Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

#1: Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Reviews!

This body was my first foray into the DSLR world. In fact I had on held an SLR less than half a dozen times. I was using a Casio EX-Z50, and getting annoyed with the lack of aperture and shutter controls. So, on a non-art major, college student budget I looked for a camera I could learn and develop with.

I quickly found my way to DPReview where I spent many hours deciding what I needed and what I could afford. This camera fit the bill. I picked it up for 475 with the kit lens with one of the Pentax rebates + 50$ for a filter set, etc.

Build quality is great, at first I treated the camera very delicately, wrapping it in a T-shirt anytime I traveled. Now, I throw it in the back seat of my car, and dig it out when I get where I'm going without much worry of it being damaged. The camera is sturdy and of average weight to comparable bodies from Cannon and Nikon.

Controls are great, I love the Tv and Av modes. The buttons seem to be in good locations though I don't do much action photography nor do I often worry about how long shots take, so maybe for an advanced shooter there might be a lack of buttons.

Menus are easy with loads of options that will do most anything you ask of it.

Image quality is pretty good. Don't let the 6.1MP sensor bother you, its not about the MP at all it's about what that camera can do with the sensor. Noise is pretty good, but your going to want a fast lens for low light, or a standalone flash because the on-board is largely useless, as most are.

I just rolled over the counter 11k shots in 18 months and going strong.

As with any Pentax body, the use of K mount lenses is easy and awesome, though there are quirks with Av and Tv, depending on the exact lens. Also check out the screw mount adapter for even more compatibility, but be sure to get Pentax OEM, not Ebay

Things I don't love.
-My USB port does not work, it did, now it doesn't. But in Pentax's defense I never tried to fix it.

-Dust is a problem so be careful as it is annoying to clean

-Battery life varies greatly with temperature, so make sure you have good batteries, especially with those night-time long exposure shots

-FPS is kiiinda low, but for a budget body theres not much you can do.

-RAW + Jpeg would have been nice

-Has been superseded by K100d and soon to be K200d? But honestly if you can get a DL for less than either of those you'll be fine unless you need SR.

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