New Pentax *ist-DL

Thought this might be interesting
http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/digital_camera--*ist_Dl/
http://www.pentaximaging.com/footer/news_media_article?ArticleId=6555158

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0506/05060104pentaxistdl.asp#press

Matt

Interesting note, the viewfinder magnification is 0.85, not 0.95 like the DS.

I can see only two differences between this new camera and the *istDS - it has a penta mirror viewfinder, no doubt accounting for the different magnification, and an even bigger TFT monitor screen. The Penta mirror should also make the camera lighter.

The viewfinder is an important feature for me, so I think I will stick with the proper pentaprism of the *istDS.

Had me worried at first - b****y typical, the moment I buy a new camera they update it.

However, it certainly looks like a slightly "economy" (L = lite) version of the DS (big screen notwitstanding)

I'm still happy - especially as my Pentax cashback cheque arrived today - gonna get me a Sigma EF500 DG ST.

If it hastens/continues the Pentax resurgence I'm all for it.

The *ist DL seems like a good ideia to me. Pentax needs to build itself a new, fresh userbase. This seems like a great camera to do just that.

If it is priced correctly (I mean, cheap enough, what with the cheaper viewfinder, smaller buffer, smaller AF sensor array), it may have good sales.

I would stick with the my DS anyway (for many reasons), but many people may find the DL is the perfect entry to the DSLR world.

After playing around with my new DS for a while, I believe I have struck gold; this camera was built for ME. What? It works wonders for you too? Well, that's just a coincidence.

I know wich camera I will be telling my friends to buy, now!

I think that the 2.5 inch rear viewing screen will attract a lot of first timers. The Ds screen is great anyway but this is a big jump which should tempt many new users away from the competition.

Irresepctive of it's quality and functionality, it'll have to undercut the EOS350D in order to sell.

Like it or loathe it, it will also need to be a stock item in Dixons if they're trying to build up a large userbase - in which case it will need to sell itself, not rely on the sales prevention staff.