Expert: John Oliverio - 9/11/2006

Question
Hi there, I am average compact user camera. However, I am thinking about moving to d-slr but I'm really on a budget.  I've seen that the new Pentax *ist DL2 is maybe the cheapest d-slr and compared to the nikon d50 it apparently has a decent behaviour.  I would like to know your opinion on this camera. It'll cost me around 415 british pounds (including postage and import duty) (it also comes with kit lenses 18-55 and a 2GB memory card)on ebay brought from a recognised dealer in Hong Kong (DigitalRev). is it a good camera? what are its disadvantages?.  I've also read that it is only available in Asia and Canada, Why is this?. I would be very grateful if you could provide me with as much info or links on it as you can.

Thank you very much,

Fabian Ortega
United Kingdom  

Answer
Fabian,

The DL2 is a minor upgrade from the DL.  It appears to be the Pentax version of the Samsung GX-1S.  They may want to market it as a Pentax is some markets and a Samsung in others.  I could find no meaningful links for this camera that were in English but the DL was a fine machine so I'm sure the DL2 will be as well.  Some problems you may have will be with the menu system and manual.  Cameras that were intended for other markets may not have English instruction manuals.  And it is even possible that the menus will be in another language.  Also it will not have a warranty you can use in the UK.

You can find a review of the original DL here:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/istdl.html

I think it would make a fine first SLR.

John