Hi all,
I've read a lot of the posts over the last few days and deleted a lot
more and have come to a few conclusions:
1. The *ist-D is the digital equivalent of the MX.
The Australian Distributor of Pentax (http://www.crkennedy.com.au ) lists
four major features of the *ist-D, and one of them is "The world's
smallest, lightest body" which was one of the major features of the MX & ME.
The MX was no match for the Nikon F2/F3 series in terms of features, but it
was the best combination of features vs. size.
The MX wasn't a pro body and neither is the *ist-D, but small size is a
selling point that only one other DSLR offers and that one isn't available
yet either. I think both Olympus and Pentax have decided to highlight the
one feature that Canon and Nikon haven't gone for. I'm sure that there will
be many people that will value this decision and not just former MX and OM-1
owners.
2. A small body will need small lenses (a new M-series).
If Pentax is prepared to produce k-mount lenses with a reduced image circle
(FA-D anyone?) then there shouldn't be a reason why they can't be just as
light as the Olydak lenses. Would I buy a lens that I can only use on a
small sensor digital? Why not, if it is good enough. And wouldn't the
proportionally (to the sensor size) larger lens throat allow for faster
lenses?
The economics of chip production at present dictate that a larger sensor is
a more expensive sensor, regardless of pixel count. Would you rather spend
more money on a full-frame body to use your existing wides, or spend the
money on brand new, reduced image circle wide angles to use on a cheaper
small sensor body?
3. Some of our favourite lenses may be found wanting on the *ist-D
Firstly, all those resolution tests will have to be redone to take into
account the new edges of the target. A lens that was a fine performer from
edge to edge may now be inferior to one that used to suffer from drop-off or
aberrations at the edges, but was sharper in the centre.
Secondly, the way a lens performs with our favourite emulsion may be
different to the way it performs with a digital sensor. The lens
characteristics that matter to someone shooting portraits on Tri-X may be
quite different to those shooting landscapes on Velvia.
There may be no difference at all, but as the differences between lenses are
often more subjective than measurable you may just find an old favourite is
no longer so good.
4. The *ist-D won't be the last Pentax digital SLR. If it really doesn't
suit then buy a Canon or Nikon with big bulky lenses, or wait for the high
end body.
Will I buy a *ist-D? The answer is still yes, even if I cant use my 30/2.8,
50/1.2 and 85/2. My F50/1.4 is suddenly a nice fast portrait lens and I'll
just keep the others for the MX and LX collection.
My biggest fear is the markup in price in comparison to the US market. The
MZ-S list price was close to the US price, so my hopes are high especially
as CR Kennedy are offering to match internet prices on the Sigma SD-9 which
they also distribute.
Paul Ewins
Melbourne, Australia
