*istDS versus *istDS2 - features and a good deal??

[m_p7]

<p>I've been thinking about adding a Pentax *istDS2 to my collection

of Pentax equipment. I anticipated purchasing it from B&H when I

finally decided. But wandering around my local mega-electronics

store the other day, I noticed they carried the istDL (which I'm

probably not considering).<p>Anyway, I got to talking with the

salesman, and it turns out he has a *istDS and 18-55 kit lens

sitting in the backroom that was ordered and apparently never

sold.<p>So my questions: <ol><li>Am I right in thinking the only

feature difference between the *istDS and *istDS2 is the size of the

LCD screen, or are there other differences?</li><li>is a *istDS + 18-

55 kit lens + 3yr warranty for $600 a good deal, or should I just

stick to the current DS2 model?</li></ol>Thanks in advance for your

help...

<p>

[jerry thirsty]

1. Pretty much, as long as you upgrade the firmware on the DS to the 2.00 version

 

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=pentax_istds%2Cpentax_istds2&show=all

 

2. That doesn't sound bad at all. B&H lists the DS2 body for $749, so you're basically getting the same camera plus lens for less.

[anthony_armstrong]

I have been keeping an eye on the price of the DS for a couple of months now. $600 for body & lens is very good. I have seen a couple of places at $649 but they were not major retailers and I have had personal experience of the bait & switch tactics of those sort of online retailers.

The cheapest kit price from a reputable store is over $700 so $600 from a local store is a good price.

[gee-bug]

I'd get the *ist DS or wait for the *ist D2 (hopefully next year). According to the Steve's Digicams review, the *ist DS2 battery life is 200 shots vs. 300 shots with the *ist DS. I guess the larger screen sucks more power. With the 2.00 firmware the *ist DS is functionally the same as the *ist DS2. I have the DS and am quite happy. I'm waiting for the *ist D2 before considering an upgrade.

<p>

<a href="http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/istds2_pg7.html">http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/istds2_pg7.html</a>