Peter K. Burian

Best known for their line of highly rated compact cameras with built-in zooms, Pentax has also continued to develop their line of SLR cameras and accessories. Their two most recent lenses--introduced in conjunction with the MZ-S, a...

Following the resounding success of the ZX-5N--a high tech autofocus SLR with traditional controls--Pentax has introduced several models with an equally handsome silver and black finish. Most recent is the mid-priced ZX-7, designed for maximum...

The smallest and lightest digital SLR on the market at the time of this writing, the *ist DL is also among the most affordable in the 6-megapixel category. As the entry-level model in the Pentax line, it was designed for simplicity of operation, yet it's surprisingly versatile, with a full slate of semiautomatic and manual features as well as overrides for full control.

The digital SLR category continues to grow. Several manufacturers introduced new models during the photokina show; Canon, Panasonic, and Sony had unveiled their new entries sometime before the European trade show, so they are not included in this report. In any event, it's clear that the 10-megapixel or higher resolution category is becoming the norm in all types of...