Shutterbug.com has a decent writeup on the Pentax *ist DL here. The RSS link I had pointed to a non-existent page, but I managed to find it anyway. If you were looking for it too, try my link. Anyway…

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. While the high-end *ist Ds2 boasts a few more capabilities, the *ist DL is very well equipped. It even includes depth of field preview, not available with every camera in the sub-$750 price range.

They surmise-

“Frankly, the *ist DL would not be my choice for frequent action photography. Aside from the buffer clearing issue, the following factors are worth noting: Continuous autofocus is available only in the Action Program mode, less than ideal for serious photography. The autofocus system is only moderately successful in tracking the motion of high-speed or erratically-moving subjects. Granted, the *ist DL sometimes provided five sharp photos of trucks approaching my position on a highway at 60 mph. At other times, it began hunting for focus during a series of shots in identical conditions. Finally, Continuous autofocus had more difficulty with subjects approaching my position at erratic speeds such as the competitors during sports and equestrian competitions.”