14 DAY TRIAL // PENTAX Imaging has announced a price reduction on its *ist DL digital SLR camera with 18-55 DA lens kit.
"PENTAX is the first camera manufacturer to offer a digital SLR kit at a price that entry-level users can afford. In fact, PENTAX is repeating our heritage of 30 years ago when we introduced the K1000, one of the most popular and affordable entry-level film SLRs ever manufactured," said Ned Bunnell, marketing director, PENTAX Imaging Company.
The price reduction from $799.95 US to $599.95 US takes effect February 1, 2006.
In their review of the Pentax *ist DL camera, LetsGoDigital wrote: "With a compact, lightweight body, simplified operations and outstanding cost performance, the Pentax *istDL is designed to extend the advantages of high-quality digital SLR photography, including lens interchangeability, to photographers of all levels, even those who are unfamiliar with digital and SLR photography.
The *ist DL SLR camera is not intended as a successor of the current Pentax *ist DS, but it surely is a digital reflex that looks rather similar to the *ist DS. The new *ist DL was designed as an affordable starter camera by further advancing Pentax's digital camera development concepts of "user-friendliness" and "a harmony between ease of use and portability."
"All in all the Pentax *ist DL did an excellent job. The difference with the *ist DS is minimal. It is a choice between some more options, a real prism, a somewhat better auto focus and a larger monitor with a lower price tag. But the Pentax *ist DL is not only catching up with its big brother. It's also a strong competitor for the Nikon D50. And had the Pentax *ist DL been equipped with a better auto focus, then market leader Canon would have had to be aware too. The Pentax *ist DL deserves to get every bit of attention, it's a very attractive, affordable camera and will be an excellent choice for many photographers."