AF performance (JPEG)

The new 11-point AF of the *ist D looks rather fast and effective. Hunting is practically a thing of the past, even in low light conditions. Continuous AF is capable to follow quick-moving subjects. Camera operation is as quick as with conventional AF SLR's, with the only exception of time required for storing files in memory (especially with RAW and TIFF files), depending of the card access time (as the camera buffer isn't so large).

Low light

Very low light (circa 1EV) SMC Pentax FAJ 18-35mm  at 35mm f/5.6 20s 200 ISO Click on image to downoload original 3008x2008 2.0MB file	Complete darkness (focusing assisted by built-in flash) SMC Pentax FAJ 18-35mm  at 35mm f/5.6 1/45s + flash 200 ISO Click on image to downoload original 3008x2008 1.8MB file
According to my comparison tests, the Pentax MZ-S is capable to focus without flash aid at about one EV lower than the *ist D (0 EV instead of 1 EV for such kind of subject).

Moving subjects

SMC Pentax-F* 300mm f/4.5
	Detail above is from original image  (shown reduced on the left)
SMC Pentax-FA 24-90 at 90mm
	Detail above is from original image  (shown reduced on the left)
The car, driven by a friend of mine, was approaching at approximaltely 70Km/h. According to my comparison tests, the continuous AF of the Pentax MZ-S was capable to shoot one more frame than the *ist D during this same sequence.

Unless stated otherwise, all published shots are original and untouched. Since image quality depends a lot on the lens used, these samples are valid for mentioned camera+lens combination only, and don't necessarily reflect general image quality obtainable with a given camera.

Text & pictures by Dario Bonazza
Copyright © 2003 by Dario Bonazza