K-m replacement, just like the old K-m - Page 7

thibs · 09-12-2009, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by falconeye

Somebody sent me PM that my 90% likelyhood conclusion is false

I interpret your words in that the sensor isn't the Samsung 14Mpix so either Sony 10Mpix CCD (again) or 12Mpix CMOS (two most probable possibilities IMO).

Maybe you were wrong just because the camera will have Video as well

*falconeye* · 09-12-2009, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by thibs

I interpret your words

Nothing to interpret. Maybe I should state more clearly that I have no own info about this camera. I was just forwarding (and interpreting) info from the German poster attending a Pentax presentation in a German retail store.

And I don't know either if the poster of the PM is in the know ...

rparmar · 09-12-2009, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by thibs

Improved AF is likely to me (although less AF points than K-7) but silent mirror/shutter is a no go. It costs a lot to dampen those. Forget it. It may be better than current K-m but as good as K-7 is quite unrealistic.

It would lack at least three things the K-m provides: weather seals, video and higher buffer. Perhaps it would also lack the quieter shutter, if, as you say, that is expensive to include. But many of the other improvements have been capitalised already so it would cost little more to put them in the K-x.

Still, if it isn't smaller again than the K-7 there would be no reason to switch from the K20D.

Slugger · 09-12-2009, 02:09 PM

If a K200D replacement is coming, I'd suggest it would share the same footprint as the K7, simply because it can use the same vert grip.

nixcamic · 09-12-2009, 09:27 PM

What if Pentax were to move to a 2 camera lineup? K-7 and something between the K-M and k200d?

*pxpaulx* · 09-12-2009, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by nixcamic

What if Pentax were to move to a 2 camera lineup? K-7 and something between the K-M and k200d?

I personally think this would be a good route, however I think they need to keep a competitive entry level model - if a 2 model lineup can include a camera that competes in the entry level segment, with some upmarket features that would be great. But, I think they would be better served to keep a 3 model lineup, introducing something between k200 and k20, while incrementally upgrading the km, which hits alot of good selling points at the entry level as it is.

Nubi · 09-12-2009, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by falconeye

I don't want to bump the "Is this picture of K30D?" thread ...

But if I remember correctly, one of the early K-7 rumors quoted three cameras to be in the workings:

1. A K30D early 2009 succeeding the K20D (became the K-7, now confirmed by many )

2. A new entry level autumn 2009 succeeding the K-m (may be revealed Sep 17 indeed)

3. A full frame body in 2010

With 2 out of 3 predictions prooving reliable, what about prediction #3? Nubi? ogl?

My completely non-reliable sources indicate that a full frame in 2010 is a wishful thinking at this point. More like late 2011 is what they are looking at. It will be called K-1(complete BS). I did order FA 31 ltd from BH this weekend for $899, however, without telling my wife. 645D is taking up a lot of their resources in terms of engineering folks they have under employment. But this k200d replacement.... I heard it is going to look "goofy." I was told that there will be new lenses. Anybody heard anything about that?

*ShadZee* · 09-13-2009, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by Nubi

My completely non-reliable sources indicate that a full frame in 2010 is a wishful thinking at this point. More like late 2011 is what they are looking at. It will be called K-1(complete BS). I did order FA 31 ltd from BH this weekend for $899, however, without telling my wife. 645D is taking up a lot of their resources in terms of engineering folks they have under employment. But this k200d replacement.... I heard it is going to look "goofy." I was told that there will be new lenses. Anybody heard anything about that?

There might be a macro lens in 90-105mm range. Hopefully it's a DA*

starbase218 · 09-13-2009, 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by nixcamic

What if Pentax were to move to a 2 camera lineup? K-7 and something between the K-M and k200d?

I don't understand. The K200D succeeded the K100D, K100D Super and K110D, right? But these were all entry-level cameras. The K10D (later K20D) was the more advanced model. So, hasn't Pentax always had a 2 camera lineup? Wasn't the K-m to succeed the K200D? Or am I missing something?

Btw, this is my first post

.

ogl · 09-13-2009, 03:37 AM

Originally Posted by starbase218

I don't understand. The K200D succeeded the K100D, K100D Super and K110D, right? But these were all entry-level cameras. The K10D (later K20D) was the more advanced model. So, hasn't Pentax always had a 2 camera lineup? Wasn't the K-m to succeed the K200D? Or am I missing something?

Btw, this is my first post .

K-m is lower class than K200D.

elho_cid · 09-13-2009, 03:47 AM

Lower class may be, but is sold much better, with better margin than K200D.

thibs · 09-13-2009, 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by ogl

K-m is lower class than K200D.

I think what the poster meants was that counting officially available cameras from Pentax (K200D,K20D discontinued) we get K-m and K-7. Which gets two cameras.

ogl · 09-13-2009, 04:05 AM

Originally Posted by thibs

I think what the poster meants was that counting officially available cameras from Pentax (K200D,K20D discontinued) we get K-m and K-7. Which gets two cameras.

K-m is discontinued too.

starbase218 · 09-13-2009, 04:22 AM

Originally Posted by ogl

K-m is discontinued too.

Hmm.. dug deeper and found out that Pentax had 3 *ist cameras which were, indeed, low-, mid- and high-end dslrs. They were replaced by K110D, K100D (Super) and K10D. The difference between K110D and K100D being that only the latter had SR. It seems that they brought out the K200D to replace the K110D and K100D (Super) and the K20D to replace the K10D. Later on, the K-m was added as a new low-end camera. So most of the time, they had 3 cameras in production. My mistake.

rparmar · 09-13-2009, 08:22 AM

I would personally welcome a move to a two-camera line-up, since this might free up resources for some other project (645D, for example). Trying to beat all comers on value and distinguish between three cameras in a semi-pro and hobbyist line-up (I'm talking marketing categories, not what I think the cameras are actually good for) is a losing battle.

The K-x and K-7 could have basically the same image engine (why produce two at additional cost?), but the K-7 would add:
* video
* weather sealing
* faster buffer
* top LCD
* and perhaps some other features (level, HDR, etc.)

This would certainly be enough to distinguish them.

The interface should be the same between them, encouraging those with one body to buy another. The differences in interfaces between the different models in the line-up is a major sticking point for me.

Leave the confusing line-up and annoying upgrade path to Canon. Pentax should go for simplicity.