Everything I Wanted

( - 2/14/05) I have been involved in photography since the 1950's and my latest film camera is a Pentax (P)Z-1. I found the Z-1 perfect for my needs (published photographer) and wanted to move to digital. I had a chance to compare the *ist D and the *ist DS using the same lenses and decided that the D was substantially more camera and comparable in use to my Z-1. I went with the D because it was inherently easier for me to use with maximal knowledge transfer. It felt comfortable enough so that, on my next assignment, the D was my camera of choice. It hasn't let me down since. I could use my old lenses (Pentax K, KA, FA, S) and techniques honed on the Z-1. I primarily use the Hyperprogram mode, controlling how the camera operates. In a pinch, I've used the "green button" to let automatic pilot take control. It feels well constructed and sturdy. The camera is smallish (a good thing) and feels even better with the battery grip (allowing for more pictures on one expanded set). There never is a question about the quality of Pentax lenses, and they all can fit this camera (with a 1.5 magnification ratio). Since my kit starts from 17mm and goes to 200mm, this is fine. The conversion brings the D to 25mm to 300mm equivalents. I rarely needed the super-wide and I'm not disappointed. The pentaprism viewfinder makes in camera cropping easy, with little to finish on the computer. Picture qualities are awesome.