Amateur Photographer's test of the *ist DS commented on a lack of sharpness. I sent this letter to AP, but have yet to see it published. What do the readers of this Forum think? Here is my letter ....

Thank you for the test of the Pentax *ist DS. I was very pleased to note that your comment on edge fringing was qualified by the lens used - the consumer standard 18-55mm lens having a small problem. Is this also not the case when it comes to the softening of images? I have the *ist D and noticed soft images when using the previous standard lens, the 18-35 FA-J. But after I had invested in the Pentax 16-45mm ED-AL lens the improvement in definition quality was very noticeable and well worth the extra cost. Could you do a quick comparison using a better quality lens to see if it is the consumer lens, or the noise-reduction algorithms, that are the main cause of your disappointment in image sharpness?

Any first hand experience?

Malcolm

Again, many thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.
Malcolm

Many thanks for the very helpful reply.
Malcolm

I use an *istD and am delighted with it. However, shots containing white clothing are often burnt out and lose any texture in the fabric. This is particularly the case with a wedding dress.

I have been advised to set the camera with a permanent .5 or 1 stop underexposure, because it is easier to get detail from dark areas in Photoshop ... and impossible to do anything about areas that are burnt out. I can understand this logic.

Two questions:
1. Is the advice correct?
2. If yes, why is it necessary? Why cannot Pentax adjust the metering system to take account of bright white areas?

Again, many thanks. It appears that I have the basic power zoom with the MZ-5n, and not the additional features of image size tracking etc.

Thanks for the speedy reply.

I'm mainly using it with a MZ-5n - the power zoom works with this camera. Do you know how the switch applies to this model?

I have tried it on my *istD and I can only use it in manual mode - no power zoom. So be it!

Do you have a URL for the pdf instruction manual? I have tried a Google search to no avail.

What do the switch markings "P A > AS" on the lens barrel mean?

Why is the move from "A" to "AS" spring loaded?

What is the button for adjacent to the slide switch?

Just acquired this lens. The power zoom works fine, but it is these other things that confuse me!

All help much appreciated.

Thank you. Just halved the size of all my RAW files.

In answering my own question I have found this answer at
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ISTD/ISTDP.HTM

I wish that the Operating Manual had just gone this bit further to explain things. Now I understand.

Would someone please help in explaining the setting "Link AF Point and AE".

I have enabled this, and disabled it, taking a variety of photos in varying conditions, and they all look the same with the same exposures.

What should be happening and when should it be enabled?

Thanks,
Malcolm