Pentax *ist - DS2, DS or DL?

[LuvMySuper]

I asked for a Pentax *ist DS for Christmas and I got a DL. I like that I can use my rechargeable batteries with it, but I don't think I can use my old Pentax K mount lenses with it. I did a lot of research about 9 months ago, and the DS is what I settled on. I remember NOT wanting the DL, but I don't remember why. I'm considering returning the camera and trying something else. I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.

I realize nothing will replace my beloved ME Super (recently deceased), but I'm looking for something just like it with digital capture. Here's my response to your questions:

* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible. up to $800

* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you? looking for DSLR

How many megapixels will suffice for you? since I wanted the Pentax DS to begin with, 6 is sufficient

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify) I think this depends on lenses with DLSR, right?

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10) 10

Do you care for manual controls? I'd like to have the flexibility to be manual, in fact, I need that.

* What will you generally use the camera for? son's sports events, indoor candids, closeups in garden, casual portraits

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not? I need to have the option of going larger but probably won't print larger than 8 x 10 very often

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos? probably about 1/3 indoors

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos? yes, absolutely

Are there particular brands you like or hate? Hate Canon. Hate their manual focusing system and their cameras are just too darn heavy and clumsy for my small hands. My DH has an AE-1 and it is the devil's spawn. Of course I'm holding back here, so if you want to know how I REALLY feel, just ask ;-)

Are there particular models you already have in mind? I was thinking Pentax DS. I'd like to be able to use my older Pentax lenses, but I'm open to any DSLR that isn't too big for my hands.

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD) yes to all except rotating LCD and weatherproof

[Balrog]

First off - you absolutely CAN use K-mount lenses with the *ist D, DS, DS2 or DL. You can even use older Pentax screwmount lenses if you want to (with an adapter). The FA and F and A series will work perfectly; the older M and K series will work once you turn on the "allow aperture ring" custom function.

As for DS vs DS2 vs DL - the DS and the DS2 are nearly the same camera, with basically one difference - the LCD screen on the DS2 is 2.5", vs the 2" screen on the DS. The DL is the less-capable brother - it doesn't have the stellar viewfinder of the DS and DS2 (Pentax's best feature, imo), and it has 3 focus points instead of 11. It does however have the larger (2.5") rear LCD so in that department it's better than the DS. (Though the resolution is the same as the 2" one, so "how much better?" is debatable).

The DS has been discontinued, but if you can still find it for sale somewhere, it's a great buy. Otherwise, I'd say go for the DS2.

[kimnicho]

I love my *ist DS and with the new firmware 2.O, it has all of the bells and whistles of DL but I *think* a better build quality. My local Costco stores still have a great deal on the *ist DS...check it out.

[LuvMySuper]

Thanks much. I'd still love to hear what others think, but the information you've provided is very helpful. I think the DL will be going back tomorrow. I'd never have bought from Ritz camera in the first place, so I guess this is one gift horse I'm going to look in the mouth.

[LuvMySuper]

Just did a search online. No one has them anywhere. I'll try my local Costco, maybe I'll have luck. I sure hope I can find one - I'd rather not pay the extra money for the DS2. I don't need the larger LCD - I'm used to a tiny one on my pocket camera.

[LuvMySuper]

Drove about an hour and a half to a nearby town to get one at Costco - got the last one they had. I've been playing with it, and I can honestly say I love it. There is no comparison with the DL. The viewfinder is sooooooo much better. I would never have been able to use my old lenses and get a good focus with the ridiculous viewfinder on the DL.

I wanted to replace my Me Super, and I think the DS is just what the doctor ordered.

Thanks to those who replied.

[jeisner]

You made the right decision.

:D