PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography again with the *ist DS digital SLR. Even smaller than last year's *ist D SLR, the *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, it has a durable stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and delivers superior image quality in a very compact design. Despite its size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 million effective pixels of resolution and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is compatible with most existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.

The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families. The *ist DS is equipped with a true glass pentaprism viewfinder offering a 95% field of view and a 0.95X magnification. The camera features a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity and brightness to viewfinders incorporated in conventional 35mm-format SLRs.

The *ist DS is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. 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 *ist DS's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control. 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. The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of the subject's action or movement.

A wide range of compatible PENTAX lenses are available for use with the *ist DS including K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required). Some functions may not activate depending on the choice of lens.

Pentax *ist DS Features:

• One of the smallest and lightest dSLR cameras, stainless steel chassis
• High resolution, large-area 6.1-Megapixel CCD image sensor
• Image sizes are: 6M 3000x2008, 4M 2400x1600 or 1.5M 1536x1024
• Choice of JPEG with 3 quality levels or RAW recording formats
• Software included to manipulate RAW format image data
• Compatible with Pentax K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required)
• Pentaprism viewfinder with 95% field of view, superimposed AF points
• 16-segment metering with Multi-Segment, Spot and Center-weighted options
• 11-point AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) fast and precise focusing
• Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
• Auto pop-up flash with red-eye reduction, external flash units can be used with P-TTL hot shoe
• High-speed flash sync at 1/180 sec.
• Auto Picture, Standard, Program AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night Scene and Flash Off exposure modes.
• 2.8fps Continuous sequential capture up to 8 frames
• 18 Custom Settings to customize camera operations
• Noise reduction function activates for long exposures
• 2.0-inch, 210,000-pixel LCD monitor for easy, high-precision viewing
• Playback functions; histogram, nine-image thumbnail and 12X zoom display
• Uses removable Secure Digital flash memory cards
• High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, PictBridge and Print Image Matching III compatible
• Powered by 4 AA batteries or 2 CR-V3 Li-ion batteries
• Optional wireless remote controller and wired cable release

The Pentax *ist DS will be available as a kit bundled with the Pentax-DA Zoom 18-55mm F3.5-F5.6 AL lens for around $999 or in a body-only configuration for about $899 and is available now.

DIWA Silver Medal Award

2. September, 2005: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organization of collaborating websites, today announces that Pentax has received their first DIWA Award for a D-SLR camera. Their *istDS model is honored with a Silver medal for outstanding test results.

Pentax has a long and glorious history from camera manufacturing, at times the most successful of any SLR manufacturer. Thanks to this legacy, the *istDS has a very compact body with excellent handling comfort, an excellent SLR pentaprism viewfinder, outstanding metering and exposure performance, as well as a wide range of high quality Pentax lenses. The *istDS passed the rigorous DIWA testing procedure with excellent results, also many of its digital qualities were highly praised by the DIWA reviewing experts.

Kai Thon, DIWA's test manager, says: "Despite their late arrival on the digital SLR arena, it's a pleasure to see that Pentax come well prepared. The *istDS is a most successful evolution of the original *istD, with most of the features intact, at a highly competitive price. Optical performance, ergonomic handling, compact design and an ingenious exposure system are established Pentax goodies, conveniently integrated in the *istDS. An added bonus is the highly competitive price tag".

The *istDS will not only appeal to former Pentax users, but also to newcomers in the exciting D-SLR world. Many of the camera's features are unique in design and performance, far exceeding many of its more popular competitors. The camera body has excellent handling comfort with a bright and user-friendly pentaprism viewfinder, its high resolution 2" LCD screen with 210.000 pixels simplifies image review and menu control, whilst the 11-point AF system provides fast and precise focusing with superimposed finder display and manual selection. Outstanding image quality is provided by the fine Pentax quality lenses and a high-sensitive 6.1 megapixel CCD, with an option of RAW format image storing on SD memory cards. The *istDS can shoot eight continuous frames at a speed of 2.8 fps.

Based on the final results from DIWA experts in Europe and USA, the overall averaged score for the Pentax *istDS was excellent, consequently honoured with a Silver medal for high performance, comfortable handling and supreme image quality, all at a reasonable price.