A-DIGITAL-EYE (21ST CENTURY DIGITAL CAMERAS, PHOTO PRINTERS, PAPERS, CAMCORDERS, IMAGING SOFTWARE, DIGITAL EQUIPMENT, REVIEWS AND MORE!) PENTAX *iST DS DSLR DIGITAL CAMERA & NEW PENTAX-DA ZOOM LENS 18-55 PREVIEW PAGE 
PENTAX PRESS RELEASE
PENTAX Downsizes Digital SLR In Second
Compact Camera:
*ist DS Delivers Outstanding Image Quality
GOLDEN, Colorado (September 13, 2004)…PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography once again with the introduction of the *ist DS digital SLR. Developed as a second, even smaller, PENTAX compact digital SLR, the *ist DS camera advances the PENTAX commitment to easy-to-use and portable digital.
The *ist DS is one of the smallest and
lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x
3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, the *ist DS also
delivers superior image quality in compact design. Despite the
size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels and PENTAX
original image processing technology. The camera is designed
to be compatible with most PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet
a wide range of applications and visual creativity.
The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features
including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD
monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture
mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program.
Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the
*ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers,
including first-timer digital SLR users and families.
PENTAX will unveil the *ist DS and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.
The PENTAX *ist DS will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004.
Major features of *ist DS include:
Compact, Portable Design
Featuring a super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, the *ist DS
offers outstanding portability. PENTAX downsized digital SLR
technology by including a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis,
multi-layered electronic circuit boards and high-density packaging.
The result is an extremely portable body, measuring just 4.9
x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces without batteries
and SD memory card. The *ist DS is smaller and lighter than the
acclaimed *istD.
High-definition, maximum-gradation images
with 6.1 effective megapixels
Thanks to its large, high-performance CCD image sensor, the *ist
DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels. Coupled with original image
processing technology from PENTAX, the camera produces high-definition
images rich in gradation and saturation.
Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable
lenses
The *ist DS offers the outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability
that allows users to take advantage of a wide selection of existing
PENTAX interchangeable lenses.**
**PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount 35mm-format lenses can be used without an adapter or modification. PENTAX screw-mount 35mm-format lenses and PENTAX 645- and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
Bright, high-magnification pentaprism
viewfinder
The *ist DS comes equipped with a glass pentaprism viewfinder
offering a 95% field of view and a 0.95X magnification. The camera
features a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity
and brightness to viewfinders incorporated in conventional 35mm-format
SLRs. This confirmation of the subject's focus much easier, even
in manual-focus mode.
Large color LCD monitor
With a high-precision 2.0 inch color LCD monitor offering approximately
210,000 pixels, the *ist DS makes it quick and effortless to
review recorded images and read menus.
Large LCD data panel
The *ist DS features a large, easy-to-read LCD data panel on
the top panel to allow easy, at-a-glance confirmation of the
camera's operational status and various settings.
User-friendly automatic operations
The *ist DS is equipped to make camera operations simple and
effortless for the user. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically
and instantly selects the optimum combination of exposure settings
for a given subject or situation, including shutter speed, aperture,
white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges.
The built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or
backlit situations.
Simple, accessible operation system
From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive
electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial,
all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid
out around the *ist DS 's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip
control.
High-precision 16-segment multi-pattern
metering
The *ist DS incorporates an advanced 16-segment metering system
to assure high-precision light measurement, even under complicated
lighting conditions. Center-weighted metering and spot metering
are also available to meet specialized applications.
High-accuracy 11-point AF sensor
The *ist DS features the sophisticated SAFOX VIII AF system incorporating
11 AF sensors (nine of them constituting a cross-type wide-area
sensor grid in the middle). It not only offers accurate, pinpoint
autofocusing, but also allows the user to select one of the sensors
to accommodate a specific image composition.
Superimposed AF sensor point indication
The selected AF sensor point is highlighted in red in the viewfinder
for easy visual confirmation.
1/4000-second high-speed shutter
The *ist DS features a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed
of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second
to assure greater visual creativity.
High-speed consecutive shooting
The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of
approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture
a series of the subject's action or movement.
SD memory card compatibility
The *ist DS uses the widely available SD memory card as its storage
media, not only assuring high-speed recording and readout of
image data, but also contributing to the downsizing of the camera
body.
Additional features include:
· 18 user-programmable custom functions to personalize
camera operations to the user's preferences
· Noise-reduction system to minimize annoying digital
noise during extended exposures
· Dual power source, with a choice of two CR-V3 lithium
batteries or four AA-size batteries
· Effortless data uploading to a PC using the included
USB cable (USB 2.0 compatible)
· Functional playback functions, including 12X zoom display
and nine-image thumbnail display
· A choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better
or Good) or RAW
· Interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen
(AF Frame Matte screen included as standard; AF Split-Image Matte
and AF Scale Matte screens available as optional accessories)
· PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0 RAW-data processing software
and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.0 browser software included
· PictBridge compatibility
PENTAX Introduces a Third Digital Lens:
PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 Perfect Fit For New Digital SLR
GOLDEN, CO (September 13, 2004)…PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the smc PENTAX-DA Zoom 18mm-55mm F3.5-F5.6 AL lens. Exclusively designed for PENTAX digital SLR cameras including the newly announced *ist DS SLR, the PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 lens is portable and affordable to ensure comfortable, well-balanced operations. This compact, lightweight standard zoom lens features an image circle to match the camera's large 23.5mm x 15.7mm image sensor.
PENTAX will unveil the lens and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.
The PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55mm lens will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004.
Major features of the PENTAX -DA Zoom 18-55 lens include:
Ideal zoom range for a standard lens
Mounted on the PENTAX *ist DS, this zoom lens provides an angle-of-view
equivalent to a 27.5mm-84mm lens in the 35mm format that covers
the most frequently used ranges from wide angle to moderate telephoto.
Compact dimensions with minimal aberrations
The aspherical optical elements in this new lens contribute to
a reduction in size and weight of the lens and to more effective
compensation of unwanted aberrations.
Functional and fashionable design
The aperture ring has been eliminated from this lens to simplify
camera operations and improve appearance while aperture-setting
operation is performed from the camera body.
Quick-Shift Focus System
Once subjects are captured by the camera's autofocus system,
this PENTAX-original system allows photographers to shift the
focusing mode instantly to manual without any switching operations.
Specifications
Lens mount: PENTAX KAF mount
Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
Angle of view: 76° - 29°
Aperture control: Automatic
Number of diaphragm blades: 6
Minimum aperture: F22 at 18mm; F38 at 55mm
Metering system: TTL open-aperture metering
Minimum focusing distance: 0.25m (0.82 ft.)
Filter size: 52mm
Maximum magnification: 0.34X
Dimensions (diameter x length): 2.7? x 2.7? (68mm x 67.5mm)
Weight: 7.9 oz. (225 grams)
