The Pentax *ist DL is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. And Pentax has just made it the most affordable digital SLR in the world (as of Feb 2006) by lowering its price to just $599 USD including the 18-55mm zoom lens. Despite its diminuitive size, the *ist DL offers 6.1 million effective pixels of resolution and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is compatible with most existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity. The *ist DL hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a comfortable eyelevel viewfinder, a 2.5 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DL is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families. The *ist DL is equipped with a penta mirror viewfinder offering a 96% field of view and a 0.85x magnification. The camera features a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity and brightness to viewfinders incorporated in conventional 35mm-film SLRs. The *ist DL is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the *ist DL's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically and instantly selects the optimum combination of exposure settings for a given subject or situation, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges. The built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations. The *ist DL records up to 5 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of the subject?s action or movement. A wide range of compatible PENTAX lenses are available for use with the *ist DL including K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required). Some functions may not activate depending on the choice of lens. Pentax *ist DL Features: One of the smallest, lightest and most affordable dSLR cameras High resolution, large-area 6.1-Megapixel CCD image sensor Image sizes are: 6M 3000?2008, 4M 2400?1600 or 1.5M 1536?1024 Choice of JPEG with 3 quality levels or RAW recording formats Software included to manipulate RAW format image data Compatible with Pentax K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required) 2.5-inch, 210,000-pixel color LCD monitor for easy viewing Penta-mirror viewfinder with 96% field of view 16-segment metering with Multi-Segment, Spot and Center-weighted options 3-point autofocus (SAFOX VIII) with Wide and Spot AF modes Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb Auto pop-up flash with red-eye reduction, external flash units can be used with P-TTL hot shoe Auto Picture, Standard, Program AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night Scene and Flash Off exposure modes. 2.8fps Continuous capture of up to 5 JPEG or 3 RAW frames 18 Custom Settings to personalize camera operations Noise reduction function activates for long exposures Playback functions; histogram, nine-image thumbnail and 12X zoom display Four digital filters (black-and-white, sepia, slim, and soft-focus) for easy post-shooting image processing Uses removable Secure Digital flash memory cards High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, PictBridge and Print Image Matching III compatible Powered by 4 AA batteries or 2 CR-V3 Li-ion batteries Optional wireless remote controller and wired cable release The Pentax *ist DL is available now as a kit bundled with the Pentax-DA Zoom 18-55mm F3.5- F5.6 AL lens for ~$599 USD. PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.1 RAW-data processing and PHOTO Browser 2.1 browser software included