Auto Picture mode, for instance, automatically selects the best exposure program for a given subject from five distinctive Picture Programs — Portrait, Action, Landscape, Close-Up and Standard — while indicating the selected program on the illumination mode dial and in the viewfinder display for at-a-glance confirmation. Accessible dials on the top panel and a user-friendly four-way controller on the back also contribute to swift and simplified operation.
Ultra-Compact, Super-Lightweight Body with Eye-Catching Design
After a complete review of body design and mechanical layout, PENTAX successfully created the most compact, lightweight body in its 35mm-format autofocus SLR lineup for the *ist — without sacrificing performance or operability.
High-Precision 16-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering for Unfailing Exposure Control
Incorporating the newly developed 16-segment multi-pattern metering system, the *ist assures high-precision metering even under difficult, confusing lighting conditions. You can also switch to conventional center-weighted metering or pinpoint spot metering to deal with special situations.
Sophisticated 11-Point Autofocus Featuring SAFOX VIII
Featuring the advanced SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus system, the *ist automatically selects the optimal focusing point using 11 AF sensors to assure sharp, crisp focus on a wide range of subjects. In addition to the versatile 11-point autofocus mode, which comes in handy when a subject is positioned off center or two subjects stand side by side, the *ist also offers the spot AF mode to assure pinpoint focus on a single, small element of the subject, and the SELECT mode to choose any one of the 11 AF sensor points using the four-way controller for a specific image composition. In the SELECT mode, you can even confirm the selected AF sensor point with a red LED indicator in the viewfinder for precise positioning of the subject. The desired mode can be easily selected with simple switch operation.
Extra-Compact Shutter Unit with 1/4000-Second Top Speed
The *ist incorporates a newly designed super-compact shutter unit with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second, which allows you to capture the decisive moment of a subject in motion. This reliable, functional shutter unit also offers high-speed flash synchronization at 1/125 second, letting you use larger apertures for more dramatic flash images — especially in close-up and macro applications.
Large, Easy-to-Read LCD Panel with LED Illumination
The large multi-data LCD panel on the back provides a comprehensive range of photographic information via large icons and digits. It also comes equipped with orange-colored LED illumination for easy data reading in the dark.
Auto Bracketing for Simplified Exposure Adjustment
The convenient auto bracketing function allows you to take three frames of the same subject at three different exposures (under, normal and over).
An Array of Flash Functions for Creative Flash Photography
In combination with the optional AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit, the *ist offers a range of creative flash functions, including synchronization with all shutter speeds, wireless remote control, high-speed sync flash, and contrast-control flash.
Functional Design with Superb Operability and Maneuverability
All control devices, such as dials, buttons and four-way controller, as well as the large LCD panel, are efficiently and accessibly laid out on the compact, stylish body to ensure exceptional operability and maneuverability.
User-Adjustable Custom Functions to Personalize Operations
The *ist's custom function feature lets you preprogram 17 basic camera functions to suit your preferences and minimize delays and errors while shooting.
Other Outstanding Features
•High-speed consecutive shooting at approximately 2.5 frames per second
•AE lock to memorize an exposure value before shutter release
•Easy-to-read LCD viewfinder indicator offering a wide range of information underneath the image field
•Electronic preview for at-a-glance depth-of-field confirmation through the viewfinder
•Bright, clear viewfinder with built-in diopter adjuster
•Wireless infrared remote control for instant or 3-second-delay shutter release from a distance (in combination with the optional remote controller)
•Built-in auto flash that automatically pops up for discharge in low-light and backlight conditions, then returns to storage position at power off
