Pentax announced the *ist D digital SLR on 26th February 2003, the week before PMA 2003. The *ist D is essentially a digital version of the *ist film SLR announced the week before. The major physical difference between the two cameras (apart from all the digital controls on the rear of the *ist D) is that the *ist D appears to have a heavier metal subframe. Although expected to be on the shelves by July 2003 the camera has been delayed (twice) due to 'procurement of materials required' (Sony's sensor?). The *ist D is the first digital SLR Pentax has brought to market, they did announce and show a pre-production digital SLR a couple of years ago but that project was cancelled in favour of the *ist D we see today.

The *ist D is currently the smallest and lightest digital SLR, it measures just 129 x 95 x 60 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.3 in) and weighs 650 g (1.4 lb) including batteries (no lens). The *ist D has a the same six megapixel (Sony ICX413AQ) sensor used in the Nikon D100, it has a Pentax K lens mount and supports K, KA, KAF and KAF2 lenses. It is also possible to use screw mount lenses, 645 and 67 series lenses with an adapter.

לביקורת מלאה:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxistd/