Well all you lucky Pentaxian, it's almost time to hear about the new entry and pro-sumer level DSLR's from Pentax.
Instead of speculating on the K20D, let's get a great list of what we'd like in a Semi-Pro body priced in around $2000.
Here is what I consider a great set that Pentax has the capability of producing come Christmas 2008.
SENSOR:
18+ Megapixel High Resolution CMOS sensor
Advanced sensor technology for truer colours and lower noise
Maybe Full-Frame, but it most likely will not have this just yet!
Advanced Shake Reduction up to 6 stops and smarter
A top issue here is increasing the dynamic range. We used to call this I think latitude in the film days. The ability to deliver a usable photo of some one standing part way under a tree during a picnic..... on a bright sunny day...
Full frame is not a high priority of mine. I care less about innards than delivering results.
While some argue that FF is a requirement to some of the things you mention, I don't care. if there is any frame at all---or what's inside the box, if what I want comes out of the box.
Shake reduction wouldn't be an issue if the ISO levels were increased---something I think
is more important. If I can use an ISO of 10,000, I'm not sure I need shake reduction.
Program modes that move the ISO to protect time and aperture are good things.
BODY:
Weather sealed
Magnesium Build or an another alloy
Buttons and dials for all camera settings on body (ISO, WB, AF burst ratio)
PC sync port
Vertical grip built right into the whole deal
100% viewfinder with adjustable level of magnification
Live histogram in the viewfinder
Built-in wireless PTTL transmitter and focus assist lamp without pop-up flash
I don't know if metal is better---but I like the classic look of the ZX-5
As for controls, having some stuff under the FN key and some under the Menu Key makes no sense. the stuff under the function key is easier to use, but setting the WB and ISO
the way it worked on an *istD was easier to learn than the K10D method, though I understand with the auto ISO which is a good thing---it's hard to set the auto range.
One thing I think is critical for (and I saw it on something) --- is support for multiple
USER configurations which can be saved. And I don't need to be limited to manual switching of user profiles. There is a way I would like the camera to profile itself if a flash is going
to go off, There is a way I want the camera to behave if I have a particular lens attached, etc. With this goes 'smart lens management' --- in the programs that tweak the program mode based on the lens attached to prefer the lens 'sweet spot'.
DRIVE SYSTEM:
New AF system with 3D tracking
Continuous capture at 8 FPS and adjustable down to 3 FPS
Live View with contrast control focusing
11 main Auto Focus points with multiple assist points
I don't care whether they call the AF system 'new' or not, but one that can deal
with the 'Here comes the Bride' photo sequence.--- i.e. an object moving fairly quickly
to or away from the camera at fairly close range. After all if the object is a grisly bear coming to eat you, it would be nice to leave the family some nice photos of what happened, rather than simply having the camera jam up and take no photos because the AF was baffled.
Extra Goodies:
Intuitive menu system that can be arranged to users liking
Extra settings for multiple AF adjustments
New LI-ION battery capable of 2000 shots on a full charge and low drain in cold/hot temps
Sleek style and make it feel like a luxury camera just to make others drool!
Good battery life is more important than ever. the US goverment is banning extra batteries in luggage.--but will allow them in cameras. Grips with extra battereries are critical.
Some way to tell how much life is left in the battery would be helpful. current technology just tells you the battery is dead, and you already knew that.
I suggest a high end grip option--- that has a massive 'super storage' area in it that would
allow a large number of RAW photos to be stored.
For the live view.--- an interface that lets the 'live view' display on my laptop computer, and optionally, allows full control of all camera functions from the computer asa well.
It's ok if its on the grip, but the remote control should be an open technology that allows
distance between the camera and the computer.---- I'd prefer to see it happen by
an RJ45 port and a standard IP network protocol. otherwise USB.
If a remote computer is attached, I'd like to see it have an option for storing directly to the remote computer....-----which is why the Gig E, IP interface with negotiations to slower speeds.
Above all else: Fill out the accessory line.---- A macro Flash, (ringlight), new teleconverters,
Lenses: Fill out the lens line: --- A wider than 14mm prime. and some extreme telephotos (longer than on the roadmap). --Probably a 600mm prime or a
135-600 zoom.
Feel free to add onto this or even change some things around. I'll hopefully send a good list off to Pentax with a copy of this thread. Oh, and they may read this so lets be reasonable with our dreams
