Pentax Imaging has launched a third digital SLR camera, the *ist DL. Continuing with the line's compact style, the new model's body weighs 16.6 ounces and has a 2.5-inch LCD monitor.

The *ist DL incorporates a 23.5 by 15.7mm CCD image sensor for 6.1 effective megapixels. A 16-segment metering system assures precision light measurement, even under complicated conditions. It also offers center-weighted metering and spot metering for specialized applications.

The SAFOX VIII AF system uses three cross-type wide-area autofocus sensors, automatically selecting the most appropriate one for a given subject. It also lets the user fix the sensor point on the middle sensor for specific applications and select the preferred focus mode between single autofocus, which locks the focus when the shutter release button is half-depressed, and continuous autofocus, which adjusts the focus to the subject's movement.

The shutter unit has a top speed of 1/4,000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second. Up to five images can be recorded consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second.

The camera and smc Pentax DA 18-55mm digital lens is expected to sell for less than $800.