Pentax Unveils Long-Anticipated Digital SLR and Two Lenses to U.S. Market
ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (August 8, 2003)…PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. announced that the long anticipated digital SLR *ist D camera (pronounced ist-dee) will begin shipping in September 2003 to the United States. Housed in one of the world's smallest, lightest SLR camera bodies, the *ist D comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features, including an APS-sized CCD with impressive 6.1 effective megapixels, a responsive SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11-point AF sensor, a sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering system, a bright viewfinder with a newly developed compact glass pentaprism, an innovative "Hyper" operating system and 22 user-adjustable custom functions. The *ist D is compatible with existing PENTAX 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories.
To further delight advanced users, PENTAX will expand its interchangeable lens lineup for *ist D users with two new lenses in the coming months. The smc PENTAX-FA J Zoom 18mm-35mm FA-F5.6 AL (equivalent to 27.5mm-53.5mm in 35mm) and the first model of a new DA series designed to match the *ist D CCD size-the PENTAX-DA Zoom 26mm-45mm F4 ED AL.
08/12/2003 update: Pentax USA has announced pricing as follows. The Pentax *istD body will be .95 and the body plus the 18-35mm lens is .95.
Read the entire *ist D press release.
