Key Features
Aug 22 2005
Announced
6 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Pentax |
| Sensor Type | APS-C |
| Sensor | CCD |
| Weight | 605g |
| MSRP | $799USD |
Other similar cameras
Pentax ist DL2
Released Jan 27 2006 | 6MP resolution
Pentax K-S2
Released Feb 10 2015 | 20MP resolution
Pentax K-7
Released Oct 02 2009 | 15MP resolution
Overview of the ist DS2
Looking for an affordable yet reliable DSLR camera that can help you capture stunning shots and level up your photography game? Look no further than the Pentax Ist DS2 camera. This option is not only budget-friendly, but also packs a punch with its impressive features and capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate photographer, this camera is sure to become your go-to choice for capturing all sorts of moments and scenes. So, let’s dive into the details and see why the Pentax Ist DS2 is worth checking out.
Pentax ist DS2 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax ist DS2 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Pentax ist DS2
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 125 x 93 x 66mm |
| Weight | 605g |
| Thickness | 66mm |
Weather Sealing
The Pentax ist DS2 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Optical |
| Screen Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Resolution | 210k dots |
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type " screen, with a display resolution of 210k dots. This makes the Pentax ist DS2 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
ist DS2 includes a optical viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.64x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Pentax ist DS2 has a 6MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6 pixels. Pentax ist DS2 has a native ISO range of 200 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Aug 22 2005
Announced
200 - 3200
ISO Range
| Sensor | APS-C |
| Extended ISO | null - null |
| Max resolution | 3008 x 2008 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
not tested
Color Depth
not tested
Dynamic Range
not tested
Low Light ISO
not tested
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax ist DS2 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the ist DS2 is excellent
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: APS-C
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/MMC card |
| Battery Life | |
| Battery Model | 4 x AA |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Pentax ist DS2 supports SD/MMC card with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Pentax ist DS2 uses the 4 x AA model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Pentax ist DS2 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Pentax ist DS2 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Pentax ist DS2 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with 11 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Pentax ist DS2 features a CCD sensor
No the ist DS2 does not have weather sealing.
The Pentax ist DS2 was announced on Aug 22 2005
No the ist DS2 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The ist DS2 has a native ISO range of 200-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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