The Pentax *ist DS is an entry-level 6 megapixel digital SLR that is also one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs currently available. Highlights of the Pentax *ist DS include a large 2 inch LCD screen, 11 point auto-focus system, interchangeability with a wide selection of existing Pentax lenses and a range of different picture modes for beginners and experienced photographers alike. At a current street price around £650 / $850 / €850 with the Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens, the *ist DS represents Pentax’s attempt to capture a slice of the entry-level DSLR market, and is subsequently competing with the likes of the Canon EOS 350D, Nikon D70s and Olympus E-300. Pentax themselves have recently announced an even cheaper version, the *ist DL.

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Although the most compact of the sub-$1,000 digital SLRs, the Pentax *ist DS is not a functionality lightweight. Packed into its 30-ounce (with 18mm-to-55mm lens, battery, and media), polycarbonate-clad stainless-steel frame is an array of automated and user-selectable exposure and scene controls, a brilliant optical viewfinder and an LCD that are easy on the eyes, and enthusiast-pleasing options such as an eight-frame, 2.5fps drive mode. In some ways, the *ist DS is an upgrade from its more expensive *ist D sibling, trading a few minor features for some significant improvements.

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The Pentax *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLRs available. It’s very easy to operate, and it shoots faster and has a bigger and better LCD than its more expensive big brother, the *ist D. Good looks, nice ergonomics, great handling characteristics, and a very reasonable price will make it a formidable challenger to Canon’s best-selling Digital Rebel and EOS Digital Rebel XT.

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In both design and price point the Pentax *ist DS is aimed at first-time DSLR buyers, and has many features that will be familiar to users of high-end zoom compacts and semi-pro cameras. It has a mode dial loaded with special program modes, it uses SD cards for storage, and it has an auto-everything mode for when you just can’t be bothered with all that creative stuff. At the time of writing, it retails at under £522 body only, or around £630 with a standard zoom lens - a price that compares favourably with some of the more advanced zoom cameras. Despite this, it is a fully-featured digital SLR compatible with the entire range of Pentax lenses and accessories, and is more than capable of achieving professional quality results.

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Pentax *ist DS is in no way better than the competition. It does not have any special features or is really above others in certain respect. But body that handles well, good menu system and good picture quality mean that this is an overall good contender in entry-level DSLR market. The only minus in my opinion was slow autofocus. As Mike Johnson wrote in his review of the same camera, it’s the K1000 of digital SLR. If you have Pentax lenses, get it.

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