The Pentax *istD series marked a significant milestone for Japanese brand Pentax when it was introduced in the early 2000s. The series was the brand’s first venture into digital SLR cameras.
The series built upon Pentax’s reputation for solid build quality, compact design, and advanced technology at an affordable price.
The first camera in the series, the Pentax *istD, was launched in 2003 and targeted both professional photographers and amateurs, with the latter being the primary focus. It seems that professionals have traditionally leaned towards brands like Hasselblad, Nikon, or Canon.
The first camera in the series – *istD – was known for its lightweight and ergonomic design, making it one of the smallest and most portable DSLRs on the market at the time.
Equipped with a 6.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, it delivered sharp images with decent color depth and good detail by the standards of its era.
The series also supported Pentax’s extensive range of lenses, making it appealing to photographers who already owned Pentax equipment.
The Pentax *istD series paved the way for a new era of digital cameras from Pentax, solidifying the brand’s position in the digital SLR market.
My personal Pentax journey actually began with the K20D, followed by the Pentax K5, then a K10D, and now, in late 2024, the *istD S.
It’s been quite a winding path, you could say—one that now looks backward in time as my interest in older, if not outright vintage, gear has grown.
You might also be interested in my follow-up introduction to the successor of the *istD, namely the Pentax K10D.
Also see:
Shooting with the Nikon D3 in 2025
The Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 in 2025
The 77mm 1.8 Pentax Limited
