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Pentax *ist D SLR Review
By Movable Type Admin


Camera Features:
Flash and Viewfinder
![]() The camera's built-in retractable flash unit makes taking pictures with well-balanced foreground and background exposures simple. It has a Guide number of 15.6 (at ISO 200/m) with an 18mm angle of view coverage. Flash synch speed is 1/150 second. Flash- On, Red-Eye Reduction and Flash-Off modes.
The *ist D has an ISO hot shoe and a standard PC flash sync port for connection to
external flash equipment.
![]() The *ist D functions in full TTL with the Pentax AF-360 FGZ Power Zoom Flash. When used in the advanced P-TTL mode a preflash allows for multi-segment flash metering for more accurate strobe photography. High speed on camera and wireless flash capabilities with the *ist D. Includes an AF-assist beam for focusing in low light or low contrast situations, its working range is 3.3 to 23 feet.
Effective flash range is from 2.3 to 17.8 feet. Power zoom head covers from 20mm (with
wide angle panel) to 85mm. Vertical bounce possible, click stops
provided (-10°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°), lock provided at
0°.
Compatible film speeds are from ISO 25 to ISO 1600.
Recycle time with NiMH batteries is approx. 6 seconds. Auto power-off after
approx. 3 minutes of non-operation.
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Flash exposure compensation (-3.0 to + 1.0 in 0.5 steps) is controlled through a simple
control dial. LCD display shows the effective range of the flash in P-TTL, TTL and
AUTO modes. Modeling light features strobes the flash so you can check for unwanted
shadows or highlights. Manual mode power selections in six steps from 1/1 to 1/32.
Leading shutter curtain sync, trailing shutter curtain sync, contrast control sync and
high speed sync. Four channel wireless control with a range of approx. 13 feet.
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The eyelevel viewfinder employs an optical pentaprism viewfinder developed especially
for the *ist D and shows approx 95% of the captured image with 0.95X magnification
(with 50mm F1.4 at infinity). The focusing screen is a fixed Natural Bright-Matte
type. There is a -2.5 - +1.5 diopter adjustment. Around the viewfinder is a soft rubber
eyepiece that fits comfortably against your face or eyeglasses.
The 11 focusing points are superimposed in the viewfinder, the active focus points are illuminated so you know exactly which AF area(s) have been selected. They are all shown illuminated here for the purpose of illustration.
Viewfinder
indicators includes: Built-in flash status, AF sensor pattern, in-focus, shutter speed,
aperture, exposure compensation factor, bar graph. AF frame with superimposed AF sensor
point, spot AF frame.
Here is the layout of the 16-segment multi-pattern metering system. |
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Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
| 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical Lens for Pentax DS | |||
| Seller | Price | In Stock | Seller Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| $268.95 | ![]() 3056 reviews | ||

























