By Kah Jot (New York City)

I’ve had my DS2 since April. Prior to that, the only digital cameras I had used were low-end point-and-shoot Olympus models, suitable for quick images for the web but not much else. I used my 35mm film cameras whenever higher quality was needed.

This camera seems like an excellent value, especially now that it is heavily discounted due to the introduction of the K1000D.

It is a very comfortable camera to use. The controls are positioned logically and are easy to use. It is compact and lightweight, but solid. It feels good in your hands, and is comfortable to use and hold. A previous reviewer mentioned he had compared it to the Rebel XT, and I agree with his comments. The Rebel feels flimsy in comparison, and is awkward to hold (a little too small) compared to the Pentax.

I have a few complaints about it. My biggest is that it’s somewhat difficult to focus in low light. The autofocus sometimes has to do a lot of work and generates several flashes before it can lock in on the target. Living subjects sometimes move on with their lives while this is taking place. I don’t shoot under these conditions often, so it isn’t a huge problem for me, but it might be for some people.

In general, it is more difficult to focus manually than the various film cameras I’ve used. I think there are other focusing screens available for it, but I haven’t explored that option yet.

Another complaint is that I see some noise in images shot at any setting higher than ISO 200. If you let the camera determine the ISO setting automatically, you may find some images unacceptably noisy. I keep it at 200, which sometimes requires using a tripod.

Another reviewer mentioned problems with an SD card formatted in the camera (as it should be) not being recognized by his Macs. I don’t think that’s typical. I’ve had no trouble with the various SD cards I’ve used (Sandisk and Kingston). I have a Lexar USB 2 card reader hooked up my Mac (OS X, Panther and Tiger). It occasionally loses contact with the computer, but unplugging its USB cable and reconnecting it solves the problem.

I’d recommend using CRV3 batteries.

I’m using Photoshop CS2 and Bridge. The current Adobe Camera RAW plug-in works fine with the images generated by the DS2.

Aside from the issues described above, I have enjoyed this camera tremendously. I take it with me almost everywhere. However, if I were in the market now, I’d probably get the new Pentax K1000D, which has image stabilization in the camera body and can use all the K-mount lenses.

By Kenneth J. Cronin “Ken” (Bronx, NY United States)

I bought this two months ago and continue to be amazed at the quality of this camera. First and foremost the best thing about this camera is the quality of the view finder and and the LCD screen… which is essential after all in order to take a good photo… you have to see what you are shooting. Other camera makers seem to be oblivious to this fact. Case in point, the new Canon Rebel… I was going to buy that as it is 8 MP versus the Pentax 6 MP but after looking throught the view finder of both cards it was an easy choice to make. By the way don’t be too enamored with the bigger mp numbers… remember along with the quality of the higher number comes the space requirement of your hard drive, plus making back ups of your photos takes a lot longer! The camera is a joy to hold, beautiful to look at and takes fantastic pictures especially in low light conditions… you will rarely have to use the flash on this baby. Using standard batteries is also a plus… you buy fast 15 minute charger (make sure the batteries have a high number… 2500) and away you go… the camera uses extremely low power so you are good for several days. I used this camera in Dominican republic and the pictures look amazing!
SO do yourself a favor and buy this one you won’t regret it, especially if you have pentax lenses or access to them!

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