賓得公司日前宣佈將推出其小型數位單眼相機賓得*ist DS的後繼機種“*ist DS2”。發售日為9月15日，預計價格為9萬日元左右。

　　*ist DS2除了液晶螢幕升級為21萬畫素2.5英寸外，其他指標基本延續了*ist DS。感光元件仍然是APS-C尺寸（23.5×15.7mm）的600萬畫素CCD，依然使用明亮的玻璃五棱鏡(這是與DL最大不同處，DL使用的是光學型固定五棱鏡)，視野率95%，放大倍率0.95。依然採用SD卡存儲，外形尺寸為125×92.5×67mm，重量約505g

中文版新聞稿近日更新

1. Large, high-resolution color LCD monitor
   
   The *istDS2 incorporates a high-precision 2.5-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 210,000 pixels, making post-shooting image confirmation much easier. Recorded images can be magnified up to 12 times during playback for a closer examination of subject focus and image details. In addition, on-screen menus are displayed with large, easy-to-read letters and digits to facilitate user operations.
   
   　
2. Compact, go-anywhere design
   
   Thanks to a host of advanced downsizing developments, including a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and high-density packaging technology, the *istDS2 is designed extremely compact and lightweight — measuring only 125mm (4.9″) wide, 92.5mm (3.6″) high and 67mm (2.6″) thick and weighing a mere 505 grams (17.8 oz.) without batteries and an SD memory card. As a result, it assures outstanding portability and maneuverability for anyone and in all applications.
   
   　
3. Bright, high-magnification pentaprism viewfinder
   
   The *istDS2 comes equipped with a glass pentaprism viewfinder offering a 95% field of view and a 0.95-times magnification. It offers a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity and brightness to those incorporated in conventional 35mm-format SLRs. It also makes confirmation of the subject′s focus much easier, even in manual-focus mode.
   
   　
4. High-definition, maximum-gradation images with 6.1 effective megapixels
   
   Thanks to its large, high-performance CCD image sensor measuring 23.5mm by 15.7mm, the *istDS2 offers 6.1 effective megapixels. Coupled with PENTAX′s original image processing technology, it produces high-definition images rich in gradation and saturation. It also offers a choice of finishing touch between “Bright” and “Natural” to reflect the photographer′s creative intention.
   
   　
5. Auto sensitivity setting
   
   Like many digital compact cameras, the *istDS2 features an “AUTO” position for sensitivity setting. In this position, the camera′s sensitivity is automatically set by the camera, based on such factors as subject brightness and lens focal length, while the user can randomly select the upper limit of sensitivity between the standard output of 400 and 3200. This position is extremely useful to avoid camera shake in poorly lit locations and to prevent sensitivity resetting failures by the photographer.
   
   　
6. Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable lenses
   
   The *istDS2 offers the outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability, allowing the user to take advantage of a wide selection of existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses to deal with diversified subjects and applications.*

   *

   PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount 35mm-format lenses can be used without an adapter or modification. PENTAX screw-mount 35mm-format lenses and PENTAX 645- and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

   
   　
7. User-friendly function guidance
   
   Taking full advantage of its large LCD monitor, the *istDS2 offers convenient and informative function guidance, which not only provides a detailed explanation of shooting, drive and flash modes and white-balance settings using text and pictures, but also displays a comprehensive list of current camera settings for at-a-glance confirmation.
   
   　
8. User-friendly automatic operations
   
   The *istDS2 is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. 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.
   
   　
9. Simple, accessible operation system
   
   From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic AV/TV dials and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the *istDS2′s compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control.
   
   　
10. High-precision 16-segment multi-pattern metering
    
    The *istDS2 incorporates an advanced 16-segment metering system to assure high-precision light measurement, even under complicated lighting conditions. Center-weighted metering and spot metering are also available to meet specialized applications.
    
    　
11. High-accuracy 11-point AF sensor
    
    The *istDS2 features the sophisticated SAFOX VIII AF system incorporating 11 AF sensors (nine of them in a cross-type wide-area sensor grid in the middle). This not only provides accurate, pinpoint autofocusing on a wide variety of subjects, but also lets the user select one of the sensors to accommodate a specific image composition. It also offers a choice of AF-single or AF-continuous** AF mode to accommodate different types of requirements.
    
    　

    **

    In the Auto Picture and Picture modes, AF-continuous is activated only when the Action mode is selected.

    
    
    　
12. Superimposed AF sensor point indication
    
    The selected AF sensor point is highlighted in red in the viewfinder for easy visual confirmation.
    
    　
13. 1/4000-second high-speed shutter
    
    The *istDS2 features a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second to assure greater visual creativity.
    
    　
14. High-speed consecutive shooting
    
    The *istDS2 records up to eight images (in JPEG format, at Best image format and with noise reduction off) 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.
    
    　
15. SD memory card compatibility
    
    The *istDS2 uses the widely available SD memory card as its storage media, not only assuring high-speed recording and readout of image data, but also contributing to the downsizing of the camera body.
    
    　
16. Others
    
    　
    1. 19 user-programmable custom functions to personalize camera operations to the user′s preferences
    2. Noise-reduction system to minimize annoying digital noise during extended exposures
    3. Dual power source, with a choice of two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries
    4. USB2.0 HIGH-SPEED compatibility for speedy data uploading to a PC
    5. Functional playback functions, including 12X zoom display and nine-image thumbnail display
    6. A choice of image format between JPEG (best, better or good) and RAW
    7. Four built-in digital filters (black-and-white, sepia, slim, and three-level soft) for easy editing of recorded images
    8. PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.1 RAW-data processing software and PENTAX Photo Browser 2.1 browser software included
    9. PictBridge compatibility