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Pentax *ist DS2
Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity is Pentax's mantra with the *ist DS series—already in its third iteration. But lots of sophistication lurks beneath the surface of this “point-and-shoot” DSLR, which clearly influenced the design of other cameras in this class.
Ease of use: The DS2 continues the fine ergonomics and wonderfully lightweight body of the DS, and it adds the huge 2.5-inch LCD from the DL (sort of the “DS Lite”). It has bright, readable type, lots of tutorial help available in the menus, and Pentax's Auto-Pict mode, which might be called the world's smartest point-and-shoot mode (it automatically sets an auto mode, like sports or portrait!). On the other hand, this simplification comes with a price: Things like metering and drive modes are relegated to the menus rather than external controls, and these menus can be obscure, as in the now-legendary “Swtch dst msr pt.” Rank: 3
Control: For all its point-and-shootness, the DS2 is no slouch. It gives you color space choices, flash-exposure compensation, a fast 1/180-sec flash-sync, a depth-of-field preview, mirror lockup, and a near-screenwide array of AF points, which work quite intelligently. And you can now set continuous autofocus in conventional exposure modes, rather than being stuck getting it through sports mode, as with previous Pentax *ist models. Rank: 5
System flexibility: Pentax is the backward-compatibility champ for lenses: the DS2 can accept virtually any Pentax FA-mount lens, going back several decades. The current lineup is fairly deep, too, including a number of pro-level optics. Pentax still comes up short in flash options, though. Rank: 4
Quibbles: No wireless TTL flash triggering with the built-in pop-up flash. Instead, you must buy two dedicated units.
Surprises: The quick manual-exposure setting—just press the AE lock button once. And you can make narrow-angle spot white-balance readings.
Best for: The point-and-shooter of the bunch is great for vacation, family, fun pix, when you don't want to fuss with settings anyway. And the low noise will appeal to portrait and available-light enthusiasts.
Bottom line: Fun, easy, light on the wallet as well as the shoulder—a little gem. But the sacrifice of maximum resolution for low noise will limit its appeal for true enthusiasts. Pentax needs a hot new rig (say, 8–10MP) in its lineup.
Test Results: Resolution: Very High (1450Vx1340Hx 1295D lines). Color accuracy: Excellent (Avg. Delta E: 6.18). Noise: Extremely Low at ISO 200–400, Very Low at ISO 800, Low at ISO 1600, Moderately Low at ISO 3200. Image quality: Very High at all ISOs. AF Speed: EV 12–7: 0.68–0.71 sec; EV 6–EV 3: 0.81–1.54 sec; EV 2–1: 1.71–2.20 sec; EV 0: 2.35 sec. Price: $750 body only; $870 with 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 SSMC-DA AL lens. CIPA battery rating: 70 shots with supplied alkaline AA cells. Size/weight: 4.9x3.6x2.6 in., 1.4 lb with card and battery. Card: SD/MMC. Info: www.pentaxusa.com; 800-877-0155.
Image quality: Smooth, pleasant skin tones with good contrast in test scene. Overall sharpness and detail are the lowest of the bunch, which may contribute to camera's extraordinarily low noise levels. Slightly warm cast overall, with similar contrast to Rebel XT. Decent shadow, midtone, and highlight detail. Good for making prints up to 10x15 inches at 200 ppi. Rank: 5
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