Pentax.co.uk is back up. "Pentax officially launched its highly anticipated *ist D digital SLR at Sandown races on the 29th August 2003. A number of the UK's leading photographic editors attended the launch and put the *ist D through its paces (although time was also taken by many to have a flutter or two on the series of Pentax sponsored races that took place on the day!).
The *ist D was received warmly by all those attending, with many pointing to a number of key features that truly distinguishes it from its competitors. Housed in the world's smallest, lightest SLR body, the *ist D comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and use-friendly features. These include: a large CCD with an impressive 6.1 effective megapixels; a responsive SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11-point AF sensor; a 16-segment multi-pattern metering system; a bright viewfinder with a newly developed compact glass pentaprism; and, significantly, compatibility with Pentax's existing 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories." So why the hell can I only find a hands on in an obscure digital photography mag, but no mention anywhere of this day? Also press release on new DA lens SERIES!! "PENTAX Corporation is proud to announce that it is currently in the final stage of development of the compact, high-performance smc PENTAX-DA series of interchangeable lenses, exclusively designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras." > sounds like quite a few new DA lenses... "The image circle in the DA-series lenses is designed to perfectly match the size of the CCD (23.5mm x 15.7mm) incorporated in PENTAX's digital SLRs, optimizing the performance of these cameras. The new design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications." > So more than one DSLR using the small sensor is confirmed - sounds like they will all use this size for now... "As the first model of the new DA series, PENTAX plans to market the smc PENTAX-DA Zoom 16mm~45mm F4 ED AL (tentative name, equivalent to 24.5mm~69mm in the 35mm format; marketing date to be announced), which features a three-times zoom ratio with focal lengths covering ultra-wide to moderate-telephoto ranges when mounted on the new PENTAX *ist D digital SLR camera. It also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and size reduction. Its simple, functional design, coupled with the elimination of an aperture ring, considerably improves the camera's operability." So the elimination of the aperture lens actually improves operation? Sounds like it would be hard to justify why more expensive glass doesn't take advantage of this 'improved operability', so higher end glass without the aperture ring in the future? Or is this just a marketing person talking through their rear end. I expect much more cursing and swearing at Pentax over the next 6-12 months!!
