*ist DL/DS start up time?

This seems to be a problem with the ist line. My istD does the same thing. Turning it on and off a few times helps with mine. Pentax has no solution.

Sounds like you have dust on the sensor. If you Google the words "cleaning a DSLR sensor", you will find sites that explain the cleaning procedure with pictures and places you can find the supplies needed. It's really easy to do.

Pentax *ist DL User Manual
Pentax *ist DL Software Manual

You need a Pentax USB cable I-USB17.
You can get it online from B&H photo or Adorama camera.
I would go with B&H photo personally.

Try in custom menu I think. Switch shutter release whilst charging firmware switch whilst flash charging a couple of times. Had sinilar thing with ist DS after firmware update.

Looks like its true... Another major disadvantage. Removing TTL means removing one more hardware piece - TTL sensor. Pentax removed almost every nice feature, which needs some aditional or more expensive hardware: no TTL flash, less AF points, pentamirror... Seems like I bought Ds right in time.

According to the manual (page 153), the DL DOES support P-TTL flash, with the built-in or external flash, but only supports high-speed flash with an external flash. What I'm wondering is, what is high-speed sync flash useful for? The only thing I can think of is fill-flash outdoors.

Interesting... I've heard that (for the DS at least) the camera isn't capable of using more than about 60X, but of course your downloads can be faster if you use a reader. At 2gb, this might give you some benefit, but a full transfer of 1gb on a garden variety sandisk only takes a few minutes.

I don't know how to answer your question, since I haven't yet experienced that phenomenon. It sounds like it's just caused by the nature of the lenses used. Since you are new to the camera, I'll just warn you that it is not perfect in any way, but every function of it is very good, so the end result is amazing, and I might even say perfect. This is just the nature of the Pentax dSLR for now, and it seems that it's a Pentax thing in general. You'll find lots of dSLRs that can outperform the Pentax in one or two feature comparison tests, but if you lign up all the features of one camera and compare them with the Pentax you'll find the Pentax will beat any camera out there. It is just so well balanced, and each feature really is good enough, which adds up to a LOT. I'm sure somebody here will explain the problem you're having, and if you're like me you'll just make a few adjustments and be satisfied with the results. Post some shots too, that's an excellent way of getting feedback that will help you make the most of your Pentax. I wouldn't trade my Ds for any other camera out there even costing 10 times more.

It's about the time it takes to lift the camera to the eye. I have no figure to give you. A tip though: Levae the camera on. After a few minutes it turn itself to a wait status (the delay can be set in the menu). Then you save power. When the next pcture opportunity is seen just lift the camera to the eye, halfpress the shutter button and you are on the go again. I haven't seen a single complaint here about the startup time amd would say it is a non issue.