This is from Photo Rumors - Canon is considering a new mount system. But for what?
In the comments that follow the rumor, some argue that the new mount is for a mirror
less full frame system. This seems plausible, as SONY has taken this approach already.
Rumor source:
http://photorumors.com/2014/09/20/canon-is-considering-a-new-mount-system
What does this rumor has to do with Ricoh/Pentax? As we all know, Ricoh/Pentax always
says that they are studying the market closely, and there is no release schedule for their
35mm full frame yet. Technically speaking, it should not be too difficult for Ricoh/Pentax
to make a FF DSLR. So what is their concern, and what are they studying anyway?
I remember there is a rumor saying that Pentax might give up K-mount and put up a new
lens mount on their FF DSLR. Given Canon's new camera mount rumor and the fact that
SONY has a new mount on their mirrorless A7, this new mount idea is also an option for
Ricoh/Pentax. So *maybe* what they are studying is the pros and cons of a new mount,
and the impact of the new mount to current Pentax cameras' eco system.
I for one welcome the idea of a mirrorless FF camera that is not K-mount. For one of the
advantages of a mirrorless camera is its relatively small size. Pentax is working very hard
to make small DSLRs. And indeed K-7/K-5/K-3 basically have the smallest form factor
among their peers. But I think size-wise they have probably hit the roof, because of the
mirror box. So to further reduce the camera size, giving up the mirror is a natural approach.
But on the other hand, the K-01 has done a pretty decent job in terms of reducing camera size.
So who knows? If the two new telephoto zoom lenses are really for FF, then it seems that
Ricoh/Pentax is planning a professional or semi-professional FF DSLR body, as putting these
giant lenses on a mirroless camera just does not make too much sense