I read in several reviews of the ist ds that the quality of pictures shot in jpeg mode is pretty poor, with a lack of detail, and that it is necessary to shoot in raw mode to get good pictures out of this camera.
I personnally never shoot in raw mode, considering that the use of raw converters is not particularly easy.
However, I use the jpeg mode in the highest quality setting, using three lenses (Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6, 50mm DFA F2.8 macro and Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC EX), and I consider that I get extremely good results, sharps et full of detail.
Are the pictures shot in raw mode really so much better, or are the reviewers simply trying to devaluate this little gem of a camera ?

Hello,

I just bought a Pentax DFA 50mm F2.8 macro lens for my ist ds, but didn't have a chance to try it yet, so I'd be happy to know how you rate it.

Also, I have an another lens that I bought some time ago and that I highly recommand for the same camera. It is the Sigma DC EX 18-50 mm F2.8, which is really a little marvel.

Arthur, I confirm that Windows XP Explorer has a photo editor which is quicker and simpler to use than a camera software.

First, thank you Mattmatic for your counsel regarding Irfanview. I had no idea that simply rotating a file could be destructive.
Second, I want to tell George that I never connect my camera to transfer the files and that I always use a card-reader. Also, concerning other programs being open at the same time as Windows Explorer, I would have the same problem with files from my other cameras, which is never the case.
PS. I finally got an answer from the Pentax company, and it seems like they have no idea of the reason of my problem. I really start feeling very isolated ! Could it be a bug in the firmware of my camera which would prevent a correct writing of jpeg files ?

Yes George, I did verifiy that my files were not on a "read only" status. The only message I get sometimes when I try to rotate a picture is that it can't be done because the file is used by another program, which is not true because I have only Windows Explorer open at the time.
Otherwise, when I try to write something in the properties of the file, I click on OK when done and get no message, but the next time I open the file properties, there is nothing left of what I wrote.
I must add that I'm not a beginner in computing, and I repeat that I don't encounter the same problem with any other of my digital cameras, even when using the SD card of my Pentax.

Hi everybody
I'm a new member in this forum. I own a Pentax ist ds which I really love, but I have a problem when I have transfered photos on my computer (which is equipped with Windows XP) using my card reader.
Most of the time, I can't rotate the pictures that have been taken vertically, or/and I can't make any annotation in the "properties" of the file.
I first thought that the problem came from my SD card, but after changing for a new Sandisk card, the problem is still there.
I must add that I own and use several other cameras and never had this problem with anyone of them.
I also add that I emailed Pentax several times on this subject and never got any answer from them.
Does anybody here encounter the same problem and can help me ?