Samsung GX-1S
| Company type | Digital single-lens reflex camera |
|---|---|
| Industry | Photography |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Products | DSLR cameras |
PENTAX *ist DS is a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera developed by Pentax. It delivers images with a resolution of 6.1 megapixel. Positioned as a more affordable successor to the Pentax *ist D, the *ist DS gained recognition in September 2005 when the Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international coalition of photography websites, honored Pentax with their inaugural DIWA Award for a DSLR model. The *ist DS earned a Silver medal for its exceptional performance in testing.
Description
Consistent with other Pentax DSLR cameras, the *ist DS employs the Pentax KAF bayonet mount, allowing seamless use of legacy lenses designed for the KA-mount without restrictions. Original K-mount optics and, via an adapter, M42 screw-mount lenses can be operated manually by enabling a specific menu setting. Even when using adapted lenses, features such as center-weighted metering, aperture priority, and focus confirmation remain functional. For lenses without automatic aperture control, pressing the AE-L button while in manual mode meters the scene and adjusts shutter speed accordingly. It has been noted that some non-Pentax K-mount lenses fail to attach properly due to a slightly deeper protective plate covering the aperture stop-down lever.
The Pentax *ist DS, alongside other models in the D-series including the *ist DS2 and Pentax *ist D, supports TTL flash mode (not limited to P-TTL) for external flashes. This feature enables photographers to utilize more economical TTL-compatible flashes instead of Pentax or Samsung units that employ 'pre-flash' technology, which can cause subjects to blink. Unlike red-eye reduction pre-flashes, the P-TTL pre-flash used for metering occurs just briefly before the main flash and is visible through the viewfinder prior to mirror movement.
Firmware update version 2.02 introduced compatibility with SDHC memory cards, enabled continuous autofocus functionality, and added an auto ISO feature with selectable ranges from 200–400 up to 200–3200 ISO.
Pentax *ist DS2
Launched in 2005, the Pentax *ist DS2 represents a slight enhancement over its predecessor, primarily featuring an enlarged rear LCD screen that grew from 2.0 inches to 2.5 inches.
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