Clicky

Pentax ist DS2

 
Pentax ist DS2 front
 
Portability
68
Imaging
45
Features
33
Overall
40

Pentax ist DS2 overview

Pentax ist DS2 is Pentax's Advanced DSLR digital camera first introduced on August of 2005. It has got a 6 MegaPixel, CCD APS-C sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 3008 x 2008.

The ist DS2 is scored #84 out of 92 in Advanced DSLR cameras and all around #726 out of 1459 for cameras in our collection. Remember to try our Advanced camera finder to see camera results based on your personal requirements.

400 Megapixel mode coming to Fujifilm GFX 100

Here is a chart of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Pentax ist DS2 history

The Pentax ist DS2 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can read the full range below.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Pentax-ist-DS2 front thumbnailPentax ist DS26MPAPS-C3.0 fps2005
Coronavirus is affecting the sensor business

Pentax ist DS2 Pros and Cons

Below is a collection of pluses and minuses of the Pentax ist DS2 based on aspects that are normally viewed as important in a digital camera.

built-in flash
decent sensor size (APS-C)
lighter than others (605 grams)
saves RAW formats
sensor has phase detect auto focus
swap lenses (Pentax KAF mount)
you can focus manually
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
doesn't have liveview
lack of image stabilization
low megapixels (6MP)
low video resolution ( pixels)
missing external microphone socket
missing HDMI socket
missing headphone socket
missing Timelapse recording
painfully slow continuous shooting (3.0 fps)
pixelated screen (210 k dots)
screen does not articulate
screen is somewhat small (2.5 inches)
Last day to get your files as Canon Irisa shuts down

Pentax ist DS2 Sensor details

The sensor measurement in the Pentax ist DS2 is 23.5mm x 15.7mm (APS-C). The 369 mm² sensor is able to resolve 3008 x 2008 pixels and aspect ratios of 3:2.

Handle those 8K RED files like a boss

The CCD sensor boasts 6MP and provides a standard ISO range of 200 - 3200. RAW files are supported therefore the user has wider room to maneuver in post.

The image below displays the ist DS2's sensor dimensions in comparison to other popular sizes. The ist DS2 sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.5 and is presented in green.

Pentax ist DS2 sensor size Instagram's $20 billion Ad success

To get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Pentax ist DS2 dimensions

Pentax ist DS2 weighs in at 1.33 lb (605g or 21.34 ounces) and features outside measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6"). The weight of normal Advanced DSLR camera is 776g so the Pentax ist DS2 is lighter when compared to various competitors.

Control Profoto B10 & B10 Plus with your Android Phone

Listed below is a photo of the Pentax ist DS2 alongside a soft drink so you can have a sense of its scale.

Pentax ist DS2 dimensions scale

The top view below will highlight the button layout on the ist DS2.

Pentax ist DS2 topview buttons dials

Pentax ist DS2 Lens specs

The ist DS2 works with the Pentax KAF mount and has 101 lenses to select from. Below is some of the lenses we have in our collection which will work with the ist DS2.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Carl-Zeiss-Distagon-T3.518-Pentax-KAF lensCarl Zeiss Distagon T 3,51818mmf/3.5 470g
Sigma-105mm-F2.8-EX-DG-Macro-Pentax-KAF lensSigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro105mmf/2.8 460g
Unsplash partners with Institutions to bring historical archive photos
Sigma-28mm-F1.8-EX-DG-Aspherical-Macro-Pentax-KAF lensSigma 28mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro28mmf/1.8 500g
Pentax-smc-DA-12-24mm-F4.0-ED-AL-IF lensPentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL IF12-24mmf/4.0 430g
Tamron-AF-28-300mm-F3.5-6.3-XR-Di-LD-Aspherical-IF-Macro-Pentax-KAF lensTamron AF 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro28-300mmf/3.5-6.3 420g
Carl-Zeiss-Distagon-T2.8-21-Pentax-KAF lensCarl Zeiss Distagon T 2,82121mmf/2.8 600g
World's smallest camera makes it into Guinness Book of Records
Tamron-SP-AF-70-200mm-F2.8-Di-LD-IF-MACRO-Pentax-KAF lensTamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO70-200mmf/2.8 1330g
Photographer fined '$200,000' for failing to deliver photos

Pentax ist DS2 Connectivity

The ist DS2 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes

Cameras that include NFC and Bluetooth compatibility are able to be used wirelessly through smartphones. You can easily transfer files and in some cases change settings without connecting physically to the camera.

Many applications even provide a Liveview and click the shutter in case you aren't near the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it can easily be connected to an external monitor. The majority of cameras will allow you to recharge the battery through the USB port.

Google will print your 'Best' photos for $8 a month

Pentax ist DS2 Video specs

Pentax ist DS2 does not record video. In case you are looking for a digital camera to take only images, this might not be an issue.

Handle those 8K RED files like a boss

Pentax ist DS2 Weather Sealing

There is no weather sealing for the Pentax ist DS2 so you need to be cautious in rainy or dusty situations.

Pentax ist DS2 Screen and Viewfinder

The Pentax ist DS2 has got a 2.5" fixed display supporting a resolution of 210k dots.

Sadly the display isn't a touch screen.

Pentax ist DS2 screen and viewfinder 400 Megapixel mode coming to Fujifilm GFX 100

The View Finder specifications regarding Pentax ist DS2 are the following:

  • ViewFinder Optical
  • Coverage 95 percent
  • Magnification 0.64x

Viewfinders can be really helpful during bright outdoor situations which might make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to view.

Pentax ist DS2 Shutter specs

Pentax ist DS2 continuous shooting speed is 3.0 fps. The highest shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.

Coronavirus is affecting the sensor business

Pentax ist DS2 Flash and Hot shoe specs

Pentax ist DS2 includes both integrated flash and also external flash ability.

Pentax ist DS2 Autofocusing specs

Pentax ist DS2 includes both Phase Detect Auto Focus and Contrast Based Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is more faster and accurate when compared to Contrast Based focusing.

The Sensor has got 11 focus points to choose from. Pentax ist DS2 can use manual focusing when needed during low light scenarios or you want more accurate focusing control.

Last day to get your files as Canon Irisa shuts down

Pentax ist DS2 Battery life

The general Advanced DSLR camera battery life is 909. Nikon D780 comes with the highest possible (2260) battery life within this type of cameras.

Here is a listing of Advanced DSLR cameras which have the highest battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth
Instagram's $20 billion Ad success

Pentax ist DS2 for varying types of photography

The following graph provides a analysis of the Pentax ist DS2 for varying types of photography. To learn more, scroll to the specific paragraph below.

Portrait photography with Pentax ist DS2

The Pentax ist DS2 has a points total of 51 which is modest, meaning that it is fairly suitable to use for portrait photos. Shooting portrait photos leans heavily to sensor dimensions, RAW support in addition to the option to work with off-camera flash.

Control Profoto B10 & B10 Plus with your Android Phone
has manual focus
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
no liveview
MP count low (6 megapixels)

Street photography with Pentax ist DS2

With a decent points tally of 60, the Pentax ist DS2 is somewhat adequate to buy for street photography. A decent street photography camera has a perfect balance of picture quality plus portability.

Unsplash partners with Institutions to bring historical archive photos
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
lighter than competitors in class (605g)
screen is fixed
lack of image stabilization

Pentax ist DS2 as a Sports photography camera

A subpar sports photography points tally of 39 indicates the Pentax ist DS2 is not appropriate for taking photos of sports. A camera must have great tracking plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

World's smallest camera makes it into Guinness Book of Records
nice sensor size (APS-C)
comes with phase detect AF
does not have liveview
slow fps (3.0 fps)
no image stabilization
low resolution sensor (6 megapixels)

Pentax ist DS2 as a Travel photography camera

Portability is very crucial when buying a camera for travel. Over-all, the Pentax ist DS2 gets a decent 52 as a travelling camera which is somewhat suited for your trips.

Photographer fined '$200,000' for failing to deliver photos
lighter than competition (605 grams)
flash built-in
no Timelapse mode
low MP (6MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly

Pentax ist DS2 Landscape photography features

For anyone planning to pick a digital camera for landscape photography, the most essential factor will no doubt be image quality. The Pentax ist DS2 with it's average score of 47 as a landscape camera is somewhat suited amongst its rivals.

Google will print your 'Best' photos for $8 a month
focusing manually
change lenses (Pentax KAF mount)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
tiny screen (2.5 inch)
doesn't have liveview
lack of image stabilization
megapixel count low (6MP)
lack of Time Lapse recording

Pentax ist DS2 Vlogging highlights

A vlogging camera ought to offer a moving screen, microphone input and if possible image stabilization. Taking everything in to account, the Pentax ist DS2 is not appropriate for vlogging as it gets a subpar rating of 22.

Handle those 8K RED files like a boss
lighter than competition in class (605 grams)
screen is not selfie friendly
no image stabilization
low res video ( pixels)
lack of external mic socket

Pentax ist DS2 Alternatives

If you need alternatives to the ist DS2, below is a list of the top ranked cameras that fall in to the class of Advanced DSLR.

The graph followed below shows you a summary of the ist DS2 vs it's top scoring competitors shown previously.

These are various other cameras you may look into as alternatives. To look at a complete comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

400 Megapixel mode coming to Fujifilm GFX 100

Specifications

General Information
Make
Pentax
Model type
Pentax ist DS2
Type
Advanced DSLR
Launched
2005-08-22
Physical type
Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor measurements
23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor area
369.0mm²
Sensor resolution
6 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Maximum resolution
3008 x 2008
RAW images
Maximum native ISO
3200
Minimum native ISO
200
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points
11
Lens
Lens support
Pentax KAF
Number of lenses
151
Focal length multiplier
1.5
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen size
2.5 inches
Resolution of screen
210k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Optical
Viewfinder coverage
95 percent
Viewfinder magnification
0.64x
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
30 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
3.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
No
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
605g (1.33 lbs)
Physical dimensions
125 x 93 x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6")
Other
Battery ID
4 x AA
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/MMC card
Card slots
Single