Hi!
On the DS, I have P, Tv, Av, M and B. I also have program preset scene modes. I have matrix pattern metering, CW Averaging metering, Spot metering. What'd different, other than two wheels for aperture and shutter speed selection and an option in the P mode to slide into Av or Tv mode? What's not "readily available" about it?
My English is not readily available for proper expression of my thoughts :(.
What I meant is that you can switch between matrix, center-weighted and spot metering by mere flick of a switch. Not sure this is as easy on DS.
2. Readily available continuous AF in all shooting modes on D.
That's the one thing that I do occasionally miss. C-AF is only available on the Sports program preset with the DS.
This by the way solved my problem with soft lens. Simply shooting with C-AF one can always release the shutter, so I would use this and be done :).
3. And finally presence of MTF, depth, and speed programs on D as opposed to subject dependent programs of Ds.
Can you articulate more fully what these MTF, Depth and Speed programs on the D are? I just skimmed through the D manual and don't see what you mean.
In the menu of D you have three user memories where you store shooting settings for your camera. There is a choice of major program:
1. Normal is well, normal.
2. MTF - FA and probably F lenses have ability to transfer MTF data to the body. So camera would choose exposure combination (aperture and shutter speed) so that it give you best results w.r.t. MTF data.
3. Depth - camera would favor slower shutter speeds so that you can get more DOF with smaller apertures.
4. Speed - opposite of depth - sacrifice DOF, get faster shutter speed.
I use these sometimes and it is of great help in some cases.
The program pre-sets on the DS are not particularly useful to me, but then again they don't really get in the way; others seem to use them and find them useful.
My first Pentax camera was MZ-6, that seems to be very similar in some of the features to Ds. Eventually I grew to almost dislike it.
I can't agree about this. Both are fine photographic tools. The D has a few additional features: wireless flash built-in, TTL flash metering with non-A compatible lenses, etc. But these additional features, nice as they might be, do not add up to a judgment of "much more a photographic tool" in my opinion. It's simply a tool with more options, few of which I find I need.
Oh, of course you don't have to agree with MHO about D being better tool than Ds. That was MHO and totally expression of my own taste.
I can't think of living without hyper modes, metered manual, depth and speed programs, C-AF, and probably some other features.
That is I can live without them, but with them it is so much more convenient...
Obviously that does not mean that Ds cannot take pictures as fine as D... After all it is human who decides when to click, and not the camera :).
Boris
