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Pentax's Next Move?

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Alex Sarbu said:
Mark Ransom said:
In the popular imagination, DSLR is ancient obsolete technology.
Click to expand...
In the popular imagination, Pentax K wasn't going to last - I should have gone Nikon F or Canon EF instead, because those were supposed to last forever.

Imagine a DSLR made with the Z9's electronics. I'd like those imaginative people to try explaining how one camera is "ancient obsolete technology" and the other is cutting edge ;-)

And the thing is, that's not the theoretical limit a DSLR can reach. Saying theoretical because the practical one depends on Pentax now... they have some neat ideas but we'll see what happens.

Alex
Click to expand...
"Neat Ideas" have they? Ideas are a dime a dozen, bringing them forward in something we would pay for is another matter altogether! Two problems, other that following what Nikon, Sony, and Canon do, how does Pentax know what makes us sing? Then, lets assume they release a Ki IV and a K3 IV, how do they keep them within a price point that works? Maybe their clients and users in Japan are in fact setting the stage. But maybe not! Lord knows, Pentax will keep their cards close to the table. Alex, do not get me wrong, I am bought into Pentax; but that is the past (2021 and earlier to be clear) and I doubt that Pentax has a real process to bring "Neat Ideas" forward -- thank you.

John
 
breeze_of_wind said:
Assuming that other brands continue to release new, interesting bodies, and 2023 sees Pentax sitting on its hands
Click to expand...
Assuming Ricoh Imaging will release the K-1iii in 2023, and the other brands would only release the same boring MILCs... :-p
breeze_of_wind said:
, why do you think folks will stay with Pentax.
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It's less important how many will stay with Pentax; what matters is how many will buy Pentax.

And, for that, Pentax needs new products. 9 months had passed since the last significant announcement...

Alex
 
breeze_of_wind said:
Alex Sarbu said:
Mark Ransom said:
In the popular imagination, DSLR is ancient obsolete technology.
Click to expand...
In the popular imagination, Pentax K wasn't going to last - I should have gone Nikon F or Canon EF instead, because those were supposed to last forever.

Imagine a DSLR made with the Z9's electronics. I'd like those imaginative people to try explaining how one camera is "ancient obsolete technology" and the other is cutting edge ;-)

And the thing is, that's not the theoretical limit a DSLR can reach. Saying theoretical because the practical one depends on Pentax now... they have some neat ideas but we'll see what happens.

Alex
Click to expand...
"Neat Ideas" have they? Ideas are a dime a dozen,
Click to expand...
Not all ideas are a dime a dozen, particularly those supported by research and protected by patents!
breeze_of_wind said:
bringing them forward in something we would pay for is another matter altogether!
Click to expand...
Agree. Although, I would likely pay for some new-and-shiny Pentax! At least for a K-1iii I guess.
breeze_of_wind said:
Alex, do not get me wrong, I am bought into Pentax; but that is the past (2021 and earlier to be clear) and I doubt that Pentax has a real process to bring "Neat Ideas" forward -- thank you.
Click to expand...
People were doubting Pentax could do anything like the K-3iii, yet you have one in your bag ;-)

Alex
 
starbase218 said:
Alex Sarbu said:
bob5050 said:
DougOB said:
starbase218 said:
"The question is whether it can convert existing DSLR users to the Pentax brand"

Honestly, I don't really see this happening. I mean, if you're a Canon or Nikon shooter and you're up for a new body, you could get a mirrorless with an adapter.
Click to expand...
Sure, but if 5% of Canon/Nikon shooters switch to Pentax rather than go MILC then you have pretty much doubled Pentax's active user base.
Click to expand...
Exactly. The notion of converting existing DSLR users needn't be any sort of landslide.
starbase218 said:
starbase218 said:
It would be far easier to do that than to change systems entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Rather, it's just a matter of a simple percentage point or two not following the 'far easier' path--either because they actually like OVFs, or because they can't really see themselves using converters for the rest of their lives.
Click to expand...
Or because they don't want to continue using the brand which abandoned them. In some cases, an emotional reaction might cause the switch.

Since we're discussing a niche, we shouldn't try to find one "universal" reason which moves the masses ;-)
Click to expand...
Anyone can decide on things how they want to. But an emotional motivation to do something that has long-term consequences, I would say is often not the best way to go about things.
Click to expand...
I'm not saying it's the best way; but people are reacting emotionally all the time.
starbase218 said:
It doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen of course. But I don’t think I’d want to see it happen even if they switched to “my” brand.
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If it helps financing Pentax, why not?

Lots of people left Pentax as an emotional reaction to whatever (including being led to believe that Pentax will die and Canon EF/Nikon F will live forever).

Alex
 
Alex Sarbu said:
starbase218 said:
Alex Sarbu said:
bob5050 said:
DougOB said:
starbase218 said:
"The question is whether it can convert existing DSLR users to the Pentax brand"

Honestly, I don't really see this happening. I mean, if you're a Canon or Nikon shooter and you're up for a new body, you could get a mirrorless with an adapter.
Click to expand...
Sure, but if 5% of Canon/Nikon shooters switch to Pentax rather than go MILC then you have pretty much doubled Pentax's active user base.
Click to expand...
Exactly. The notion of converting existing DSLR users needn't be any sort of landslide.
Alex Sarbu said:
Alex Sarbu said:
It would be far easier to do that than to change systems entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Rather, it's just a matter of a simple percentage point or two not following the 'far easier' path--either because they actually like OVFs, or because they can't really see themselves using converters for the rest of their lives.
Click to expand...
Or because they don't want to continue using the brand which abandoned them. In some cases, an emotional reaction might cause the switch.

Since we're discussing a niche, we shouldn't try to find one "universal" reason which moves the masses ;-)
Click to expand...
Anyone can decide on things how they want to. But an emotional motivation to do something that has long-term consequences, I would say is often not the best way to go about things.
Click to expand...
I'm not saying it's the best way; but people are reacting emotionally all the time.
Alex Sarbu said:
It doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen of course. But I don’t think I’d want to see it happen even if they switched to “my” brand.
Click to expand...
If it helps financing Pentax, why not?
Click to expand...
Ok, I guess that’s the difference between you and me.
Alex Sarbu said:
Lots of people left Pentax as an emotional reaction to whatever (including being led to believe that Pentax will die and Canon EF/Nikon F will live forever).
Click to expand...
It’s sometimes hard for others to see what the actual/underlying reason is though.
 
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this is just my guess for what will be needed looking forware 10+ years.

as has been pointed out in many dpreview articles, it just is not possible to use a PDAF module to do the kinds of sosphiciated AF that is being put into Sony/Nikon/Canon mirrorless cameras now.

but if Pentax has something lke the capability of Canon 90D for LiveView AF, but then had the IQ the 90D lacks, I think Pentax may have a product that fills a niche that can survive.

hopefully size will come down in the future. K3III is a bit big. I find myself using my KP more.

I find it ironic that Pentax was first to have a decent LiveView AF capability. I used it a lot wth my children when Canon and Nikon DSLRs users considered it weird, improper or just plain the wrong way to do photography. The tune has sure changed now.
 
starbase218 said:
Alex Sarbu said:
starbase218 said:
Alex Sarbu said:
bob5050 said:
DougOB said:
starbase218 said:
"The question is whether it can convert existing DSLR users to the Pentax brand"

Honestly, I don't really see this happening. I mean, if you're a Canon or Nikon shooter and you're up for a new body, you could get a mirrorless with an adapter.
Click to expand...
Sure, but if 5% of Canon/Nikon shooters switch to Pentax rather than go MILC then you have pretty much doubled Pentax's active user base.
Click to expand...
Exactly. The notion of converting existing DSLR users needn't be any sort of landslide.
starbase218 said:
starbase218 said:
It would be far easier to do that than to change systems entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Rather, it's just a matter of a simple percentage point or two not following the 'far easier' path--either because they actually like OVFs, or because they can't really see themselves using converters for the rest of their lives.
Click to expand...
Or because they don't want to continue using the brand which abandoned them. In some cases, an emotional reaction might cause the switch.

Since we're discussing a niche, we shouldn't try to find one "universal" reason which moves the masses ;-)
Click to expand...
Anyone can decide on things how they want to. But an emotional motivation to do something that has long-term consequences, I would say is often not the best way to go about things.
Click to expand...
I'm not saying it's the best way; but people are reacting emotionally all the time.
starbase218 said:
It doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen of course. But I don’t think I’d want to see it happen even if they switched to “my” brand.
Click to expand...
If it helps financing Pentax, why not?
Click to expand...
Ok, I guess that’s the difference between you and me.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure I understand what's wrong with Pentax getting some sales, though.
starbase218 said:
starbase218 said:
Lots of people left Pentax as an emotional reaction to whatever (including being led to believe that Pentax will die and Canon EF/Nikon F will live forever).
Click to expand...
It’s sometimes hard for others to see what the actual/underlying reason is though.
Click to expand...
Emotional reactions are a fact of life. We like to think we're 100% rational beings, but that's simply not true.

Of course, I never claimed that's the only reason people are leaving systems. On the contrary, I'm saying "or because...", and "in some cases". You e.g. offering an example of someone needing an expensive wildlife kit wouldn't put us in disagreement ;-)

Alex
 
OpticsEngineer said:
this is just my guess for what will be needed looking forware 10+ years.

as has been pointed out in many dpreview articles, it just is not possible to use a PDAF module to do the kinds of sosphiciated AF that is being put into Sony/Nikon/Canon mirrorless cameras now.

but if Pentax has something lke the capability of Canon 90D for LiveView AF, but then had the IQ the 90D lacks, I think Pentax may have a product that fills a niche that can survive.
Click to expand...
In theory, a DSLR can use on-sensor AF with all the sophistication you're describing. This is what I called a "neat idea" in another post.

Maybe Pentax won't have to develop a more advanced SAFOX.

Alex
 
Alex Sarbu said:
starbase218 said:
Alex Sarbu said:
starbase218 said:
Alex Sarbu said:
bob5050 said:
DougOB said:
starbase218 said:
"The question is whether it can convert existing DSLR users to the Pentax brand"

Honestly, I don't really see this happening. I mean, if you're a Canon or Nikon shooter and you're up for a new body, you could get a mirrorless with an adapter.
Click to expand...
Sure, but if 5% of Canon/Nikon shooters switch to Pentax rather than go MILC then you have pretty much doubled Pentax's active user base.
Click to expand...
Exactly. The notion of converting existing DSLR users needn't be any sort of landslide.
Alex Sarbu said:
Alex Sarbu said:
It would be far easier to do that than to change systems entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Rather, it's just a matter of a simple percentage point or two not following the 'far easier' path--either because they actually like OVFs, or because they can't really see themselves using converters for the rest of their lives.
Click to expand...
Or because they don't want to continue using the brand which abandoned them. In some cases, an emotional reaction might cause the switch.

Since we're discussing a niche, we shouldn't try to find one "universal" reason which moves the masses ;-)
Click to expand...
Anyone can decide on things how they want to. But an emotional motivation to do something that has long-term consequences, I would say is often not the best way to go about things.
Click to expand...
I'm not saying it's the best way; but people are reacting emotionally all the time.
Alex Sarbu said:
It doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen of course. But I don’t think I’d want to see it happen even if they switched to “my” brand.
Click to expand...
If it helps financing Pentax, why not?
Click to expand...
Ok, I guess that’s the difference between you and me.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure I understand what's wrong with Pentax getting some sales, though.
Click to expand...
If this comes at the expense of what someone expects/wants out of a system, I would consider that worse.

Chelsea Northrup recently made a few videos about her process of selecting a new system. I disagreed with some of what she said about my brand. But I don’t think my brand would have been best for her. And I mentioned that in a comment as well.
Alex Sarbu said:
Alex Sarbu said:
Alex Sarbu said:
Lots of people left Pentax as an emotional reaction to whatever (including being led to believe that Pentax will die and Canon EF/Nikon F will live forever).
Click to expand...
It’s sometimes hard for others to see what the actual/underlying reason is though.
Click to expand...
Emotional reactions are a fact of life. We like to think we're 100% rational beings, but that's simply not true.
Click to expand...
Indeed. I think I’m looking at an example right now.
Alex Sarbu said:
Of course, I never claimed that's the only reason people are leaving systems. On the contrary, I'm saying "or because...", and "in some cases". You e.g. offering an example of someone needing an expensive wildlife kit wouldn't put us in disagreement ;-)
Click to expand...
You might consider the possibility of not agreeing with somebody leaving a system, and it not being an emotional reason. Or the emotional part being a response to an attitude of “I have to understand your reason or else it’s emotional”.
 
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Alex Sarbu said:
breeze_of_wind said:
Alex Sarbu said:
Mark Ransom said:
In the popular imagination, DSLR is ancient obsolete technology.
Click to expand...
In the popular imagination, Pentax K wasn't going to last - I should have gone Nikon F or Canon EF instead, because those were supposed to last forever.

Imagine a DSLR made with the Z9's electronics. I'd like those imaginative people to try explaining how one camera is "ancient obsolete technology" and the other is cutting edge ;-)

And the thing is, that's not the theoretical limit a DSLR can reach. Saying theoretical because the practical one depends on Pentax now... they have some neat ideas but we'll see what happens.

Alex
Click to expand...
"Neat Ideas" have they? Ideas are a dime a dozen,
Click to expand...
Not all ideas are a dime a dozen, particularly those supported by research and protected by patents!
Alex Sarbu said:
bringing them forward in something we would pay for is another matter altogether!
Click to expand...
Agree. Although, I would likely pay for some new-and-shiny Pentax! At least for a K-1iii I guess.
Alex Sarbu said:
Alex, do not get me wrong, I am bought into Pentax; but that is the past (2021 and earlier to be clear) and I doubt that Pentax has a real process to bring "Neat Ideas" forward -- thank you.
Click to expand...
People were doubting Pentax could do anything like the K-3iii, yet you have one in your bag ;-)

Alex
Click to expand...
Hi Alex

Yes I have one in my bag and love it. I think we both share the hope for the future. See in another post that your reference to "neat idea" is quite concrete. I assume thos of us who are left on this Pentax forum are trying to get through to the development team in Japan -- pay some attention to your installed base!!!!!

John
 
breeze_of_wind said:
Alex Sarbu said:
breeze_of_wind said:
Alex Sarbu said:
Mark Ransom said:
In the popular imagination, DSLR is ancient obsolete technology.
Click to expand...
In the popular imagination, Pentax K wasn't going to last - I should have gone Nikon F or Canon EF instead, because those were supposed to last forever.

Imagine a DSLR made with the Z9's electronics. I'd like those imaginative people to try explaining how one camera is "ancient obsolete technology" and the other is cutting edge ;-)

And the thing is, that's not the theoretical limit a DSLR can reach. Saying theoretical because the practical one depends on Pentax now... they have some neat ideas but we'll see what happens.

Alex
Click to expand...
"Neat Ideas" have they? Ideas are a dime a dozen,
Click to expand...
Not all ideas are a dime a dozen, particularly those supported by research and protected by patents!
breeze_of_wind said:
bringing them forward in something we would pay for is another matter altogether!
Click to expand...
Agree. Although, I would likely pay for some new-and-shiny Pentax! At least for a K-1iii I guess.
breeze_of_wind said:
Alex, do not get me wrong, I am bought into Pentax; but that is the past (2021 and earlier to be clear) and I doubt that Pentax has a real process to bring "Neat Ideas" forward -- thank you.
Click to expand...
People were doubting Pentax could do anything like the K-3iii, yet you have one in your bag ;-)

Alex
Click to expand...
Hi Alex

Yes I have one in my bag and love it. I think we both share the hope for the future. See in another post that your reference to "neat idea" is quite concrete. I assume thos of us who are left on this Pentax forum are trying to get through to the development team in Japan -- pay some attention to your installed base!!!!!

John
Click to expand...
Indeed John, I am in frequent correcspondence with the guys in Pentax Japan about the progress / development of the HD 55-550mm F/4-6.3 lens.
 
Mark Ransom said:
PentUp said:
Forgtting the 'entry level' is a mistake. It discourages people from entering the ecosystem (or buying an entry level for their kid that can use the same lenses as their own higher specced DSLR)...
Click to expand...
Like it or not, the cell phone is the entry level camera now. You need to be a really dedicated photographer to go beyond a phone's capabilities.

As for getting kids into photography, that's an uphill battle unless they're naturally inclined. I gave my kid a rugged compact almost exactly a year ago, because he was going on a unique hike in some spectacular scenery and I wanted him to be able to capture it. Today was the first day since then that he expressed any interest in getting any pictures out of it.
Click to expand...
I couldn't agree more. Our first grandchild is just over two years old. When she was born I gave my son and daughter-in-law a good APSC ML camera with a couple of lenses. A dedicated video camera and some decent hi-fi (my first love).

Since then they have never used them, at least I haven't see a single shot from the camera or clip from the video recorder. He plays compressed music on his mobile and bluetooth's it to a sausage that masquerades as a speaker.

And you know what I get most of it. They both have their phones on them all the time. They are very proficient at using them and for their general needs, the quality is sufficient.

So I'm I disappointed that they don't use the gear? Not at all because I'd rather have the great memories from their phones than none/few as they would have missed the 'moment' trying to find and use their dedicated kit.

I still can't forgive them for listening to the sausage though!
 
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Her few thoughts from a Nikon user, who recently picked up a K-70 with few lenses out of curiosity.
  • Pentax is doomed if their cameras will not match what others are offering. And others are offering an eye AF, subject recognition AF, all-frame AF, WYSIWYG in the viewfinder, touchscreens, 20 to 120 fps and so on. Currently, they are not matching it, by far.
  • Pentax is doomed if they will not start to pour some serious R&D efforts in their lens releases. It is ridiculous to see the re-release of the ancient screw-driven designs from the film era propped as something new and shiny (and expensive as hell!) as recent as in 2021 (trio of the 31mm, 43mm and 77mm lenses). There are huge gapes in the line-up, which can not be closed if Pentax continue to churn up only one new lens per year.
  • Pentax is doomed is they will not offer some added value in comparison with other brands. And no, astrotracer isn't the answer. I am speaking about UI, UX, customisability and connectivity. It should be some extra that solves real user problems, not another gimmick.
So, what could be the answer?
  • In therms of cameras, I think, Nikon actually showed the way with their D780. It is a proper DSLR, which acts as a MILC in live-view mode, with all the benefits of the latter. In such a way, the user gets the best of both worlds. Try to cramp an EVF in the optical viewfinder (like Fuji did on some of their cameras) and shave some bulk, and such a hybrid camera might hold many Pentaxians happy in the camp instead of them migrating to MILC systems.
  • At the same time, the key unique lens proposition in the form of small competent primes should be revamped. Modern focus motors, modern lens formulas, adequate pricing. And close the line-up gaps!
  • And work hard on helping photographers with solving their problems. I was pleasantly surprised, noticing K-70 puts all the pictures from a particular day in a separate folder on a card, named after the date. It saves time and effort while managing pictures after the shot. More of this, please! Otherwise, you will not be able to attract new users to your system.
Will Pentax do it?

I want to hope, but it would require very good understanding of user needs, some serious leadership and proper financial investment. Unfortunately, I do not see any signs of this in the last interview with the head of the camera division (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4658303).
 
So Pentax is Doomed. We've heard that one before, many times. Hasn't happened yet.

I can't argue with any of the things you wish for, but like you I don't see any signs of change in the status quo.
wjan said:
Her few thoughts from a Nikon user, who recently picked up a K-70 with few lenses out of curiosity.
  • Pentax is doomed if their cameras will not match what others are offering. And others are offering an eye AF, subject recognition AF, all-frame AF, WYSIWYG in the viewfinder, touchscreens, 20 to 120 fps and so on. Currently, they are not matching it, by far.
  • Pentax is doomed if they will not start to pour some serious R&D efforts in their lens releases. It is ridiculous to see the re-release of the ancient screw-driven designs from the film era propped as something new and shiny (and expensive as hell!) as recent as in 2021 (trio of the 31mm, 43mm and 77mm lenses). There are huge gapes in the line-up, which can not be closed if Pentax continue to churn up only one new lens per year.
  • Pentax is doomed is they will not offer some added value in comparison with other brands. And no, astrotracer isn't the answer. I am speaking about UI, UX, customisability and connectivity. It should be some extra that solves real user problems, not another gimmick.
So, what could be the answer?
  • In therms of cameras, I think, Nikon actually showed the way with their D780. It is a proper DSLR, which acts as a MILC in live-view mode, with all the benefits of the latter. In such a way, the user gets the best of both worlds. Try to cramp an EVF in the optical viewfinder (like Fuji did on some of their cameras) and shave some bulk, and such a hybrid camera might hold many Pentaxians happy in the camp instead of them migrating to MILC systems.
  • At the same time, the key unique lens proposition in the form of small competent primes should be revamped. Modern focus motors, modern lens formulas, adequate pricing. And close the line-up gaps!
  • And work hard on helping photographers with solving their problems. I was pleasantly surprised, noticing K-70 puts all the pictures from a particular day in a separate folder on a card, named after the date. It saves time and effort while managing pictures after the shot. More of this, please! Otherwise, you will not be able to attract new users to your system.
Will Pentax do it?

I want to hope, but it would require very good understanding of user needs, some serious leadership and proper financial investment. Unfortunately, I do not see any signs of this in the last interview with the head of the camera division (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4658303).
Click to expand...
 
wjan said:
Her few thoughts from a Nikon user, who recently picked up a K-70 with few lenses out of curiosity.
Click to expand...
Pentax does have subject recognition AF, face detection AF in OVF mode and touchscreen. Not on the entry level K-70, though.

There are also modern lenses, the old Limiteds shouldn't be counted as new lenses - but the D FA* primes and the D FA Limited should.

I'm often complaining about Pentax' lack of speed; there's a lot that needs to be done, both on camera side and on the lens side. But they also accomplished things.

wjan said:
So, what could be the answer?
  • In therms of cameras, I think, Nikon actually showed the way with their D780.
Click to expand...
And gave up on DSLRs shortly after ;-)

OTOH Pentax K - without matching the others' performance and video features, launching a product now and then - survives.

But, yeah, Pentax needs the K-1iii.

Alex
 
Alex Sarbu said:
wjan said:
Her few thoughts from a Nikon user, who recently picked up a K-70 with few lenses out of curiosity.
Click to expand...
Pentax does have subject recognition AF, face detection AF in OVF mode and touchscreen. Not on the entry level K-70, though.

There are also modern lenses, the old Limiteds shouldn't be counted as new lenses - but the D FA* primes and the D FA Limited should.

I'm often complaining about Pentax' lack of speed; there's a lot that needs to be done, both on camera side and on the lens side. But they also accomplished things.
Alex Sarbu said:
So, what could be the answer?
  • In therms of cameras, I think, Nikon actually showed the way with their D780.
Click to expand...
And gave up on DSLRs shortly after ;-)

OTOH Pentax K - without matching the others' performance and video features, launching a product now and then - survives.

But, yeah, Pentax needs the K-1iii.

Alex
Click to expand...
Hi Alex

Lets play devil's advocate for a few minutes. The question: what camera body and lens should next be released?

I like you have been saying K1 III and a zoom that gets to 500 or 600. I will stick with the zoom ask but I wonder about the camera. The K3 III is a winner -- a major and long awaited step up for Pentax. Having gotten to this point might it not be better to push the K3 even further, releasing a K3 IV that goes the next step with neat new capabilities? I would but such a camera! I just have the feeling that Pentax will drag their feet horrible if we are waiting for a K1 III whose claim to fame will be bringing FF to the K1 III.

Fun pushing these ideas around.

Big decisions somewhere in Japan if Pentax is to stay releant -- we do not want to see the company go the way of Kodak, Minoolta, Xerox and Wang -- other companies that went down the wrong roadway to success.

John
 
Canon DSLR user here. I've been looking for a reliable aps-c camera and having seen some videos, I'd say the k3 III looks very cool. I do not see any comparable product in Canon portfolio. The problem is I think the distribution. In my country (Israel) this camera is not available in any shop. That is a shame because I'd very willingly take it into my hands to check how it feels. You can't consider a system if the dealership locally is non existent. Greetings to all!
 
Braniff was an airline that used to have airplanes painted in all kinds of colors. When they went bankrupt, I recall a cartoon with two housewives looking the the newspaper headline "Braniff Bankrupt" And one house wive saying, 'I don't know what else they could have done. They tried every color"

That said, I will buy anything Pentax puts out in pink. I have gotten a lots of nice comments when I am out using my pink K50.
 
breeze_of_wind said:
breeze_of_wind said:
Alex Sarbu wrote:.l.
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breeze_of_wind said:
breeze_of_wind said:
breeze_of_wind said:
…
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
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breeze_of_wind said:
Lets play devil's advocate for a few minutes. The question: what camera body and lens should next be released?
Click to expand...
A K1-III, keep firmware for K3-III fresh, forget about competing with MILC specs and hone the pitch to DSLR users. 90D, D500, D5, 1DxIII, D850 are the benchmarks that need to be improved upon as they target new users.

The lens issue gets thorny. It is expensive to change. It is expensive to R&D. Many here are proud of selection, coatings, and legacy compatibility. If the need is to draw from outside, however, the perception is quite different. For example, the Imaging Resource review of K3-III last year by user of another system was quite positive. He liked the camera. The statement that it was held back more by lenses than the camera (HD 55-300, HD 16-85, DA*200), accurate or not in the eyes of a Pentax user, is the impression of many accustomed to Canon or Nikon lenses, selection and performance. While Pentax has a broader selection of APSC directed lenses, many with Canon and Nikon are using both FF and APSC bodies and almost exclusively FF lens collections. Promoting use of 50 year old lenses and refreshed 20+ year old lenses will garner very little interest. The DFA* 50 and 85 are universally highly regarded. Some of the zoom selection, as used in the review above, is likely perceived as kit zooms to those on the outside. That is where attention needs to be directed to attract many of the desired high end users that are not currently Pentax users.
 
OpticsEngineer said:
Braniff was an airline that used to have airplanes painted in all kinds of colors. When they went bankrupt, I recall a cartoon with two housewives looking the the newspaper headline "Braniff Bankrupt" And one house wive saying, 'I don't know what else they could have done. They tried every color"

That said, I will buy anything Pentax puts out in pink. I have gotten a lots of nice comments when I am out using my pink K50.
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It's a bit sad that, after a century of innovation, all people remember about Pentax is colors and LEDs!

Alex
 
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