The *istDL2 is equipped with the innovative Auto Picture Mode,
which automatically and instantly selects the most appropriate Picture
mode from Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro or Action for a given
subject or situation to assure the optimum combination of aperture,
shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. In
addition, the built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit
or backlit situations. As a result, even first-time digital SLR users
can immediately produce high-quality digital images with minimal effort.

The *istDL2 features a functional, easy-to-access operation system
to simplify complicated camera operations. From the large, easy-to-use
mode dial and the responsive Av/Tv select dial to the multi-function
four-way controller, all switches and dials are designed and laid out
for optimum accessibility and maneuverability. Coupled with its ergonomically
designed, easy-to-hold grip, it assures smooth, flawless operation at
every stage of photography.

Like many digital compact cameras, the *istDL2 features an “AUTO”
position for sensitivity setting. In this position, the camera’s sensitivity
is automatically set by the camera, based on such factors as subject
brightness and lens focal length, while the user can randomly select
the upper limit of sensitivity between the standard output of 400 and
3200. This position is extremely useful to avoid camera shake in poorly
lit locations and to prevent sensitivity resetting failures by the photographer.

The *istDL2 incorporates a large, high-precision 2.5-inch color
LCD monitor on its back panel. With approximately 210,000 pixels, this
monitor displays recorded images sharply and beautifully for effortless
confirmation of focus and composition, even when the original image
is enlarged by 12 times using the digital zoom capability. To maximize
the benefit of this large monitor, the menus are displayed on-screen
with large characters and digits for easy, quick confirmation. The menu
screen also provides an optimum color scheme between menu descriptions
and background to assure effortless menu reading under all types of
lighting conditions.

The *istDL2 offers a compact, lightweight body for outstanding
portability and maneuverability, thanks to such advanced downsizing
technologies as a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, 10-layer electronic
circuit boards, high-density packaging technology, and mirror-box and
shutter units that are designed in perfect proportion to the CCD size.
By combining a compact, lightweight penta-mirror with PENTAX-original
optics and focusing screen, it provides a large, bright viewfinder image
for easy confirmation of the subject’s expression and picture framing.

Thanks to its large, high-performance CCD image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm),
the *istDL2 offers 6.1 effective megapixels. Coupled with PENTAX’s
original image processing technology using a high-performance engine,
it produces high-definition images rich in gradation and saturation.
It also offers a choice of finishing touches between “bright” and “natural”
to satisfy user preferences.

The *istDL2 features a user-friendly, multi-data guide screen,
which offers detailed description of shooting modes, displays drive,
flash and white balance settings using text and sample photos, and presents
a comprehensive list of all camera settings on the large 2.5-inch monitor.

The *istDL2 incorporates a five-point wide-area AF system (SAFOX
VIII with five cross-type sensors) to assure dependable, high-precision
autofocusing. Using the five sensors positioned in a cross pattern over
the image field (one in the middle, two at sides, and two at top and
bottom), this system automatically and unfailingly selects the optimum
sensor for a given subject. It also allows the user to fix the AF detection
point at the middle sensor. In addition, the *istDL2 offers a
choice of two AF modes: Single AF to lock the focus when the shutter
release button is half-depressed, and Continuous AF to adjust the focus
continuously to the subject’s movement. ^*

The *istDL2 offers eight different Scene Modes (Kids, Pets, Candlelight,
Museum, Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text and Sunset) to simplify camera
operations for particular subjects or certain situations. The user can
easily and quickly set the most appropriate Scene Mode for a given subject
or situation by selecting the corresponding icon on the mode palette
displayed on the LCD monitor.

In addition to the conventional optical preview function, which allows
the photographer to confirm the depth of field in the viewfinder, the
*istDL2 also comes equipped with a new digital preview function,
which allows confirmation of not only the depth of field, but also the
exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the
LCD monitor.

The *istDL2 incorporates a high-speed shutter unit, with a top
speed of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second,
to assure greater visual creativity. The bulb setting is also available
to accommodate extended exposures at night.

The *istDL2 records up to five images (at “best” image quality
in JPEG format) consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames
per second, allowing the user to capture a series of photos of the subject’s
motion.

The *istDL2 offers the outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability,
letting the user take advantage of the wide selection of PENTAX interchangeable
lenses for use with diversified subjects and applications.^**

The *istDL2 is designed to be sporty and fashionable, with eye-catching
silver-colored edges around the shutter release button and LCD data
panel on the upper panel, and the LCD monitor and four-way controller
on the back panel.