Is the Pentax *ist DL a good camera?

Question

I saw it refurbished in a store and my brother, who is really into photography, is looking for a camera. I thought it might be good.

Is $449 CAN a good price?

Is it a better camera than the Nikon D40?

What are the differences between the Pentax, the Nikon D40, and the Canon Rebel XT?

cnet: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/pentax-ist-dl-with/4505-6501_7-31405585.html?tag=also

dpreview: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0506/05060104pentaxistdl.asp

shutterbug: http://www.shutterbug.com/equipmentreviews/amateur_digital_slrs/0106pentax/

Answer 1

For $449 I think you could get a much better camera than the *ist DL. A slightly used Pentax K100D super, for example.

Buying a 100D super gets you in-body stabilization, dust removal, and the best image quality you can possibly get from a 6 megapixel DSLR. I know because I've tried all three cameras you've enumerated.

The Rebel has slightly better high-ISO performance but only goes up to ISO 1600. The *ist/K100D go to 3200.

Nikon's D40 is small and has a very user-friendly interface.

You can find really cheap used lenses for the Pentax system, which allows you to build a low-priced, but very high quality system.

The best thing, however, is to go to camera shops which still stock those cameras, or their relative cousins (Nikon's D60 ,Rebel XTi and the Pentax K200D) and get a feel for each. Don't let the sales rep. sucker you into buying what they want you to buy. Take the time and make up your own mind.

A used K10D (semi-pro) body goes for around $500 US at the moment, so I'm pretty sure $450 CAN is just a bit much for a DL.