Pentax debuts downsized digital SLR camera
updated 08:50 pm EDT, Tue September 14, 2004
Pentax *ist DS digital SLR
today introduced its downsized digital SLR camera. The compact *ist DS digital SLR measures just 4.9" x 3.6" x 2.6" and weighs under 18 ounces; it offers 6.1 effective megapixels and is designed to be compatible with most Pentax interchangeable lenses. It also offers a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0-inch color LCD monitor, and an Auto picture mode as well as a 11-point AF sensor, a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/4000 second, SD memory card compatibility, and high-speed shooting that records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8fps. Pentax says it will unveil the *ist DS and other digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.
The camera features a dual power source, offering customers the choice of two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries. It also includes USB cable, 12x zoom during image playback, nine-image thumbnail display for quick navigation, and a choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better or Good) or RAW. The Pentax *ist DS will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004. (Pricing not noted.)
