On Aug 3, 2005, at 2:09 PM, Colin J wrote:
When the *ist D was introduced it looked just
right for me. I get the impression that the *ist
DS and DL are aimed more at novices, and that a
new, refurbished or used *ist D would suit me
better than a DS or DL.
The DS has a few things targeted at more novice users but otherwise
supports all features of the D model other than
- hyperprogram
- MTF program mode
- two wheels for aperture and shutter control (it uses one and a
shift button)
- wireless flash in the camera body
These things are mostly inconsequential if you are going to be using
mostly K/KA lenses in manual mode. By manual mode on the D (with
latest firmware) or DS, that means semi-automatic metering: set
aperture, press AE-Lock or Green button and the camera will stop the
lens down briefly and set the shutter speed. I have the DS and don't
miss any of these features at all.
The D also takes a battery/portrait-oriented grip with shutter
release. Some people love that. I had one with my Canon and never
used it, so it's not an issue to me at all.
The DS body uses SD cards rather than CF, has a larger LCD for image
review, has additional features in image review (highlight saturation
warning and histogram display), and writes to storage faster. It's
also a bit smaller and lighter than the D.
The DL has a simpler (cheaper) viewfinder optical system (pentamirror
rather than pentaprism), simpler AF choices, and is otherwise almost
identical to the DS. I'd choose the DS again right now as it is fully
capable of everything that I need for my work.
My favourite lenses are the 24mm f/3.5 K, 28mm
f/2.8 KA, 35mm f/2 K, 35-105mm f/3.5 KA, 200mm
f/4 K (all Pentax lenses) and the Tamron SP 90mm
macro. Which Pentax DSLR will work best with
these lenses?
All three of them will work fine with all of those lenses.
Godfrey
