Kathleen a �crit:
I emailed Pentax regarding the *ist D, and here is their response. It
sounds like a really awesome camera.:
Thank you for contacting Pentax USA, Inc.
Patience soon will pay off for digital SLR enthusiasts when PENTAX USA
delivers the lens-interchangeable *ist D digital SLR camera. With the
clarity of 6.1 effective megapixels, a pentaprism viewfinder, and a 1.8 inch
LCD monitor, the *ist D will feature one of the world's smallest, lightest
camera bodies in the digital SLR category.
The *ist D will officially launch in August 2003.
*ist D DIGITAL SLR FACT SHEET
6.1 effective megapixels
With a high-performance CCD measuring 23.5mm x 15.7mm and unique image
processing technology, the *ist D achieves impressive 6.1 effective
megapixel resolution for the recording of precise, superior quality images.
One of the world's smallest, lightest camera bodies
The design of the *ist D combines compact dimensions with surprisingly light
weight. Measuring 5 inches (129mm) x 3.7 inches (95mm) x 2.3 inches
(60mm) and weighing just 18 ounces (510g) without batteries, the *ist D will
be one of the smallest, lightest lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras
available.
A wide range of compatible PENTAX lenses for flexible shooting A wide range
of compatible PENTAX lenses are available for use with the *ist D, allowing
the user to compose satisfying scenes regardless of the type of subject.*
*Compatible lenses: 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.
New pentaprism viewfinder
An optical pentaprism viewfinder developed especially for the *ist D makes
viewing easy with an ample 95% field of view and 0.95X magnification. A
superimposed display function assists composition by illuminating the AF
points in red.
Other major *ist D features
* New 16-segment metering system achieves more accurate exposure * New
11-point AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) realizes enhanced focusing * Fast 1/4000
sec. shutter speed and high-speed flash sync at 1/150 sec. * Continuous
shooting at approx. 2.7 fps * 2-dial system separates aperture and shutter
speed settings
* With individual dials for shutter and aperture selection, Hyper program
makes it easy to switch between Shutter-Priority AE and Aperture-Priority
AE.
* Hyper manual let you achieve the proper exposure with simple button
operation. * Custom function allows functionality to be tuned to satisfy
user preferences * Noise reduction function activates for long exposures
* Compatible with MicroDrive(tm) and CompactFlash(tm) Type I/II
* Takes four AA batteries or two CR-V3 lithium-ion batteries
* PC-based camera control and easy data transmission with USB 1.1
compatibility
* 1.8 inch, 118,000-pixel LCD monitor for easy, high-precision viewing
* Convenient playback functions, such as nine image- and 12X
magnification-display
* Choice of JPEG, TIFF and RAW recording formats
* Comes complete with software compatible with RAW format data
* Special battery grip (availability to coincide with *ist D)
At this time, a price has not been determined.
Nothing news, it's the press information !
Michel
