Compact and light digital SLR camera

The Pentax ist DS SLR digital camera.

There's a mind-boggling range of digital cameras on the market and as people become more comfortable with these devices they are starting to trade up to more sophisticated digital SLR models.

Pentax is one of several camera makers responding with models aimed at the more advanced photographer.

The measure of a good digital camera is that it takes crisp, accurately coloured shots on the default settings using the automatic sensors built into it.

The Pentax ist DS does exactly that. The 6.1 megapixel camera is one of the lightest and most compact digital SLR cameras on the market.

The DS, which comes with an 18mm to 55mm lens and is compatible with older Pentax lenses, delivered great shots without any setting adjustments. While the flexibility is certainly there to tinker with aperture settings and focus, the novice SLR user will get good results from the outset. The DS is capable of recording up to eight shots consecutively at a speedy 2.8 frames a second, excellent for action shots. As with most digital cameras these days you can also record video clips, though your memory card will soon fill up when shooting video.

A four-way scroll button is at the centre of the DS's controls while a handy "trash" button lets you easily ditch dud shots. The DS offers you total control over all of the technical aspects of photography; some 18 settings can be pre-set.

A 5cm LCD display allows navigation of the menu and the viewing and editing of shots taken.

USB 2.0 ensures the quick transfer of pictures to your computer. Power is provided either by four AA batteries or two lithium batteries. Similarly priced rivals to the DS may come with slightly more functionality but the trade-off is in weight. At just under 600g, the DS won't weigh you down.

Pentax offers a more compact camera in the Optio, a five-megapixel digital camera in the same class as competitors such as the Sony CyberShot and Canon's Ixus i5.

The Optio sports the same style of menu design as its big brother but the features have been simplified greatly for the benefit of the point-and-shoot casual photographer.

Still, virtually everything you'll need is there - camera effects and lens settings through to photo display and filing functions.

The Optio has a five-times zoom lens allowing you to get nice close-up shots.

A cradle comes with the camera for re-charging the lithium-ion battery and transferring pictures to your PC.

Battery life is impressive.

The Optio includes a 32MB Secure Digital card though many camera stores throw in a 128MB card as a deal sweetener these days. It's a competitive game: make sure you fight for an upgrade.

Pentax ist DS and Optio SV

Pros: ist DS (above, left) - great results without needing to adjust settings, light; Optio SV - simple, but good range of functions.
Cons: ist DS - fewer functions than other SLRs; Optio SV - only 32MB memory card standard.
Price ist DS $1999; OptioSV $999
Herald Rating: ist DS 4/5; Optio 3/5

www.pentax.com