Is there a small DSLR that will match my hexarAF?

[ChrisN]

If you're concerned about size, a used Pentax *ist DS/DS2 with a 21mm/3.2 DA Limited might fit the bill. Not exactly pocketable, but it's a small package. You can get away with shooting at 1600 iso with the 6mp sensor. The only downside is that the Pentax *ist DSLRs are somewhat dated.

I believe Olympus makes a smaller DSLR, but has nothing in terms of compact lens for the focal length you desire.

Just for info, here's a comparison of a Leica with the Pentax *istDS fitted with the 40mm pancake lens. Of course, you don't want the 40, you want the 21 pancake, which is just 10mm longer than the 40, so allow for that in the comparison. With KEH offering a LN- *istDS at US$300, you can try out the concept for not a lot of money, and sell it off if it doesn't suit. The Pentax 28mm manual-focus lenses are cheap and quite compact, too, and work well on the DS.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

+1 on the Pentax. The lenses are little jewels, and the cameras themselves are by and large smaller and lighter than the competition (E-420 excepted!)

Here is Photozone's review of the 21mm pancake. I also recommend the 35mm Macro Limited, which is an extraordinary, amazingly versatile lens.

 

[cmedin]

Looks like somebody beat me to the Pentax suggestion. One of their more compact bodies + the 21mm Limited sounds like the ticket. The Samsung GX-1S (1L is similar but has a pentamirror while the 1S has a real prism) is a rebadged *ist DS2 and can often be had for quite cheap.