Here's my list, in order of importance to me: 1) 16-bit color depth RAW. This is more dependent on semiconductor/sensor manufacturers than camera makers (I wouldn't be surprised to see Sony beat Canon to this one) 2) Larger sensor. Full-frame would obviously be ideal, but I could live with the 1.3 crop factor of the 1D, really. 3) Greater pixel count. 10 megapixels would be fine with me (more than fine if either of my first two wishes were granted)
A lot of people have mentioned #2 and #3 but I don't think anyone else has asked for the first one, and that's what I'd like most if I could only get one. From the large prints I've seen, I place a higher priority on pixel size than pixel count (up to a point), so I'd go for a 1.3 crop 6-megapixel sensor over a 10 megapixel 1.5 crop sensor. If I could get two of the above three things, I'd have a much more difficult time ranking the various combinations, so I won't try now. I expect we'll just get #3 at first. If Pentax produced an ist-D with any *one* of the above three things I'd buy. I have a secondary list, too. Not as critical as the first but still desirable stuff. Also in order of importance: 1) Dedicated control for ISO setting. No more "twist a special dial to ISO setting position, spin another dial to set and then return the first dial to shooting position" nonsense. Instant access ISO. 2) Full-time display of ISO setting (*without* pushing any buttons) Some things I haven't mentioned because the DS already has them so I expect they'll make it onto the high end camera that will replace the ist-D without anyone asking for them: Bigger, faster buffer, histogram display with instant image review, spot-white-balance. Finally, there are some things I wouldn't want to lose from the ist-D: Separate control wheels for aperture and shutter speed Wireless off-camera flash Illuminated top-panel display (wedding shooters know why this is important!) -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
