Cons:

If you are switching to DSLR from digital point-and-shoot, it may take a bit of time to get comfortable with having to use the viewfinder all of the time. Not numorus, but only a few times the AF did not lock and release the shutter. I am not optimistic with the auto white balance. Info in the viewfinder (shutter speed, apature, and so on) not so easaly seen when it is really bright outside (not a big deal to think any less positive of the camera).

Final opinion:

Amazing camera when you do not swich it to AUTO. Two thumbs up, highly recomended as a starter DSLR =).

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the K1000 of digital SLRs, March 25, 2006
Reviewer: Richard
I decided that I needed to get on-board the digital wave beyond my Kycocera EVF digital camera, meaning I needed an SLR. I chose Pentax as several newer film cameras, lenses and flash units I own are all Pentax. The flash units, and lenses for Pentax autofocus, autoexposure (KAF mount) 35mm cameras are interchangeable on the *ist DL, a huge plus! I love knowing I can use AA batteries, CRV3 batteries or an AC adapter (on order).

The DL is a joy to hold, the weight is less than my ZX-Ls and the ergonomics are even better. A couple of competitors' cameras that I have handled afterwards actually felt clunky to me. The LCD viewfinder is great (please let it be known, to save battery life it will time out much sooner than many folks are accustomed to with digi pocket cameras). The multifunction dial for auto shooting, or manual settings is pretty muchthe same as other models I have, cutting down the time I needed to read the manual. The "slim" filter feature is a unique feature to Pentax units I believe.

The kit lens is sharp and clear, and the equivalent to a 28-80mm lens in 35mm format, which suits most of my needs. The DA lens does not have an aperture ring, so those of us so accustomed to having one must learn to use the electronic settings (or use an earlier lens, on aperture priority). A few drawbacks I have read about the DL is that for sports/action use the autofocus may not be fast enough for some guys, and the AF360FGZ flash (I have one)does not swivel. I can get around those items; to me a big plus is that's been reported that Pentax digitals have less noise than many competitors at higher ASA/ISO settings, enabling you to use it in low light situations with less noise (I still want to call it "grain") in your images. As soon as the weather improves, I am going to really see what this baby can do beyond the test pics I have taken indoors.

A great camera to learn digital SLR photography with, just as the old K1000 was for 35mm.
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 good price,perfect pictures, March 12, 2006
Reviewer: Burak Kara

�f you wanna take good pictures this is perfect for you....but if you wanna be professional photographer and tryind hard,this machine is not gonna be enough for you in very soon...dont forget this is very charismatic machine...
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A superb starter dSLR, February 24, 2006
Reviewer: Deacon Thom
I first tried out this camera at a local camera store, and was impressed with its heft, its handling, and its surprisingly simple and intuitive LCD menu. I decided to take the plunge, and haven't looked back!

The pictures are unfailingly good, and the camera performs just as capably as my old Canon (film) SLR. Better still, since it's digital, I can experiment, see the results immediately, and quickly delete my mistakes, and try again until I get it right.

I can't help but think this will be a great tool for learning more about photography, and sharpening my skills. And at this price, it can't be beat! It's easily the most affordable dSLR on the market -- a terrific value for anyone, and an excellent piece of equipment for both beginners and advanced snapshooters eager to broaden their horizons.
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Very good camera, December 30, 2005
Reviewer: Omar Armas "Omar"
Im new to SLR cameras, but have had digital cameras for about 5 years. I bought this one to enter in the in the SLR world and all I can say is it has exceeded my expectations.
Before this one I owned a Canon Powershot G3 and a SD30, this one feels much better than those.
Maybe for a pro it lacks some features, but for newcomers like me its perfect.
I have a lot to study, but my first impression after a few weeks is that I made the right choice.
Omar
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