Are we likely to see a successor to the K-5 soon?

**RobA_Oz** · 03-16-2012, 10:10 PM

With all the focus on the K-01 recently, and the heightened speculation about the possibility of a 35mm FF Pentax body (in September, if the speculation is true), the matter of a successor to the K-5 seems to have slipped from the forefront of many people's thinking. Let me clearly state up front that I doubt a successor will be the mooted FF camera, if only because of the gap that would leave in the K-mount line-up, which the K-01 doesn't fill, for all its strengths.

Of course, it's hard to think of a successor to the K-5 without consideration of the K-r, since both cameras are now out of production. There is, I suppose, a possibility that the K-01 may be regarded as the K-r's successor, but I would hope that isn't the case, as I believe the target market segments for those two are somewhat different.

What has got me thinking about this is the recent spate of K-5 specials that have been announced, including the recent K-5 Limited Silver edition and the US $300 rebate, which seem to be ways of clearing stock in time for a new product launch. I haven't seen similar specials for the K-r, but being a lower-priced entry-level product, it probably doesn't need the same level of push that the K-5 does.

So, what do we think about an announcement date for a K-5 successor? There's been speculation or expressions of hope for some time (probably since the K-5 was first announced) about features, but not the timing of a replacement camera. Photokina in September is the obvious event at which to announce new gear, but, if the rumoured FF body is announced then, the K-5 replacement (assuming there is going to be one) would be somewhat in the shadow of that. What does that leave as a suitable event for a launch, or would it be a stand-alone launch? Also, would stocks of the K-5 be exhausted before that date? There are clearly a number of factors to consider.

**monochrome** · 03-16-2012, 11:24 PM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

since both cameras are now out of production

The K-5 is in production and will stay on sale through 12/2012.

You will see at least two more new bodies this year. The K-01 does not replace anything. It is a new line of cameras.

joe.penn · 03-17-2012, 12:17 AM

No...

Adam · 03-17-2012, 12:21 AM

This should start getting very interesting as we hit the summertime

Adam
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Docrwm · 03-17-2012, 03:25 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

The K-5 is in production and will stay on sale through 12/2012.

You will see at least two more new bodies this year. The K-01 does not replace anything. It is a new line of cameras.

What Monochrome said +1.

Colbyt · 03-17-2012, 03:37 AM

I think the rebates and incentive offers are a result of the company now being owned by someone who understand elementary marketing techniques. Good start Ricoh!

RonHendriks1966 · 03-17-2012, 04:06 AM

Well I expected a K-r replacement first. Maybe even in two months. Probably something like K-01 but then with a mirror. For K-5 replacement I think we have to wait until PhotoKina. This needs to be a better camera then K-5 so that takes some extra time for developing these improvements.

New AF module
New processing engine (he that is already there with K-01)
New AWB and metering
Maybe a new sensor, but my guess is we stick with 16 megapixel)

Anvh · 03-17-2012, 04:29 AM

Maybe with the summer we might see a Kr replacement, if i need to guess then i think they will keep the body the same but put in the K-01 hardware.
This make would make production and development quite cheap. I do hope they will "fix" the AF with the new models.

The k5 successor will most likely come with photokina, at least i hope so.
Unlike Ron i think they will go for the 24MP sony sensor, they will need to make the camera "better" looking then the Kr and K-01 of course.

Winder · 03-17-2012, 04:39 AM

I would guess we will see an announcement in September and shipping in time for Christmas. Sony is rumored to have a new 18MP APS-C sensor in the works, and it is possible we see an improved version or second generation of the 24MP sensor. I think the new Silver K-5 release indicates Pentax is buying some time on the product release cycle. There is nothing really wrong with the K-5 (other than some AF issues), and no reason to replace it until Canon and Nikon have released their 7DII and D400 respectively. Sony is on a crazy product cycle with new bodies every couple of months with minor revisions.

**RobA_Oz** · 03-17-2012, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

The K-5 is in production and will stay on sale through 12/2012.

You will see at least two more new bodies this year. The K-01 does not replace anything. It is a new line of cameras.

If that's the case, then I stand corrected on the K-5, although I thought I made it clear that I wouldn't have regarded the K-01 as being in the same market segment as the K-r, but we'll see how that turns out as sales progress. By two new bodies, then I presume you mean the K-r successor and a 35mm FF sensor camera.

Still, if the K-5 stays on sale beyond December 2012, it will be more than two years old by then, and no doubt looking like it. Don't mis-interpret me on the K-5 - I have had one since December 2010 and regard it highly, but things move on.

Looks like we have to wait until Photokina, then.

Anvh · 03-17-2012, 06:31 AM

Photokina is in september and if the K-01 was indication how fast it can go then hopefully we might see the new camera end oktober hopefully so during novemeber the can nicely sell the new camera for christmas =]

Eulogy · 03-17-2012, 06:57 AM

I'd take a gamble and say probably not. Usually, companies upsell products halfway through their lifespan, and considering the $300 discount that has been going on since December, I'd like to think we've just reached the halfway point.

As far as improvements go though, I'd love to see them make the pop-up flash be made of Alloy as well. Everything else has already been suggested it would appear.

P.S. Willing to take a gamble and say that more than likely, the sensor will indeed change. Maybe not to the 24MP Anvh mentions, as that would oust most FF Cameras for resolution.(Which would be absurd, to say the least), but at least an 18MP sensor, to make it more "Competitive" in the pixel count area against the Canon APS-C Models.

All I know for sure is, won't bother upgrading unless they make something immensely better about it. Quite happy with my K-5

Anvh · 03-17-2012, 10:34 AM

If sony comes with a 18MP sensor then that would be very nice, i don't need 24MP anyway and from test it isn't any better then the 16mp so...
But what i'm trying to say is that if the K-01 and the new KR will have 16mp sensor then the new Pentax flagship will probably have a higher count simply to make it look better from a marketing point.
I didn't know sony had a 18mp in the making, that's why i said the 24mp since sony is already using that one in the NEX-7.

To make the comparison fair two NEX and Pentax. de 16mp in de NEX 5 should be roughly the same model as the K5 so if they can boost the 24MP model just as much.
But if the 18mp model is even better... exciting times, maybe it can break the 15ev dynamic range =]
DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

derekkite · 03-17-2012, 10:54 AM

Maybe we'll see a K-5a, same body and sensor, but with the updated engine, improved focus, UHS card support, and a fully functional movie mode. Something that can take 40 shots without slowing down.

**luftfluss** · 03-17-2012, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by adam

this should start getting very repetitious as we hit the summertime

ftfy.

03-16-2012, 10:10 PM	#1
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	Are we likely to see a successor to the K-5 soon? With all the focus on the K-01 recently, and the heightened speculation about the possibility of a 35mm FF Pentax body (in September, if the speculation is true), the matter of a successor to the K-5 seems to have slipped from the forefront of many people's thinking. Let me clearly state up front that I doubt a successor will be the mooted FF camera, if only because of the gap that would leave in the K-mount line-up, which the K-01 doesn't fill, for all its strengths. Of course, it's hard to think of a successor to the K-5 without consideration of the K-r, since both cameras are now out of production. There is, I suppose, a possibility that the K-01 may be regarded as the K-r's successor, but I would hope that isn't the case, as I believe the target market segments for those two are somewhat different. What has got me thinking about this is the recent spate of K-5 specials that have been announced, including the recent K-5 Limited Silver edition and the US $300 rebate, which seem to be ways of clearing stock in time for a new product launch. I haven't seen similar specials for the K-r, but being a lower-priced entry-level product, it probably doesn't need the same level of push that the K-5 does. So, what do we think about an announcement date for a K-5 successor? There's been speculation or expressions of hope for some time (probably since the K-5 was first announced) about features, but not the timing of a replacement camera. Photokina in September is the obvious event at which to announce new gear, but, if the rumoured FF body is announced then, the K-5 replacement (assuming there is going to be one) would be somewhat in the shadow of that. What does that leave as a suitable event for a launch, or would it be a stand-alone launch? Also, would stocks of the K-5 be exhausted before that date? There are clearly a number of factors to consider.

03-17-2012, 04:06 AM	#7
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Well I expected a K-r replacement first. Maybe even in two months. Probably something like K-01 but then with a mirror. For K-5 replacement I think we have to wait until PhotoKina. This needs to be a better camera then K-5 so that takes some extra time for developing these improvements. New AF module New processing engine (he that is already there with K-01) New AWB and metering Maybe a new sensor, but my guess is we stick with 16 megapixel)

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03-16-2012, 11:24 PM	#2
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by RobA_Oz since both cameras are now out of production The K-5 is in production and will stay on sale through 12/2012. You will see at least two more new bodies this year. The K-01 does not replace anything. It is a new line of cameras.

03-17-2012, 12:17 AM	#3
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	No...

03-17-2012, 12:21 AM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	This should start getting very interesting as we hit the summertime Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-17-2012, 03:25 AM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by monochrome The K-5 is in production and will stay on sale through 12/2012. You will see at least two more new bodies this year. The K-01 does not replace anything. It is a new line of cameras. What Monochrome said +1.

03-17-2012, 03:37 AM	#6
Colbyt Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central Kentucky Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,417	I think the rebates and incentive offers are a result of the company now being owned by someone who understand elementary marketing techniques. Good start Ricoh!

03-17-2012, 04:29 AM	#8
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Maybe with the summer we might see a Kr replacement, if i need to guess then i think they will keep the body the same but put in the K-01 hardware. This make would make production and development quite cheap. I do hope they will "fix" the AF with the new models. The k5 successor will most likely come with photokina, at least i hope so. Unlike Ron i think they will go for the 24MP sony sensor, they will need to make the camera "better" looking then the Kr and K-01 of course.

03-17-2012, 04:39 AM	#9
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	I would guess we will see an announcement in September and shipping in time for Christmas. Sony is rumored to have a new 18MP APS-C sensor in the works, and it is possible we see an improved version or second generation of the 24MP sensor. I think the new Silver K-5 release indicates Pentax is buying some time on the product release cycle. There is nothing really wrong with the K-5 (other than some AF issues), and no reason to replace it until Canon and Nikon have released their 7DII and D400 respectively. Sony is on a crazy product cycle with new bodies every couple of months with minor revisions.

03-17-2012, 06:12 AM	#10
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197 Original Poster	Originally posted by monochrome The K-5 is in production and will stay on sale through 12/2012. You will see at least two more new bodies this year. The K-01 does not replace anything. It is a new line of cameras. If that's the case, then I stand corrected on the K-5, although I thought I made it clear that I wouldn't have regarded the K-01 as being in the same market segment as the K-r, but we'll see how that turns out as sales progress. By two new bodies, then I presume you mean the K-r successor and a 35mm FF sensor camera. Still, if the K-5 stays on sale beyond December 2012, it will be more than two years old by then, and no doubt looking like it. Don't mis-interpret me on the K-5 - I have had one since December 2010 and regard it highly, but things move on. Looks like we have to wait until Photokina, then.

03-17-2012, 06:31 AM	#11
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Photokina is in september and if the K-01 was indication how fast it can go then hopefully we might see the new camera end oktober hopefully so during novemeber the can nicely sell the new camera for christmas =]

03-17-2012, 06:57 AM	#12
Eulogy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	I'd take a gamble and say probably not. Usually, companies upsell products halfway through their lifespan, and considering the $300 discount that has been going on since December, I'd like to think we've just reached the halfway point. As far as improvements go though, I'd love to see them make the pop-up flash be made of Alloy as well. Everything else has already been suggested it would appear. P.S. Willing to take a gamble and say that more than likely, the sensor will indeed change. Maybe not to the 24MP Anvh mentions, as that would oust most FF Cameras for resolution.(Which would be absurd, to say the least), but at least an 18MP sensor, to make it more "Competitive" in the pixel count area against the Canon APS-C Models. All I know for sure is, won't bother upgrading unless they make something immensely better about it. Quite happy with my K-5

03-17-2012, 10:34 AM	#13
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	If sony comes with a 18MP sensor then that would be very nice, i don't need 24MP anyway and from test it isn't any better then the 16mp so... But what i'm trying to say is that if the K-01 and the new KR will have 16mp sensor then the new Pentax flagship will probably have a higher count simply to make it look better from a marketing point. I didn't know sony had a 18mp in the making, that's why i said the 24mp since sony is already using that one in the NEX-7. To make the comparison fair two NEX and Pentax. de 16mp in de NEX 5 should be roughly the same model as the K5 so if they can boost the 24MP model just as much. But if the 18mp model is even better... exciting times, maybe it can break the 15ev dynamic range =] DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

03-17-2012, 10:54 AM	#14
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Maybe we'll see a K-5a, same body and sensor, but with the updated engine, improved focus, UHS card support, and a fully functional movie mode. Something that can take 40 shots without slowing down.

03-17-2012, 11:43 AM	#15
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by adam this should start getting very repetitious as we hit the summertime ftfy.