It's official. Pentax has cancelled its 6 megapixel digital SLR. A prototype of this long awaited full frame 6 megapixel digital SLR was seen (and handled) by us in the flesh at PMA 2001, although at the time it was particularly unstable. Pentax UK has today issued this statement, "The cost of manufacturing the prototype SLR 6-megapixel digital camera meant it was not a viable product for our target market. However, we have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience in the development of this prototype which will ensure technological innovation in future Pentax digital products."

Statement from Pentax U.K. Limited

Our own 'hands on' with the prototype Pentax D-SLR at PMA 2001

Pentax U.K. Limited announced that it has decided not manufacture a prototype SLR 6-megapixel digital camera, initially shown at Photokina 2000. This decision was taken in order to focus on producing another SLR digital camera, which will have greater marketability and competitiveness in line with Pentax's target market.

John Dickins, Marketing Manager, Pentax U.K. Limited said, "The cost of manufacturing the prototype SLR 6-megapixel digital camera meant it was not a viable product for our target market. However, we have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience in the development of this prototype which will ensure technological innovation in future Pentax digital products."

Pentax will also continue its successful Optio series with the launch of the Pentax Optio 430 in December, which will be the world's smallest 4-megapixel 3x zoom digital camera, and further new products in the first quarter of next year.